Syria, Yemen, Libya (and Beyond) LiveBlog: Just Another Friday?

1838 GMT: Activists have compiled a list of 68 people killed in Syria protests today, including casualties in Moadamia (8), Homs (15), Douma (8), Izraa (15), Zamalka (5), Harasta (3), and Barzeh (2).

1835 GMT: Thanks to James Miller for taking the LiveBlog through the afternoon.

A doctor from Madamia, a Damascus suburb, has said:

There are four people killed and about 50 wounded and we cannot take them to the public or private hospitals. At Daraya hospital security were shooting and arresting people. So I have been treating people inside homes. It is very hard to treat the wounds because many have been shot in the head.

I can tell you now, the situation in Madamia will never be calm. Today is an historical day for the country. There is now a new strategy to kill all the protesters, not even arrest them.

A rights activist has said three cars taking seven wounded protesters to a hospital in Homs were hijacked by security personnel between Deir al-Alba and Homs.

1746 GMT: An impressive crowd of anti-government protesters gathered in Taiz, Yemen. This picture and this video courtesy of an opposition Facebook page. 

1742 GMT: More than 10,000 Egyptians gathered to pray and protest outside of the governor's headquarters in Qena. They are protesting the appointment of a new governor, Major Emad Shehata Mikhail. For the first time since protests started, women joined the protests. Security forces were minimal, and the protests were peaceful. 

The crowd consisted of Coptic Christians and Muslims, an encouraging sign that the democratic movement is moving beyond old divisions. 

1732 GMT: A Facebook page is now listing 72 names of people killed today (Arabic). Al Jazeera is confirming that at least 49 have been killed, and they are calling this the bloodiest day of protests in Syria yet.

1718 GMT: A second set of videos has been posted on a separate entry, "Syria Video: This Weekend's Protest --- 2nd Set".

One video, too graphic to post, depicts a small boy, shot in the head in Daraa. 

1711 GMT: According to Al Jazeera, "Activist Suhair Atassi reports that a 4-year-old girl has been shot in the head by a sniper in Barzeh district in Damascus."

1706 GMT: Today's protests were not confined to Yemen and Syria. In Oman, in the souther city of Salalah, 2,000 protesters gathered to demand further reforms and better wages. Protesters marched through the city and ended in a sit-in outside the governor's office.

These sit-ins have been a regular occurance since February. 

1656 GMT: James Miller has written a snap analysis of today's developments. 

Assad is scared... The heavy security suggests that he is giving the protesters a choice: accept these concessions and go back to business as usual, or face the strength of the police and the military.

This crisis will only intensify, and Assad will be faced with the ultimate choice. Will he copy Mubarak, and Ben Ali, and leave, or will he stay, and kill. If today is any indication, he will pick the latter.

1642 GMT: BBC's Lina Sinjab is now confirming that the death toll in Syria is greater than 60.

1629 GMT: The Wall Street Journal is reporting that even potential protesters, crowds of people gathering to travel to mosques, were targeted by security forces. Small groups of people were shot at, with tear gas and possibly live bullets, before they could even gather, as yet another sign of how scared the regime has become of its own people.

1557 GMT: The Local Coordination Committees, representing Syrian activists, have released a joint statement to Reuters:

"Freedom and dignity slogans cannot be achieved except through peaceful democratic change.

"All prisoners of conscience must be freed. The existing security apparatus has to be dismantled and replaced by one with with specific jurisdiction and which operates according to law."

1552 GMT: Egypt - Prosecutors have questioned former Parliament speaker Fathi Sorour, in prison on a 15-day sentence for corruption, about his alleged ordering of government supporters to attack protesters on February 2, resulting in deaths and many injuries.

1550 GMT: The official count may be WAY off the mark. A Syrian cyber activist lists the names of 40 activists reportedly killed today.

As per the official count, AJE is reporting that three people are confirmed killed in the Barzeh district in Damascus.

There are also reports of heavy gunfire in Homs.

1454 GMT: According to Al Jazeera, the AFP, the number of protesters killed across Syria today rises to 15, nine in Deraa and six in Douma. However, the BBC is also reporting that 15 were killed, with most of the casualties in Ezra (or Izraa). 

Beyond these numbers, a source in Damascus has confirmed 11 dead in Izraa, 4 in Douma, 5 in Mohmadiyah, and 2 in Homs, as well as other unconfirmed reports in many other locations.

Where does this leave us?

All these numbers are probably too low, but we're not likely to have reliable numbers until the end of the day at the earliest. What we do know is that, despite the lifting of the 50 year emergency law, Bashar al-Assad and his government has no intention of allowing peaceful protests to occur. With casualties rising, and protests escalating despite the violence, the Syrian regime is facing its most serious political challenge yet.

1440 GMT: Multiple sources are reporting that Syrian security forces are preventing ambulances from rescuing injured prisoners in Homs. A few sources have even suggested that live-fire has been used against the ambulances.

1425 GMT: The AFP has released several photos of Syria, taken today. This picture shows protesters in Banias, in the northern part of the country. 

1416 GMT: A source in Damascus, who has been very reliable today and in the past, has Tweeted that there are reports of snipers keeping protesters pinned down in Moaddamiya. We caution that this has not been confirmed, either by this source or by any other reliable news agencies. He has a much more reliable, and disturbingly long, list of new locations where people have been killed:

"Martyr Kamal Barakat killed in Barza today. #Syria #fb

According to a doctor at the hospital in Izraa, ten bodies at the hospital, more are at people's homes, and one at Daraa hospital

Video: martyr Ahmad Mamlouk also killed by security forces today in Zamalka http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAgNtRXWAdE

Video: martyr Izz Al-Deen Al-Naddaf killed by security forces today in Zamalka http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS7H1xqt3qg #Syria

One killed in Jobar. Trying to get the martyr's name now."

1409 GMT: Many new videos have been uploaded into our video entry.

Syria Video: This Weekend's Protests

1401 GMT: Al Jazeera has this eyewitness report from the Damascus suburb of Harasta:

"There was around 1,500 protesters. As soon as we started to gather in the main road around 3pm they started to attack us by using brutal force, including live ammunition. Four people were injured and arrested by the security forces. People have dispersed now and are hiding in the small streets because the security forces are hunting for people."

AJE is also reporting that Latakia has been divided by security forces into three sections, where shots have been fired on Kenanes street in the northeast of the city.

1357 GMT: Two new videos have just surfaced. The first shows an injured protester placed into a taxi in Qaroun, just outside Damascus. The second shows a protester who has been killed, reportedly also taken today in Qaroun.

1348 GMT: Likely, the dust will have to settle before we have a clear picture of how many have been killed during today's violence in Syria, but Al Jazeera English is reporting that at least 14 have been killed in Homs. They are also reporting the first casualty from Damascus City.

1336 GMT: While we are watching the large crowds and the unfurling violence in Syria, large crowds of protesters are also gathering in Yemen.

Thousands gathered in the capital city, Sanaa, as well as Taiz, both in favor and in opposition of President Saleh. Soldeirs fired into the air in Taiz in order to control the crowds, but thus far there are no reports of casualties. 

However, nine soldiers have been killed by "tribesmen and Al Qaeda" in eastern Maarib province.

Yesterday, armed gunmen, believed to be members of a seperatist group in northern Yemen, fired on Republican Guard soldiers in the southern providence of Lahj, killing five of them. The soldiers returned fire, killing two of the rebels. No group has claimed responsibility.

1330 GMT: On our video post, we have uploaded new videos of protests in Midan, Syria. According to the New York Times, the protesters are chanting:

"'Zenga, Zenga, Dar, Dar, we will overthrow you Bashar!' The phrase "zenga, zenga, dar, dar," which means, "alley by alley, house by house," has been borrowed and adapted by protesters in Syria from a warning to protesters issued in a speech by Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi in February."

1315 GMT: A source in Homs is speaking on AJE Live. He is reporting that the police have fired indiscriminately into crowds of people, peaceful protesters, without justification. Many have been killed in Homs.

1313 GMT: Scott Lucas is compiling videos from today's protests in Syria in a separate article. The latest update, "A Martyr Today in Qaboun."

1309 GMT: Former Presidential candidate Senator John McCain is in Libya, meeting with rebels in Benghazi. This morning, he said that the rebels were his "heroes."

1301 GMT: Al Jazeera English is displaying video of protesters carrying signs calling for the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. 

They are also confirming 10 killed accross the country so far.

1300 GMT: Douma, Syria, is the site of heavy clashes between protesters and Syrian security forces. There are also reports of heavy fighting in Darayya and Harasta.

Many reports, from all over the country, tell the same story. Syrian security forces are using live ammunition, as well as tear gas, to disrupt anti-government protests.

According to a source in Damascus, at least 6 people were killed in Daraa, and at least two people have been killed in Douma, all as a result of live fire. 

1246 GMT: This picture reportedly shows anti-Sale demonstrators praying in Yemen, 60th St., Sanaa.

1234 GMT: More names (unconfirmed) of people killed in Syria today, where live fire near Hama and Homs have been reported by multiple sources. Reuters is reporting that at least three have been injured when police fired into crowds in Douma, a suburb of Damascus.

These names are provided by a Twitter source, reportedly on the ground in Damascus, and have not been confirmed:

20 year-old Abdo Al-Abid also reported killed in Azre', near Daraa.

Child Anwar Fadel Al-Abid was killed in Azra' near Daraa.

1228 GMT: The Twitter account for the Alliance for Kurdish Rights has posted promoted several Youtube videos, reportedly showing protests in Kurdish areas of Syria. According to the videos, the Kurds are calling for Syrian unity and sacrifice. 

We have no confirmation of widespread protests in Kurdistan as of yet, and we cannot validate the videos.

1219 GMT: The L.A. Times has an account of Syrian activist Nahed Badawie, who was arrested during the first wave of protests and detained for two weeks. A witness to previous protests movements, she says that this is different:

"There is this new generation who refuses to live in this old system and that wants a system that fits with their level of education and the communications age," she said. "They want a modern system -- not a system that is a relic of the Cold War. I'm optimistic but scared at the same time. I'm optimistic because the country will not be the same again. But at the same time I'm scared that there will be a lot of bloodshed."

One thing she is sure of: There is no going back to the old system.

"I'm not sure if we arrrived at the point of no return yet," she said. "But of course there is 'no return' because Syria can't go back to what it was like before."

1211 GMT: This report from a source (@Razaniyat) in Damascus, Syria.

Syrian tweep @Kinaniyat confirms the death of Mohammad Kahil few minutes ago in Homs. We will never forget our martyrs. 

1207 GMT: The Guardian is reporting that live bullets have been fired at protesters in Syria, both on the outskirts of Damascus, as well as the city of Homs. Al Jazeera's most recent news broadcast also carried similar reports.

James Miller will be taking the reigns for the afternoon.

1110 GMT: Footage of the Libyan opposition seizing the post of Wazin on the Tunisian border:

1102 GMT: Yemeni President Saleh has said he welcomes the plan of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for a transfer of power in the near-future, "within framework of Yemen constitution".

1100 GMT: Reuters is reporting from a witness that Syrian forces have fired tear gas to disperse large pro-democracy protest in central Damascus.

Thousands in Daraa in southern Syria are reportedly calling for "overthrow of the regime".

1050 GMT: Reem Haddad, the spokesperson for the Syrian information minister, responds to reports that 220 protesters have been killed --- she tells Al Jazeera that she wants "names and phone numbers" to verify the claims.

1040 GMT: A representative of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions has said his organization has documented 920 politically-driven dismissals, mainly of Shi'a employees, in recent weeks. He added that the number is probably higher, given that many workers are afraid to come forward.

One political leader estimated that as many as 1,200 people have been fired in recent weeks. “It is retribution,” said one prominent opposition figure, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of arrest. “But it is also an ethnic cleansing of top professions.”

1035 GMT: An Al Jazeera English correspondent says Damascus is "incredibly quiet" because the secret police "isn't operating secretly at all" --- they are at every street corner, "suffocating the city".

1030 GMT: Reports are now coming in of mass anti-regime protests in Sanaa and Taiz in Yemen. One journalist writes, "Have to say its an imposing sight. Six lane highway packed with people for more than a mile."

Supporters of President Saleh have also demonstrated in Sanaa, and live footage from State TV showed Saleh greeting the crowd.

1020 GMT: Human Rights Watch has called on Kurdistan to hold accountable those who have attacked protesters and journalists in Erbil and Sulaimaniya since Sunday.

The organisation have also called for investigation of the detention and torture of a protester, Alaa Nabil, and the formal charging or release of more than two dozen activists held in a prison in Baghdad’s Old Muthanna Airport. HRW said both the Iraqi Government and Kurdistan Regional Government should revoke their recent bans on unlicensed demonstrations in Sulaimaniya province and on street protests in Baghdad.

0950 GMT: Fadel Salim Faisal, A lawyer in the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakah, has been detained after applying for permission to hold a peaceful demonstration.

The arrest came hours after President Assad signed a new law granting citizens the right to apply for permission to hold demonstrations (see 0610 GMT).

Faisal has been accused of "communicating with foreign services" and "participating in and organising violent demonstrations".

0940 GMT: The latest from Syria....

Syrian plainclothes security and military have set up checkpoints in areas surrounding Damascus, checking ID cards of people travelling in and out. The units are deployed in Douma, Harasta, Al-Tell, Irbin, Joubar, Daria and Mudamia.

Security forces have also been demanding to see ID cards of residents walking through main squares in Damascus.

In Homs, security forces who were deployed on Thursday remain in the centre of the city, standing behind sand bags.

Security is also tight around Daraa but no army units have been deployed inside the city.

0920 GMT: Libyan State TV claims nine people have been killed in NATO airstrikes on Sirte.

0740 GMT: US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has announced President Obama's approval of the use of armed Predator drone aircraft for airstrikes against ground targets in Libya.

The resumption of a direct combat role follwed the official decisions by France, Italy, and Britain to send military advisors to the Libyan opposition.

The first Predator mission was launched Thursday but was aborted because of poor weather conditions. Two drones will fly 24 hours a day and focus initially on targets around Misurata, Libya's third-largest city which has been under siege for eight weeks by regime forces.

Libya Video: Touring the Destruction in Misurata

Libya in Photos: The Fighters of Misurata
Libya: Scott Lucas on the BBC "The Opposition and Britain's Military Advisors
Thursday's Bahrain, Libya (and Beyond) LiveBlog: Deaths and Disappearances

0735 GMT: Claimed footage of a candle-lit demonstration in Aker in Bahrain last night:

0625 GMT: Claimed footage of a demonstration in Syria on Thursday night:

0610 GMT: Brian Whitaker dissects one of the Syrian regime's reforms, an order ostensibly permitting demonstrations by "duly licensed citizens". He points to the full text, as published by Syrian's state news agency, and notes that the regime has put in a 12-day barrier with the order that organisers must apply to the Interior Ministry at least five days in advance and that the ministry has up to one week to reply.

Moreover, applicants for a demonstration must accept responsibility "for all damages that may affect public and private properties", the authorities can make last-minute changes to the location and time, and the ministry can end the demonstration "if it exceeds what is permitted in the license".

0600 GMT: A demonstration last night in Benghazi, the centre of opposition-held Libya, expressing sympathy for the British and American photojournalists Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros, who died in a regime attack on Misurata on Wednesday --- the photograph is by Miguel Marquez of American ABC News:

0555 GMT: If it's Friday, then it's probably a day of mass protests. We'll be watching Syria to see the reactions to the Assad regime's declaration of reforms this week, and we'll keep eyes on Yemen for mass rallies demanding that President Saleh step down.

But there is always the chance that demonstrations will be taking place in Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt, and we won't forget the locations where protest has been suppressed, such as Bahrain.

Meanwhile, authorities in  Tunisia --- which started the chain of uprisings four months ago --- have declared that there must be an equal number of male and female candidates in July's elections for the legislature. 

"It is historic," said Sana Ben Assour, president of the Tunisian Association of Women Democrats. "And it is only right in a country where men and women fought side by side for democracy."