Over 30 people killed in Syria

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183080.html

Opposition activists in Syria say at least 34 people have been killed in a new round of clashes in the central city of Hama.

Hundreds of others were also wounded after shots were fired during pro-reform protesters in the city on Friday.

Activists and opposition groups say tens of thousands of protesters poured into the streets in Hama following the Friday Prayers to demand reforms.

Syria's state television said security forces opened fire after armed men used the presence of the crowds to clash with the security forces and attack and set fire to public buildings, including the city courthouse.

Protest rallies have also been reported in other Syrian cities, including the capital, Damascus, Homs, and Deraa.

Since the beginning of pro-reform protests in Syria in mid-March, hundreds of people, including security forces, have lost their lives.

The opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings but, the government blames armed gangs for the deadly violence, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated from abroad.

Damascus has announced the arrest of several members of armed terrorist groups, saying that they have confessed to receiving weapons and money from foreign organizations to kill civilians and security forces in a bid to cause chaos in the country.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to bring those behind the killings to justice.