Syrian troops opened fire on protestors in the city of Daraa, Friday.

Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire in the city center after crowds set fire to a bronze statue of the country's late president, Hafez Assad.

Thousands of Syrians have been marching in the streets all week demanding reforms.

Demonstrators across Syria took to the streets on Friday to show their support for the protestors in Daraa.

In Damascus, the country's capital, nearly 200 people gathered after Friday prayers.

The crowds chanted, "Our souls, our blood we sacrifice for you Daraa," and, "Freedom! Freedom!"

Security forces broke up the crowds using batons.

The Syrian government denied reports of violence. Meanwhile, journalists were escorted out of Darraa's Old City.

"As you can see, everything is back to normal and it is over," an army major told the journalists before they were led out of the city.

President Bashar Assad promised the demonstrators new freedoms and pay increases.