An armed group on Friday fired at civilians and security forces in Syrian city of Douma, near the capital Damascus, killing and wounding dozens of them, the state- run SANA news agency quoted an official source as saying.

According to the source, the group fired at civilians and security forces from some buildings in Douma.

Anti-government protests erupted on Friday morning in various cities including Damascus, Latakia, Banias, Homs and Daraa, where thousands of Syrians took to the streets calling for freedom and democracy.

Syrian authorities have accused "armed groups backed by foreign powers" of being behind the recent unrest, during which some 50 people were killed, according to official figures.