Syrians defy crackdown to protest over Assad regime
Tens of thousands of Syrians have again taken to the streets for Friday protests, in defiance of the massive crackdown against them.
One human rights activist thought as many as 1.2 million people were taking part across the country.
Security was tight in the capital Damascus, with checkpoints set up, communications cut and arrests made.
There are reports of gunfire and tear gas being used against several demonstrations.
Activists say at least one person has been killed in Aleppo in north-west Syria, and another in the central city of Homs.
Police reportedly used batons as well as tear gas break up a protest in the mainly-Kurdish city of Qamishli.
Marches were also taking place in other Kurdish towns, in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, in the southern town of Sueweida and in the north-west province of Idlib.
There were also reports of demonstrations in Homs, 160km (100 miles) from Damascus, which has been subject to a massive military crackdown in recent days.
Activists say at least 50 people have been killed in Homs - which has been at the heart of the four-month uprising - since Saturday.