Syria protests: Baniyas and Qamishli see demonstrations

Anti-government protests have reportedly erupted across Syria after Friday prayers.

The coastal city of Baniyas witnessed one of its largest demonstrations yet, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Demonstrations were also reported in the mostly Kurdish north-eastern town of Qamishli.

Protesters have gathered in the city of Homs, and there are unconfirmed reports that the army has fired into the crowd.

Rights organisations said protesters in Baniyas had bared their chests to show they were not armed.

Protests and army crackdowns have also been reported this week in the town of Tal Khalakh, near the Lebanese border, where activists say at least 27 people were killed.

Reports from Syria are hard to verify independently, as foreign journalists are not allowed into the country.

source : bbc.co.uk