Syrian security forces open fire on demonstrators

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BEIRUT, Apr 22 (agencies): Syrian security forces have fired live bullets and tear gas at tens of thousands of people demonstrating in areas across the country. Witnesses say at least five people have been wounded. Shootings were reported on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, and in the central city of Homs. The protesters on the outskirts of Damascus on Friday chanted: "The people want the downfall of the regime." It's the same rallying cry that was heard during the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia. The witness accounts could not be independently confirmed because Syria has expelled journalists and restricted access to trouble spots. Witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. Witnesses say tens of thousands of Syrians are holding protests in cities across Syria. Friday's protests could be a major test of whether President Bashar Assad's recent promises of reform will quell the uprising.