At least four civilians were killed Friday by Syrian security forces in the restive cities of Homs and Hama, opposition activists reported.
"Four people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed when Syrian security forces fired on protesters following the Friday noon prayers," Ashraf Omar, an activist from Homs, told dpa.
Meanwhile, Syrian security forces cracked down on Hama and the eastern city of Deir al-Zour hunting for army deserters, according to Omar. "Fifty people have been arrested so far," he said.