At least 17 people were killed in what residents described as a massacre by Syrian security forces in the southern city of Daraa on Wednesday, dpa reported.
"The oppressive regime of (President) Bashar al-Assad is committing a massacre against the people of Daraa," a witness who asked for anonymity told the German Press Agency dpa.
At least 17 people have been killed and scores injured since the violence began near the Omari mosque before dawn, the witness said.
The death toll, placed at 10 earlier in the day, climbed after security forces reportedly opened fire on protesters for the third time since early Wednesday.
"They sealed off the city to carry out this ugly massacre against our people," the witness added.
The Syrian military has reportedly prevented people from entering or leaving Daraa, and mobile communication networks are restricted.
Activists on Facebook posted a video of a woman carrying her dead child and screaming "Help us. They are committing a massacre against our children and people."
Earlier, at least four people were killed when security forces opened fire on a funeral gathering for people killed in the violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, which has continued for days.
The gathering took place near the Omari mosque, hours after witnesses and activists said at least six people were killed when security forces opened fire on medical staff in the area.
The Omari mosque has been turned into a field hospital housing hundreds of injured protesters.
In a video posted on Facebook by activists, heavy machine gun fire could be heard in an area near the mosque in pre-dawn darkness.
A voice calling "How can you shoot at your brothers?" was heard in the footage.
Official sources told the state-owned news agency SANA that three people - a doctor, a paramedic and an ambulance driver - were killed by "an armed gang."
A security officer was also reported killed in the violence.
"Security forces will continue to pursue armed gangs that terrorize the civilians," according to SANA, which quoted an unnamed official.
Meanwhile, opposition sources in Beirut said fresh protests erupted in the northern city of Aleppo. Security forces used water canons and tear gas in attempt to disperse the crowds.
Activists using email, Facebook and Twitter are calling for massive nationwide demonstrations on Friday.
Six people were killed in Daraa earlier this week in clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters demanding an end to emergency law and greater freedoms.
In some cases, protesters have also called for an end to the rule of al-Assad, who took over 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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