Witnesses and online activists in the southern Syrian city of Daraa said at least six people were killed early Wednesday, blaming Syrian security forces who opened fire on medical staff near Omari Mosque, dpa reported.
"The sound of heavy gun fire in the early morning hours of Wednesday was heard in parts of the city, particularly near Omari Mosque," said a resident, who did not wish to be named.
However, official sources told the state-owned news agency SANA that three people were killed by "an armed gang."
SANA reported that a doctor, a paramedic and an ambulance driver were killed. The state-owned news agency also said a security officer was killed in the clashes.
"Security forces will continue to pursue armed gangs that terrorize the civilians," according to SANA, which quoted an unnamed official.
The overnight bloodshed comes after a further six people had been killed days earlier in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in the city.
The Omari mosque was turned into a field hospital when police allegedly opened fire on protesters, a witness said.
Protesters in Syria have been demanding an end to emergency law and greater freedoms.
In some cases, protesters have also called for an end to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Assad took over the presidency after the death of his father in 2000.
Syria has been ruled by the Ba'ath party since 1963. Political freedoms in the country are severely restricted.
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