At least three anti-government protesters were killed by security forces in Syria Friday, bringing the death toll for this week to 75.

Thousands of Syrians took to the streets in Damascus chanting, "We want freedom!"

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad reportedly tried to beat back the protestors with gunfire, tear gas and batons.

The fresh wave of demonstrations are the most serious challenge to Assad's regime.

Friday, the government acknowledged there were pro-reform gatherings going on in several cities, but denied reports of any violence between protestors and security forces.

Protestors were expecting Assad to announce political reforms, but instead he only said he would form a committee to look into any civilian deaths.

President Assad claimed a foreign conspiracy is to blame for the angry mobs throughout his country.