Syria, March 23: At least five people have been killed after unknown gunmen opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in the southern Syrian city of Deraa.
Hundreds of people gathered in the streets outside the Omari Mosque on Wednesday, demanding political reforms when the shooting occurred.
Witnesses say a doctor who had rushed to the area to help victims of the violence was shot dead by a sniper. A member of Syrian security forces has also been killed.
Syrian authorities have blamed armed gangs for the deadly attack and said several perpetrators have been arrested.
Rights activists say at least six people were killed in the violence.
Meanwhile, local residents say foreign elements have been behind the violence. Syria has been the scene of anti-government protests since last week.
—–Agencies