Gunfire wounds Syrian protesters

Violent protests continue in SyriaSTORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Syrian officials blame violence on armed gangsNEW: An Egyptian with U.S. citizenship who worked in Syria has been arrested, state media says Security forces fired at protestors in Latakia, leaving several woundedSyrian state media says an armed group opened fire at citizens and security forces (CNN) -- A day after violent protests erupted in the restive city of Daraa, security forces opened fire at protesters in the coastal city of Latakia, witnesses said.

Anti-government demonstrations in Latakia had started peacefully before several people were wounded in a hail of gunfire as security forces tightened their control on access to the city, witnesses said. However, presidential spokeswoman Bouthaina Shaaban told state media that an unidentified group of gunmen opened fire at citizens and security forces.

Although the group allegedly entered Latakia "breaking and burning shops," security forces did not return fire, Shaaban told SANA, the country's official news agency.

The gunmen killed two security force officers and one demonstrator, she said, blaming the clashes on those attempting to "meddle" in the security and stability of the country.

"The right to peaceful demonstration is guaranteed to any citizen in Syria," Shaaban said. "But what is happening is an attempt to ignite an internal strife in the country and to target the security and stability of the nation and the lives of its citizens."

CNN could not independently confirm the accounts as the Syrian government has yet to grant access to the country.

Meanwhile, in the southern city of Daraa where dozens of people were killed in violent clashes earlier this week, hundreds of Syrians demonstrated peacefully without security forces present, a witness said.

The protest also served as a funeral site for throngs of mourners to remember those who died in earlier demonstrations, the witness said.

View the Original article

Posted in: Gunfire,protesters,Syrian,wounds