Syrian Forces Kill 5 as Tens of Thousands Protest

Special protests called for final Friday of Ramadan
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 26, 2011 10:40 AM CDT
Syrian Forces Kill 5 as Tens of Thousands Protest
In this citizen journalism image, Syrian troops withdraw from the Damascus suburb of Saqba, Syria, on Sunday Aug. 14, 2011, following a campaign of raids and arrests.   (AP Photo)

Tens of thousands protested across Syria today, and in many places they met with security forces using live ammunition to disperse them. The theme of the demonstrations was "patience and determination," according to the AP. "We are here to tell the regime that nothing is finished, nothing will finish, and we will not stay at home like you want us to," one protester from Homs declared.

Five people have been reported killed so far, according to the Times, including two from the eastern city of Deir al-Zour and three from Daraa and the Damascus suburb of Douma. Ramadan has seen the protests intensify across the country, and some activists are calling for a silent rally tonight to mark the final Friday of the holy month. "After the evening prayers without chants, we will celebrate until dawn the Lailat al-Qadr," one online activist wrote. (More Syria stories.)

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