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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Original research|date=February 2014}}
{{Year in Syria|2011}}
{{Year in Syria|2011}}


The following lists events that happened during '''[[2011]] in [[Syria]]'''.
The following lists events that happened during '''2011 in Syria'''.


==Incumbents==
==Incumbents==
*[[President of Syria|President]]: [[Bashar al-Assad]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Bashar al-Assad Fast Facts |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/06/world/meast/bashar-al-assad---fast-facts/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=22 April 2023 |language=en |date=6 December 2012}}</ref>
*[[President of Syria|President]]: [[Bashar al-Assad]]
*[[Vice President of Syria|Vice President]]:
** [[Farouk al-Sharaa]]
** [[Najah al-Attar]]
*[[Prime Minister of Syria|Prime Minister]]: [[Muhammad Naji al-Otari]] (until 14 April), [[Adel Safar]] (starting 14 April)
*[[Prime Minister of Syria|Prime Minister]]: [[Muhammad Naji al-Otari]] (until 14 April), [[Adel Safar]] (starting 14 April)


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''For events related to the Civil War, see [[Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2011)]], [[Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–August 2011)]] and [[Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (September–December 2011)]]''
''For events related to the Civil War, see [[Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2011)]], [[Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–August 2011)]] and [[Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (September–December 2011)]]''


;July
===January===
*[[Syria al-Shaab]] satellite broadcast channel is founded.<ref>{{cite news|last=De Rosa|first=Anthony|title=Syria al-Shaab manages to broadcast under fire|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/anthony-derosa/2012/06/11/syria-al-shaab-manages-to-broadcast-under-fire/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615203334/http://blogs.reuters.com/anthony-derosa/2012/06/11/syria-al-shaab-manages-to-broadcast-under-fire|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2012|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=10 March 2013}}</ref>
* 26 January- Hasan Ali Akleh from [[Al-Hasakah]] poured gasoline on himself and set himself on fire, in the same way Tunisian [[Mohamed Bouazizi]] had in Tunis on 17 December 2010. According to eyewitnesses, the action was "a protest against the [[Syrian government]]".<ref name="Hasan Ali Akleh 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.free-syria.com/loadarticle.php?articleid=37797 |title=Information on the death of a young man who burned himself in Al Hasakah |publisher=free-syria.com |accessdate=30 January 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130220315/http://www.free-syria.com/loadarticle.php?articleid=37797 |archivedate=30 January 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref name="Hasan Ali Akleh 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.metransparent.com/spip.php?page=article&id_article=12661&lang=ar |title=Syrian suicider is "Hasan Ali Akleh". Damascus has banned a demonstration in support of Egypt |publisher=metransparent.com |accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref>
* 28 January - An evening demonstration was held in [[Raqqa]], to protest the killing of two soldiers of [[Kurdish people|Kurdish]] descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://free-syria.com/loadarticle.php?articleid=37803 |title=Demonstration in Ar-Raqqa, Syria |publisher=free-syria.com |accessdate=30 January 2011}}</ref>

===February===
* 2 February - A group of 20 people in civilian clothing beat and dispersed 15 people who had been holding a candlelight vigil at [[Bab Tuma]] in Damascus for [[2011 Egyptian revolution|Egyptian demonstrators]], [[Human Rights Watch]] reported.<ref name=guardian240211>{{Cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/24/syria-crackdown-protest-arrests-beatings| title=Syria clamps down on dissent with beatings and arrests|work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=24 February 2011| accessdate=24 February 2011| first=Lauren| last=Williams| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110322211814/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/24/syria-crackdown-protest-arrests-beatings| archivedate= 22 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 3 February - A "Day of Rage" was called for in Syria from 4–5 February on [[social media]] sites Facebook and Twitter. Protesters demanded governmental reform. Most protests took place outside of Syria, and were small.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41400687/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/ |title='Day of rage' protest urged in Syria - World news - Mideast/N. Africa |publisher=MSNBC |accessdate=3 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://freedomist.com/2011/01/30/syran-anger-day-planned-feb-5-2011/|title=Syrian Anger Day Planned Feb&nbsp;5, 2011|author=William R Collier jr|date=30 January 2011|publisher=The Freedomist|accessdate=31 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://topsy.com/freedomist.com/2011/01/30/syran-anger-day-planned-feb-5-2011/ |title=Syrian Anger Day Planned Feb&nbsp;5, 2011 &#124; The Freedomist |publisher=TOPSY |accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref> The protests were expected to begin on 4 February, as social media mobilised the [[Syria]]n people for rallies demanding freedom, human rights, and the end to the country's [[state of emergency]]. Protests were also scheduled for 5 February in front of the parliament in [[Damascus]], and at Syrian embassies internationally.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/201122171649677912.html "Calls for weekend protests in Syria"].</ref> ''[[Al Jazeera]]'' reported increased security for the planned "Days of Rage."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/02/201129103121562395.html |title=Syria: 'A kingdom of silence' |publisher=Al Jazeera |accessdate=9 February 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110210082900/http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/02/201129103121562395.html| archivedate= 10 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 5 February - When hundreds of protesters in Al-Hasakah participated in a mass demonstration, calling for al-Assad's departure, Syrian authorities arrested dozens, and another demonstration was quickly triggered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://free-syria.com/loadarticle.php?articleid=37849 |title=Demonstration on the day of anger in Hasaka and Syrian authorities arrested dozens |publisher=free-syria.com |accessdate=15 February 2011}}</ref> [[Suhair Atassi]], who runs the banned [[Jamal al-Atassi|Jamal Atassi Forum]], called for political reforms and the reinstatement of [[civil rights]], as well as for an end to the emergency law that has been in place since 1962.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2011/02/201129135657367367.html |title=Q&A: Syrian activist Suhair Atassi |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=9 February 2011 |accessdate=13 February 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110212112539/http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2011/02/201129135657367367.html| archivedate= 12 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> However, no protests occurred on either date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/02/04/Syria-quiet-on-day-of-rage/UPI-58781296853501/ |title=Syria quiet on day of rage |publisher=UPI|accessdate=8 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0205/1224289070429.html |title=Call for Syrian 'day of rage' as planned protests fail to ignite |work=The Irish Times |date= 5 Feb 2011|accessdate=8 February 2011 |first=Stephen |last=Starr| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110210052715/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0205/1224289070429.html| archivedate= 10 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Karam |first=Zeina |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/05/2052033/syria-escapes-day-of-rage-protests.html |title=Syria escapes 'Day of Rage' protests – World Wires |publisher=Miami Herald|accessdate=8 February 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110211074054/http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/05/2052033/syria-escapes-day-of-rage-protests.html| archivedate= 11 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> After the failure of attempts to arrange a "Day of Rage," ''Al Jazeera'' described the country as "a kingdom of silence". It identified the key factors underlying Syrian stability as the country's strict security measures, the popularity of President Bashar al-Assad, and fear of potential [[sectarian violence]] in the aftermath of a government ouster (akin to neighbouring [[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)|Iraq]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/02/201129103121562395.html |title=Syria: 'A kingdom of silence' |publisher=aljazeera.net |accessdate=12 February 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110212060238/http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/02/201129103121562395.html| archivedate= 12 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
{{External media
| video1 = {{YouTube|8Cwm5Ck2sSs|Protests in Damscus, Syria, 17 February 2011}}
}}
* 17 February - A spontaneous demonstration broke out outside [[Al-Hamidiyah Souq]] in Damascus, to protest the police beating of a local shop owner. Several men gathered and blocked a road, while chanting that "The Syrian people will not be humiliated". An eyewitness estimated that there were more than 1,500 demonstrators. [[Secret police]] officers arrived on the scene quickly, along with several government officials and finally Syria's interior minister, who dispersed the demonstrators, took the shop owner into his car, and promised an investigation.<ref name=guardian240211/><ref name="ROBERT MACKEY">{{Cite news
| last= MACKEY
| first= ROBERT
| url= http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/latest-updates-on-middle-east-protests-4/?partner=rss&emc=rss
| title= 17 Feb. Updates on Middle East Protest
|work=The New York Times
| date= 17 February 2011
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://free-syria.com/loadarticle.php?articleid=37926 |title=After the attack on a young man, beating and humiliation: the hundreds of Syrians demonstrating in Harika |publisher=free-syria.com |accessdate=17 February 2011}}</ref> A couple of hours later, several videos of the events were posted on YouTube.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDHLsU-ik_Y |title=Demonstration in Damscus Syria |publisher=YouTube|accessdate=17 February 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110218083114/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDHLsU-ik_Y| archivedate= 18 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 22 February - About 200 people gathered outside the Libyan embassy in Damascus to protest against the Libyan government, and ask that the ambassador resign. Despite the peaceful demonstration, there were nearly twice as many secret and uniformed police as there were protesters. The demonstrators carried placards reading "Freedom for the people" and "Down with [[Muammar Gaddafi|Gaddafi]]". The protesters then started chanting "Traitors are those that beat their people", which created nervousness among the security forces, who immediately asked the people to return to their homes. 14 people were arrested but later released, and several more were beaten by policemen. Some protesters were punched, kicked and beaten with sticks. All present had their identities recorded.<ref name=guardian240211/><ref>{{cite web
| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNLUCg-TrZU&feature=player_embedded#at=20
| title= الاعتصام امام السفارة الليبية دمشق-22-شباط Part 5
| publisher=Youtube
| date= 24 February 2011
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLkLqI07erk
| title= الاعتصام امام السفارة الليبية دمشق-22-شباط Part 8
| publisher=Youtube
| date= 24 February 2011
}}</ref>
* 23 February - During a routine session of the [[Parliament of Syria|Syrian Parliament]], a member proposed that harsh [[State of emergency|emergency laws]] be reviewed. The issue was not scheduled for discussion, and its introduction came as a surprise. A pro-government official who was at the session recalled it with anger. The proposal was rapidly quashed, when the speaker put the proposed review to a vote in the chamber, but none of the other 249 MPs supported it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/syrian-mp-calls-for-review-of-harsh-emergency-laws |title=Syrian MP calls for review of harsh emergency laws |publisher=The National |accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref>

===March===
* 6 March - A number of boys under 15 years of age were arrested in [[Daraa]], for writing on the walls of the city a slogan of the 2010–11 Arab uprisings that: "[[Ash-sha'ab yurid isqat an-nizam|the people want to overthrow the regime]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/394E1B63-488A-4FF1-BD39-0CD306261FFE.htm?GoogleStatID=9 |title=سوريا تعتقل شبانا في درعا |publisher=Al Jazeera |accessdate=6 March 2011}}</ref> It was reported that Libyan [[Anti-Gaddafi forces]] shot down two Syrian war planes in [[Ra's Lanuf]], Libya; this was later denied by Syrian officials.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.economicvoice.com/libyan-rebels-shoot-down-two-syrian-war-planes/50017136#axzz1FwTDTTfU |title=Libyan rebels shoot down two Syrian war planes |publisher=Economic Voice |accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=129725 |title=مصدر رسمي سوري ينفي مشاركة طيارين سوريين بالقتال في ليبيا |publisher=Syria-news.com |accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/03/06/syrian-pilots-shot-down-in-libya/
|title=Syrian pilots shot down in Libya? |publisher=Commentary Magazine |accessdate=6 March 2011}}</ref> In Lebanon, four brothers, all of them Syrian opposition activists, went missing shortly after passing out flyers in front of the Syrian embassy in Beirut, calling for a demonstration to oppose Syria's government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1624021.php/Search-on-for-Syrian-opposition-activists-missing-in-Lebanon |title=Search on for Syrian opposition activists missing in Lebanon |publisher=Middle East News |accessdate=6 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110307061638/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1624021.php/Search-on-for-Syrian-opposition-activists-missing-in-Lebanon| archivedate= 7 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> ''TIME'' said that the commitment could still be found among the Syrian youth, but that what was needed was a starting point.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2057454,00.html |title=The Youth of Syria: The Rebels Are on Pause |work=TIME |date= 6 March 2011|accessdate=6 March 2011}}</ref> [[Ribal al-Assad]] said that it was almost time for Syria to be the next [[Domino theory|domino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/20113482455647372.html |title=Is Syria the next domino? |publisher=Al Jazeera |accessdate=6 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110306141430/http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/20113482455647372.html| archivedate= 6 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 7–13 March Syrian political prisoners went on a [[hunger strike]] to protest against "political detentions and oppression" in Syria. They demanded an end to political arrests, the removal of injustices, and the restitution of rights that had been removed from civil and political life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=211153 |title=Syrian prisoners launch hunger strike |publisher=Jerusalem Post |accessdate=7 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110308100654/http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=211153| archivedate= 8 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marxist.com/syria-prisoners-of-conscience-declare-hunger-strike.htm |title=Syria: Prisoners of Conscience in Damascus Central Prison declare hunger strike |publisher=marxist.com |accessdate=9 March 2011}}</ref>
* 10 March - Dozens of jailed Kurds in Syria, from the ''Yakiti party'' and from the ''Democratic Union'', started a hunger strike in solidarity with other activists who had also initiated hunger strikes in a prison near Damascus three days earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j_unWcGEmBcNfMzgi2zu5xlRNDzw?docId=CNG.b10f77bcf3bb312a68aa8c85b50004d3.8e1 |title=Jailed Kurds on Syria hunger strike: rights group |agency=AFP |accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref> Human Rights Watch reacted to the disappearance of Syrian activists in Lebanon four days earlier, indicating that it feared that Lebanon is "back to doing Syria's dirty job".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/03/09/lebanon-reveal-fate-disappeared-syrians |title=Lebanon: Reveal Fate of Disappeared Syrians |publisher=HRW |accessdate=10 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110310135325/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/03/09/lebanon-reveal-fate-disappeared-syrians| archivedate= 10 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that Syria was monitoring with high concern "the [[2011 Libyan civil war|tragic developments]] in the brotherly country of Libya".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=77422 |title=Syria respects Libya's Sovereignty |publisher=dp-news.com |accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref> Syrian newspaper ''[[Al-Watan (Syria)|Al-Watan]]'' said that the Syrian government welcomed the fall of [[Mubarak]]'s regime, and was looking forward to a new leadership that does not "cover for Israeli violations".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syria-today.com/index.php/politics/14482-life-after-mubarak |title=Life After Mubarak |publisher=syria-today.com |accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref> The [[Reform Party of Syria]] asserted that "al-Assad is sending arms to Gaddafi to kill his people with".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2011/me_libya0257_03_10.asp |title=Syrian pilots said to be flying Libyan fighter jets |publisher=World Tribune |accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref>
* 12 March - Thousands of Syrian Kurds in [[Qamishli]] and in al-Hasakah protested on the day of Kurdish martyr, which is an annual event since 2004, when many Syrian kurds died in anti-government demonstrations.<ref>{{Cite news |title=مظاهرة في الجزيرة السورية 12 اذار 2011 |author=Youtube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TXnYz5OsI8 |accessdate=12 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318071619/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TXnYz5OsI8| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=حفلة تأبين شهداء إنتفاضة قامشلو |author=Youtube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWKh8C5Z6ps |accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=الكورد السوريون يحييون ذكرى انتفاضتهم السابعة بايقاد الشموع اجلالاً و اكراماُ لارواح الشهداء |author=soparo.com |url=http://ar.soparo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17803%3A2011-03-11-23-36-17&catid=34%3A2008-05-23-23-58-43&Itemid=192 |accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref>
* 12 March - ''Al Jazeera'' reported that a civilian vessel, loaded with weapons and ammunition and 500 [[SUV]]s had sailed from the port of [[Tartus]] in Syria towards [[Tripoli]] in Libya, in order to supply the [[Armed forces of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|Gaddafi forces]]. The reporter said that the Syrian battalion is fighting alongside Gaddafi against the [[Anti-Gaddafi forces|Libyan rebels]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=النظام الاسدي الفاسد يقتل الشعب الليبي باسلحته |author=Youtube/Al Jazeera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0ZfsdCXFJA |accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=دعم النظام السوري لسفاح ليبيا |author=Youtube/Al Jazeera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE6C7LNCRFQ |accessdate=12 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110314235154/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE6C7LNCRFQ| archivedate= 14 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> That was also confirmed with an interview with Libyan politician Ibrahim Jibreel.<ref>{{Cite news |title=الجزيرة ـ إبراهيم جبريل والتواطؤ السوري مع نظام القذافي |author=Youtube/Al Jazeera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaPyJhLIVdA&feature=player_embedded#at=387
|accessdate=12 March 2011}}</ref>
* 13 March - Kamal Hussein Cheikho, a Kurdish member of the Committee for the Defence of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDF), was released on bail of 500 Syrian pounds ($10). He is still facing charges for allegedly publishing material harmful to the country.<ref name="OMCT">{{Cite news |title=Syrian Arab Republic: Assault and arrest of dozens of family members of human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience |author=OMCT |url=http://www.omct.org/human-rights-defenders/urgent-interventions/syrian-arab-republic/2011/03/d21153/ |accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Syria blogger arrest condemned |author=http://mybroadband.co.za |url=http://mybroadband.co.za/news/internet/18663-Syria-blogger-arrest-condemned.html |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="ahram">{{Cite news |title=Arrests as Syria sees second day of rare protests |author=ahram.org.eg |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/7879/World/Region/Arrests-as-Syria-sees-second-day-of-rare-protests.aspx |accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref>
* 15 March - Simultaneous demonstrations took place in major cities across Syria. Thousands of protestors gathered in al-Hasakah, Daraa, [[Deir ez-Zor]], and [[Hama]]. There were some clashes with security, according to reports from dissident groups. In Damascus, a smaller group of 200 men grew spontaneously to about 1,500 men. Damascus has not seen such uprising since the 1980s. The official Facebook page called "Syrian Revolution 2011" showed pictures of supportive demonstrations in [[Cairo]], [[Nicosia]], Helsinki, [[Istanbul]] and Berlin. There were also unconfirmed news that Syrian revolution supporters of Libyan descent, stormed into the Syrian Embassy in Paris.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Fresh Protests Erupt in Syria |author=theepochtimes.com |url=http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/53074/ |accessdate=15 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319084106/http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/53074/ |archivedate=19 March 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=السوريون يكسرون جدار الخوف بالتظاهر في قلب دمشق |author=Youtube/Al Arabiya |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRHRxUxRbxo |accessdate=15 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=ردّدوا هتافات تدعو لمحاربة الفساد وفتح باب الحريات |author=Al Arabiya |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/15/141661.html |accessdate=15 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110403001329/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/15/141661.html| archivedate= 3 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=الاف السوريين يثورون في قلب دمشق و المحافظات مطالبين بالحرية |author=sawtbeirut.com |url=http://www.sawtbeirut.com/news-in-arabic/world-now/16474-syria-revolution-2011-march-15.html |accessdate=16 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319034725/http://www.sawtbeirut.com/news-in-arabic/world-now/16474-syria-revolution-2011-march-15.html |archivedate=19 March 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=مظاهرة شباب الثورة في تركيا |author=Youtube/Al Jazeera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AbjW0Kuhl8 |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318055645/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AbjW0Kuhl8| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 15 March - Another recently released political figure, [[Suhair Atassi]], became an unofficial spokesperson for the "Syrian revolution", when she was interviewed by dozens of Arab and international media channels regarding the uprising. There were reports of 6 arrested in Damascus.<ref>{{Cite news |title=آخر اخبار انتفاضة سورية من فضائية الجزيرة |author=Youtube/Al Jazeera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMNBN1PhjzY |accessdate=15 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=تقرير قناه ال BBC للانتفاضه السوريه |author=Youtube/BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAUOqfRSEaM |accessdate=15 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=مظاهرة أمام السفارة السورية اليوم بالتزامن مع إنطلاق الثورة السورية |author=Youtube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCA4iSugabU |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318061757/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCA4iSugabU| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=مظاهرة احتجاج في دمشق تطالب بالحريات |author=BBC |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/middleeast/2011/03/110315_syria_protest.shtml |accessdate=15 March 2011}}</ref> Atassi paid tribute to "the Syrian people who took the initiative ahead of the opposition," recalling the popular uprisings that shook [[Tunisian Revolution|Tunisia]] and [[2011 Egyptian revolution|Egypt]]<ref name="ahram" /> After the first day of the uprising there were reports about approximately 3000 arrests and a few "[[martyr]]s", but there are no official figures on the number of deaths.<ref>{{Cite news|title=معلومات عن سقوط شهداء في تظاهرات الثلاثاء في سوريا |author=sawtbeirut.com |url=http://sawtbeirut.com/news-in-arabic/world-now/16483-2011-03-16-18-33-05.html |accessdate=16 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516012947/http://sawtbeirut.com/news-in-arabic/world-now/16483-2011-03-16-18-33-05.html |archivedate=16 May 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
* 16 March - Syrian authorities forcibly dispersed a crowd composed of 200 demonstrators in front of the Syrian Interior Ministry. ''[[al-Arabiya]]'' reported that the protesters were a mix of activists and jurists, writers, journalists, young academics, and family members to people detained in Syrian prisons.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Syrian Security Forces Break Up Damascus Protest |author=voanews.com |url=http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Syrian-Security-Forces-Break-Up-Damascus-Protest-118085199.html |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110404205509/http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Syrian-Security-Forces-Break-Up-Damascus-Protest-118085199.html| archivedate= 4 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Rare public protest quashed in Syria |author=Al Jazeera |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011316131236735771.html |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110317095713/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011316131236735771.html| archivedate= 17 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Syrian security forces disperse Damascus demo |author=AFP |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hN_8F5MkEvOPFuMqr-9HStxVy3iw?docId=CNG.e314ba0dc0a9061349e6fe1072be714a.5f1 |accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> Several security officers managed to infiltrate themselves in demonstrations at different places and started shouting slogans declaring their love and loyalty to President Bashar al-Assad.<ref>{{Cite news |title=بلطجية بشار |author=Youtube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0NcdFYFR0Q |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318055836/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0NcdFYFR0Q| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=بلطجية بشار يفرقونا ويهتفون باسمه |author=Facebook Video |url=http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=110837738996912&oid=420796315726&comments |accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> The security forces arrested a number of protestors, ''Al Jazeera'' reported 25,<ref>{{Cite news |title=مظاهرة أمام القنصلية السورية في اسطنبول |author=Youtube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyXg8Hm8Hjs |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318055704/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyXg8Hm8Hjs| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> while ''Al Arabiya'' said 32<ref>{{Cite news |title= أسماء الناشطين المعتقلين من قبل قوات الأمن السورية |author=Youtube/Al Arabiya |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJCttMTen2w |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318055824/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJCttMTen2w| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> including activist and lawyer [[Suhair Atassi]] and Kamal Cheikho, an activist who had been released two days earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |title=أهالي سجناء وناشطون حقوقيون شاركوا في التجمع |author=Al Arabiya |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/16/141801.html |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110403001021/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/03/16/141801.html| archivedate= 3 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=اعتقالات وتفريق مظاهرة في دمشق |author=Al Jazeera |url=http://aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/04E7BD6C-CA0E-4597-A298-0494DD715056.html |accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=سورية: مظاهرة امام وزارة الداخلية في العاصمة دمشق |author=BBC |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/middleeast/2011/03/110316_syria_prisoners_families.shtml |accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> [[World Organisation Against Torture]] published list of arrests and demanded immediate release of them.<ref name="OMCT" />
* 16 March - ''Mohamed al-Ali'', a spokesman for the Syrian Interior Authority denied that any demonstrations took place in Syria and said that the Facebook-campaign has proved unsuccessful. According to the spokesperson, the "claimed protests" consisted of a bunch of people who were "hiding" among the already packed souq and tried to make it look like a demonstration.<ref>{{Cite news |title=تصريح العميد العلي عن مظاهرة وزارة الداخلية |author=Youtube/Al Jazeera |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WevqUv1gGmw |accessdate=16 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318055810/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WevqUv1gGmw| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> In another statement, he finally acknowledged the protest but then turned it around by saying that the demonstration which was outside the Interior Authority's building was actually in support of President Bashar al-Assad.<ref>{{Cite news |title=وزارة الداخلية السورية – المظاهرات كانت لتأييد الرئيس |author=Youtube/BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXU4ascw1G0
|accessdate=15 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110318055705/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXU4ascw1G0| archivedate= 18 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 18 March - The most serious unrest to take place in Syria for decades erupted.<ref name=aljaz18311>{{Cite news |title= Clashes erupt at protests in Syria |author=Aljazeera |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201131817214964640.html |accessdate=18 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110319115153/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201131817214964640.html| archivedate= 19 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> After online calls for a '''"Friday of dignity"''' ({{lang-ar|جمعة الكرامة}}), after Friday prayers, thousands of protesters demanding an end to alleged government corruption took to the streets of cities across Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC55uPBKYqU |title=Violence flares at Syrian protest |publisher=Youtube/Al Jazeera |accessdate=18 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110329210126/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC55uPBKYqU| archivedate= 29 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The protesters were met with a violent crackdown orchestrated by state security forces. The protesters chanted "God, Syria, Freedom" and anti-corruption slogans.<ref name=bbc18311>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12791738|title=Middle East unrest: Two killed at protest in Syria |publisher=BBC News |date=18 March 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110319063836/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12791738| archivedate= 19 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
* 18 March - Amateur video footage posted on YouTube and Twitter showed large groups of protesters in several cities, such as Damascus, [[Daraa]], [[Homs]], [[Baniyas]], [[Qamishli]] and [[Deir ez-Zor]].<ref name="telegraph110318">{{cite news|url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8391438/Syria-four-dead-in-rare-demonstrations.html |title=Syria: 'four dead' in rare demonstrations |publisher=The Telegraph |date= 18 March 2011|accessdate=18 March 2011 |location=London}}</ref><ref name="ap110318">{{Cite news|url= https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iFVmeKhYv0amn9vzUTAcH4HeEz4Q?docId=3b597c45357b466eae7fcd1d6f4d433d |title= 3 protesters killed in Syria, activist says |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=18 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/124507/20110318/syria.htm |title = Anti-government protests slowly erupting in Syria |publisher=IB Times |accessdate=18 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110321081237/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/124507/20110318/syria.htm| archivedate= 21 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> In Damascus, Syrian security forces dressed as civilians broke up protests outside the [[Umayyad Mosque]], dragging away at least two activists.<ref name="telegraph110318"/> In the southern city of Daraa, people chanted against [[Rami Makhlouf]], who is the cousin of al-Assad. The government responded with helicopters and water cannons. There were unconfirmed reports that four protesters had been killed and hundreds injured.<ref name =aljaz18311/><ref name=bbc18311 /> A resident said that Syrian security forces have killed three protesters in Daraa.<ref name=aljaz18311/> The Syrian Government responded by claiming that unnamed "infiltrators" had been attempting to cause chaos.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE72H1U520110318?sp=true | title = Syrian forces kill three protesters in southern city |publisher=Reuters |date= 18 March 2011|accessdate=18 March 2011}}</ref>
* 19 March - Syrian security forces fired tear gas to disperse crowds in Daraa following the funeral of two anti-government protesters killed by security forces on the previous day.<ref name=bbc19311>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12796020| title = Syria unrest: Tear gas fired at Deraa funeral |publisher=BBC News |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110320014321/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12796020| archivedate= 20 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The crowds had been shouting "God, Syria, freedom" before the security forces intervened.<ref name=bbc19311/> Witnesses said that the gas used appeared to be more toxic than ordinary tear gas.<ref name=nyt19311>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/world/middleeast/20syria.html?_r=1&hp| title = Syrian Police Attack Mourners|work=The New York Times |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 }}</ref> The Syrian League for Human Rights reported that 10 women who had been detained on 16 March following a rally outside the interior ministry had begun a hunger strike.<ref name=afp19311>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imPTFixkG47Y44ZniAQVv4wC6UGw?docId=CNG.301dc17b5d60dc6790da1726987ffe7d.c71| title = Syria funeral hit with teargas, protesters wounded: report |agency=AFP |date=19 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011 }}</ref>

;20 March
Thousands took to the streets in the city of Daraa for a third day, shouting slogans against the country's emergency law. One person was killed and scores injured as security forces opened fire on protesters.<ref name="AJSyria20March">{{Cite news |title=Syria to free child prisoners |author=Al-Jazeera |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011320113138901721.html |date=20 March 2011 |accessdate=20 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110321113044/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011320113138901721.html| archivedate= 21 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The courthouse, the Baath party headquarters in the city, and Rami Makhlouf's [[Syriatel]] building were all set on fire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/syrian-protesters-set-fire-to-ruling-partys-headquarters-palace-of-justice/article1948865|title=Syrian protesters set fire to ruling party’s headquarters, Palace of Justice|work=Globe and Mail | location=Toronto, Canada|date=5 April 2011}}</ref>

;21 March
Protests started to spread further across the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE72K6MP20110321?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0| title = Allies desert Yemeni leader, Syria protests spread| publisher=Reuters|date=21 March 2011 |accessdate=21 March 2011 }}</ref> Thousands of people took to the streets in Daraa and troops were sent to the city.<ref name=irtimes22311>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0322/1224292773018.html| title = US condemns Syria crackdown|work=The Irish Times |date=22 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 }}</ref> Hundreds of people protested in Jassem and there were reports of protests in Banias, Homs and Hama.<ref name=irtimes22311/><ref>{{Cite news|title=Protests spread to southern Syrian town Jassem|newspaper=Ya Libnan|date=21 March 2011|url=http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/03/21/protests-spread-to-southern-syrian-town-jassem/|accessdate=21 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110322014938/http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/03/21/protests-spread-to-southern-syrian-town-jassem/| archivedate= 22 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

It was reported that an 11-year-old boy had died of wounds suffered when Syrian security forces dispersed a protest rally in Daraa,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ipLl3yeb_p-BMEyqG7WM2O9PYSbg?docId=CNG.e623321b6a9f7efb561fd470f40817bf.9d1| title = US condemns Syria crackdown|agency=AFP |date=21 March 2011 |accessdate=21 March 2011 }}</ref> and meanwhile, the Beirut-based ''[[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|al Akhbar]]'' newspaper accused Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister [[Saad Hariri]]'s Future Movement of paying the Syrian protesters something that which he immediately denied.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/syrian-army-deploys-around-daraa-lebanon-pm-accused-financing-riots-syria |title=Syrian army deploys around Daraa as Lebanon PM accused of financing riots in Syria |publisher=Al Bawaba |date=21 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011}}</ref>

Demonstrators in Daraa set fire to the ruling [[Baath Party]]’s headquarters and other government buildings. Police officers fired live ammunition into the crowds, killing at least one and wounding scores of others, witnesses said. [[Bashar al-Assad|al-Assad]] made some conciliatory gestures, but crowds continued to gather in and around the Omari mosque in Dara’a, chanting their demands: the release of all political prisoners; trials for those who shot and killed protesters; the abolition of Syria’s 48-year emergency law; more freedoms; and an end to pervasive corruption.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/world/middleeast/21syria.html |title=Officers Fire on Crowd as Syrian Protests Grow |publisher=NY Times |date=20 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324151608/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/world/middleeast/21syria.html |archivedate=24 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>

;22 March
There were protests in Daraa, Jassem, [[Nawa, Syria|Nawa]] and [[Al-Sanamayn|Sanamayn]].<ref name=aljaz22311>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011322155925612161.html| title =UN calls for Syria probe as hundreds protest | publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110401071413/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011322155925612161.html| archivedate= 1 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name=cnn22311>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/22/syria.protests/?hpt=T2| title = Syria arrests opposition leader as protests continue| publisher=CNN|date=22 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 }}</ref> There were also reports of protests in [[Inkhil]] and rural areas around Damascus.<ref name=guardian22311>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/22/syrian-protests-troops-kill-deraa| title = Syrian protests spread after troops kill at least five|work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=22 March 2011 |accessdate=22 March 2011 |first=Katherine |last=Marsh| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110322191124/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/22/syrian-protests-troops-kill-deraa| archivedate= 22 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> In Daraa, gunfire and tear gas was reported near the Omari mosque, which is a major gathering spot for protesters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12827542 |title=Syria unrest: 'Gunfire heard' as Deraa protests go on |accessdate=23 March 2011 |date=22 March 2011 |publisher=BBC News |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5xO6FGBue?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12827542 |archivedate=23 March 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref>

An AFP photographer and cameraman were beaten by Syrian security forces in Daraa and had their equipment seized.<ref name=aljaz22311/>

[[Navi Pillay]], the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for an investigation into the deaths of six protesters who had been killed by Syrian security forces in March.<ref name=aljaz22311/>

;23 March
There were reports that at least 15 protesters had been killed by security forces in southern Syria.<ref name="cst23311">{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/4472184-418/15-killed-in-clashes-in-southern-syria.html|title=15 killed in clashes in southern Syria |work=Chicago Sun-Times|date=23 March 2011 |accessdate=23 March 2011}}</ref> At least six people were killed by security forces near Al-Omari mosque in Daraa, including a doctor and a paramedic.<ref name="cst23311"/><ref name=bloom23311>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/four-people-killed-in-renewed-unrest-in-southern-syrian-town.html| title =Four People Killed in Renewed Unrest in Southern Syrian Town| publisher=Bloomberg|date=23 March 2011 |accessdate=23 March 2011|first1=Lina|last1=Ibrahim|first2=Nayla|last2=Razzouk}}</ref> Witnesses reported that a 12-year-old girl had been killed by security forces near the mosque.<ref name="cst23311"/>

Mobile phone connections to Daraa were cut during the day and checkpoints were set up throughout the city and manned by soldiers.<ref name="cst23311"/> Security forces were also preventing ambulances from entering the city centre, where the mosque is located.

On the evening of the 23rd there were reports that Syrian security forces had opened fire on hundreds of young protesters who had been marching towards Daraa.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12843905| title =Syria unrest: Troops 'fire on youths in Deraa'|publisher=BBC News |date=23 March 2011 |accessdate=23 March 2011 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110324031259/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12843905| archivedate= 24 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;24 March
Around 20,000 protesters marched at the funerals of nine protesters killed by security forces in Daraa.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Anger in Syria over crackdown|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=24 Mar 2011|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132475046579830.html|accessdate=24 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110324161252/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132475046579830.html| archivedate= 24 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Syrian Human Rights Committee reported that number of deaths rose to 32,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Number of Syrian protestor deaths rises to 32, rights group reports|agency=AFP /NOW Lebanon|date=24 Mar 2011|url=http://nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=253703|accessdate=24 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110421122223/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=253703| archivedate= 21 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> while AFP reported that more than 100 people were killed by police gunfire in Daraa.<ref>{{Cite news|title=More than 100 killed in Syria protest city|agency=AFP /NOW Lebanon|date=24 Mar 2011|url=http://nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=253836|accessdate=24 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110421122151/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=253836| archivedate= 21 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Syria freed writer Louai Hussein, who was detained earlier this week for posting a petition online demanding the right to freedom of expression<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syria frees writer detained for online activity|agency=AFP /NOW Lebanon|date=24 Mar 2011|url=http://nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=254083|accessdate=24 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110421121946/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=254083| archivedate= 21 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;25 March
After new online calls to a big demonstration after Friday prayers named '''"Friday of Glory"''' ({{lang-ar|جمعة العزة}}), tens of thousands took to the streets in protest around the nation, defying a state that has once again demonstrated its willingness to use lethal force. Military troops opened fire during protests in the southern part of Syria and killed peaceful demonstrators, according to witnesses and news reports, hurtling the strategically important nation into turmoil.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syrian Troops Open Fire on Protesters in Several Cities|agency=Reuters |date=25 Mar 2011|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/world/middleeast/26syria.html?ref=syria|accessdate=10 April 2011|work=The New York Times|first=Michael|last=Slackman| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131010012526/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/world/middleeast/26syria.html?ref=syria| archivedate=10 October 2013<!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

There were reports that at least 20 people were killed in uprising in Daraa which drew over 100,000 people.<ref name=cnn25311>{{Cite news|title=In Syrian flashpoint town, more deaths reported|publisher=CNN|date=25 March 2011|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/25/syria.unrest/index.html?hpt=T1|accessdate=25 Mar 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Security Forces 'Kill 20 Protesters' In Syria |publisher=Sky News|date=25 March 2011|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Video-Syria-Security-Forces-Open-Fire-On-Protesters-Killing-20-People-According-To-Reports/Article/201103415960221?lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_3&lid=ARTICLE_15960221_Video%2C_Syria%3A_Security_Fzorces_Open_Fire_On_Protesters_Killing_20_People%2C_According_To_Reports|accessdate=25 Mar 2011}}</ref> A witness said that thousands of people chanted against the president's brother: "[[Maher al-Assad|Maher]] you coward. Send your troops to liberate the Golan,"<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syrian protesters denounce Assad's brother|agency=Reuters |date=25 Mar 2011|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/25/syria-protest-assad-idUSLDE72O17Y20110325|accessdate=25 Mar 2011}}</ref> A statue of [[Hafez al-Assad]] was dismantled and set on fire.<ref name=AlJazeera260311>{{Cite news|title=Syrian protesters target Baath Party offices|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=26 Mar 2011|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132616546326475.html|accessdate=26 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405193002/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132616546326475.html| archivedate= 5 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The governor's home was also set on fire.<ref name=AlJazeera260311/>

There were also reports of protests in Damascus, [[Deir ez-Zor]], [[Homs]], [[Latakia]] and [[Raqqa]].<ref name=cnn25311/><ref name=Haaretz250311>{{Cite news|title=At least 23 said killed as protesters in Syria clash with security forces|newspaper=Haaretz|date=25 March 2011|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/at-least-23-said-killed-as-protesters-in-syria-clash-with-security-forces-1.351815|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> There were reports that one demonstrator had been shot dead by security forces in Latakia and another had been killed in Homs.<ref>{{Cite news|title=SYRIA: Government forces open fire on protesters|work=Los Angeles Times |date=24 March 2011|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/03/syria-government-forces-open-fire-on-protesters.html|accessdate=24 Mar 2011}}</ref> There were reports that dozens of protesters had died across the country.<ref>{{Cite news|title=SYRIA: Government forces open fire on protesters|work=LA Times |date=25 March 2011|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/03/syria-government-forces-open-fire-on-protesters.html|accessdate=25 Mar 2011}}</ref>

A witness said that in Sanamayn, security forces killed 20 people.<ref name=Haaretz250311/><ref>{{Cite news|title=Deaths as Syrian forces fire on protesters |publisher=AL Jazeera |date=26 Mar 2011 |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011325145817688433.html |accessdate=26 Mar 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326235320/http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2011/03/2011325145817688433.html |archivedate=26 March 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> The official Syrian news agency said that an "armed gang" had attacked army headquarters there, that "resulted in the deaths of several attackers."<ref name=SANA250311>{{Cite news|title=Armed Gang Attacks People's Army Headquarter, Several Attackers killed... Another Armed Gang Attacks Officers Club in Homs and Opens Fire, Martyring a Citizen|author=M.Nassr/Ghossoun/H. Sabbagh|newspaper=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=25 March 2011|url=http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/03/25/338516.htm|accessdate=26 March 2011}}</ref> The death of a civilian in Homs was blamed on an "armed group".<ref name=SANA250311/>

Most chants called for solidarity with Daraa and with the people killed there, for freedom, and against government corruption.<ref name="violence-syria">{{Cite news|title=Violence erupts in Syria; troops open fire on anti-protestors|publisher=New York Daily Times|date=25 March 2011|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2011/03/25/2011-03-25_violence_erupts_in_syria_troops_open_fire_on_antiprotestors_.html?r=news|accessdate=25 Mar 2011|first=Larry|last=Mcshane}}</ref>

In [[Tafas]], 3 protesters were killed by security forces.<ref name=AlJazeera260311/> In Kafr Amim, [[Idlib]] there were a fire at the [[Baath Party]] headquarters.<ref name="110325AFP">{{Cite news|title=25 March 2011 Syrian Protests|publisher=AFP/NOW Lebanon|date=25 March 2011|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=254495|accessdate=25 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419043652/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=254495| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

The [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] cleric Sheikh [[Yusuf al-Qaradawi]] gave a sermon in Qatar in which he stated: "Today the train of revolution has arrived at a station that it was destined to reach, the Syrian station. It isn't possible for Syria to detach itself from the history of the Arab nation."<ref name=wsj25311>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704517404576222350109783770| title = Troops Open Fire on Syrian Protesters |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=25 March 2011 |accessdate=25 March 2011 |first=Farnaz |last=Fassihi}}</ref> Also Syrian [[Salafi]] cleric in [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] exile<ref>Global Post: [http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/the-casbah/the-graffiti-launched-revolution The graffiti that launched a revolution]</ref> Sheikh Adnan al-Arour advised the youth of the revolution to follow the Egyptian example and endure violence without responding in kind. He voiced hope that the president will intervene and form a dialogue committee to address legitimate grievances.<ref>{{Cite news|title=الشيخ عدنان العرعور يساند الثورة السورية و درعا|publisher=Youtube|date=25 March 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo3odWm5f-s|accessdate=25 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110423123521/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo3odWm5f-s| archivedate= 23 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

AFP reported that Syrian opposition leaders-in-exile called in Paris for the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad, asking France to maintain pressure on the Syrian leader to "halt the killing of innocents."<ref name="110325AFP" /> A YouTube video showed protesters packed into Ar-Rifai mosque in Damascus and chanting "God, Syria, and freedom alone.".<ref>{{Cite web|title=الثورة السورية جمعة العزة جامع الرفاعي 25 آذار|publisher=Youtube|date=25 March 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcVmPGQsoIM|accessdate=25 Mar 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110329013951/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcVmPGQsoIM| archivedate= 29 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> A leaked YouTube video purportedly filmed in the Syrian city of [[Homs]] shows security forces changing outfits to look like civilians in order to provoke anti-government protesters, reports have said.<ref>{{Cite news|title=حمص المندسين|publisher=Youtube|date=25 March 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV301r7rOPo|accessdate=25 Mar 2011}}</ref>

17 people were killed in demonstration on way to Daraa, while 40 were killed near Omari Mosque, 25 died in [[al-Sanamayn|al-Sanameen]] in [[Homs]], 4 in [[Latakia]], 3 in Damascus.<ref name="110325AFP" />

;26 March 200 political prisoners were released.<ref name="NYTIMES">{{cite news|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/syria/index.html |title=NY Times:Syria – Protests (2011)|publisher=NY Times |accessdate=10 April 2011 |first=Neil |last=Macfarquhar| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511141803/http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/syria/index.html| archivedate= 11 May 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

In the cities of Latakia and Tafas, Baath party buildings and police stations were set on fire.<ref name=AlJazeera260311/> Armed gangs were blamed by the authorities for attempting to destabilize the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-middle-east-12873053 |title=BBC news:Syria unrest |publisher=BBC News |date= 27 March 2011|accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405203549/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-middle-east-12873053| archivedate= 5 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The [[Syrian Arab News Agency]] (SANA), the government controlled news agency, claimed that an armed group seized rooftops in many areas in Latakia, opening fire on citizens and security forces personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=79055|title=Damascus was Quite on Saturday|publisher=DP-news}}</ref> Two people were killed, and thousands more protested in Daraa.<ref name=AlJazeera260311/> Two U.S. citizens were reported to be in the custody of Syrian authorities. Mohammed Radwan, 32, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Egypt, and Pathik "Tik" Root, 21, a student at [[Middlebury College]] in Vermont, were said to have been detained for involvement in anti-government uprising.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syrians detain 2 Americans during demonstrations|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/26/syrians-detain-2-americans-demonstrations/#ixzz1Hq4qnEiT|accessdate=27 March 2011|publisher=Fox News|date=26 March 2011|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=Cairo|quote=Syrian authorities have detained two Americans amid an unprecedented wave of protests in the repressive Middle East nation, relatives and state media said Saturday.}}</ref>

The [[Mufti|Grand Mufti]] of Syria, [[Ahmad Bader Hassoun]], said "Any citizen has the right to protest and call for freedom, but I will tell you, all those behind the bloodshed will be penalized. There are no army officials who opened fire at protesters, they only retaliated out of self-defense. After what happened, there should be reconciliation between the people. There are some corrupters in the country and the corrupters should be penalized".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbXu-Yh2Qc8 |title=شام – مفتي سوريا يعلن نتائج التحقيقات في أحداث درعا |publisher=Al Jazeera/Youtube |date=26 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110506204940/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbXu-Yh2Qc8| archivedate= 6 May 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> As a result of what happened in [[Homs]] on Friday, Iyad Ghazal, the governor of Homs was dismissed from his post.

;27 March
Syrian officials reported that 12 people were killed in [[Latakia]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=US will not intervene in Syria as it has in Libya, says Hillary Clinton|author=Staff and agencies|newspaper=guardian.co.uk|date=27 March 2011|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/27/report-12-killed-syrian-port-city|accessdate=27 March 2011|location=London| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110413051634/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/27/report-12-killed-syrian-port-city| archivedate= 13 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> An Al Jazeera clip on YouTube records the imam of the Ar-Rahman Mosque in Latakia telling an Al-Jazeera broadcaster that a massacre is occurring in the city.<ref>{{Cite news|title= إتصال لإمام مسجد الرحمن باللاذقية|publisher=Al Jazeera/Youtube|date=27 March 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdqNRXiyI84|accessdate=27 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110401030522/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdqNRXiyI84| archivedate= 1 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

[[Buthaina Shaaban]], the president's media adviser, stated that the emergency law would be lifted, without giving any indication of when that will be.<ref name=AlJazeeraEnglish270311>{{Cite news|title=Syria 'to lift emergency law'|author=Al-Jazeera English|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132711553545999.html |date=27 March 2011|accessdate=27 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110329101837/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132711553545999.html| archivedate= 29 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> She also said that the President will appear publicly to address the Syrians and to give official statements of the steps that will be taken by the government. The [[Reuters]] news agency reported that two of its journalists are missing. They were last heard of from the night before, when they were expected to cross into Lebanon from Syria.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Two Reuters TV journalists missing in Syria|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/27/us-syria-reuters-idUSTRE72Q27E20110327|accessdate=27 March 2011|agency=Reuters |date=27 March 2011|location=London|quote=Two Reuters television journalists have been missing in Syria since Saturday night, when they were due to return to Lebanon.| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110328111333/https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/27/us-syria-reuters-idUSTRE72Q27E20110327| archivedate= 28 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Journalists Sobhi Hasan and Zaher Alamin were rearrested.<ref>{{Cite news|title= Syria rearrests journalists Sobhi Hasan and Zaher Alamin|newspaper=AlArabiya English|date=27 March 2011|url=https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/52005340757229568#|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref>

;28 March
The [[Reuters]] news agency reported that its two missing journalists, both Lebanese nationals, had been in the custody of Syrian authorities since 26 March, but were released and they had returned to Lebanon.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite news|title=Reuters: Journalists detained in Syria freed|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2014620010_apsyriamissingjournalists.html|accessdate=28 March 2011|newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]|date=28 March 2011|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=London|quote=International news agency Reuters says two of its journalists detained by Syrian authorities have been released. Reuters said Monday its television producer Ayat Basma and cameraman Ezzat Baltaji, both Lebanese nationals, have returned to Lebanon. It says they were detained by Syrian authorities on Saturday.| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110329045644/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2014620010_apsyriamissingjournalists.html| archivedate= 29 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

Kuwaiti Sheikh Nabeel al-Awadi<ref>{{Cite news|title=الشيخ نبيل العوضي يتحدث عن ثورة سوريا ويساندها|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC2u_W1j4hY|accessdate=28 March 2011|publisher=Youtube|date=28 March 2011}}</ref> and Syrian Sheikh Issam al-Attar<ref>{{Cite news|title=شام – الشيخ عصام العطار الى أهالي درعا|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIY_52aaU6w&feature=player_embedded|accessdate=28 March 2011|publisher=Youtube|date=28 March 2011}}</ref> showed their support for Syrian anti-government uprising.

;29 March
Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Aleppo, Hasaka, Homs, Tartous and Hama.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syria unrest: Pro-Assad rallies in Damascus and Aleppo|publisher=BBC News |date=29 March 2011|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12892870|accessdate=29 March 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405203552/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12892870| archivedate= 5 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=79305 |title=Mass Popular Rallies Prevail Syrian Provinces in Support of National Unity, Security and Stability |publisher=DP-News |date=29 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011}}</ref><ref name=Ynetnews290311>{{Cite news|title=Assad supporters 'loyal to nation' |newspaperynetnews= |date=29 March 2011 |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4049313,00.html |accessdate=29 March 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513141859/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0%2C7340%2CL-4049313%2C00.html |archivedate=13 May 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> The Syrian newspaper ''[[Al-Watan (Syria)|Al-Watan]]'' reported that a major cabinet reshuffle was coming,<ref name=Ynetnews290311/> and later that day, President Assad accepted the official resignation of the government led by [[Muhammad Naji al-Otari]], while the latter will serve as caretaker prime minister until a new government is selected and officially announced.<ref name=AJSyriaGovQuit>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132975114399138.html |title=Syrian cabinet resigns amid unrest |publisher=aljazeera.net |date=29 March 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110415090333/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132975114399138.html| archivedate= 15 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

Syrian actor [[Jamal Suliman]] announced via BBC that Syrian artists released a statement regarding the ongoing uprising. The artists voiced the importance of "implementing reforms" and the artists’ willingness to "stand by the political system in a serious and reform journey" as well as standing with the people.<ref>{{Cite news|title=بيان الفنانين السوريين|bbc/youtube=|date=29 March 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7cHGl8vZWs|accessdate=29 March 2011}}</ref>

;30 March
It was reported that Ayat Basma and Ezzat Baltaji two Reuters journalists had gone missing near Damascus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-syria-reuters-idUSTRE72T75B20110330?WT.tsrc=Social%20Media&WT.z_smid=twtr-reuters_%20com&WT.z_smid_dest=Twitter |title=Reuters correspondent and photographer missing in Syria |publisher=Reuters |date= 30 March 2011|accessdate=10 April 2011 |first=Dominic |last=Evans}}</ref>

President Assad made a speech blaming foreign conspirators for the cause of the uprising and declaring that the emergency law will not be lifted as previously confirmed by [[Bouthaina Shaaban|Shaaban]] and instead the lift will be put to studies for future application.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011330135615434966.html |title=Syria's Assad warns of 'conspiracy' – Middle East – Al Jazeera English |publisher=English.aljazeera.net |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405192025/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011330135615434966.html| archivedate= 5 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> A YouTube video of a CNN report shows Syrian State television footage of a woman allegedly attacking Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s car following his speech on Wednesday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyS3WkwZAjM |title=الهجوم على سيارة بشار الاسد بعد خطاب |publisher=CNN/Youtube |date=30 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011}}</ref>

Disappointed by the president's speech, protesters took to the street in Latakia, where they were fired on by police.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/syria-protest-latakia-idUSLDE72T1ZQ20110330 |title=Protests in Latakia after Assad speech -residents |publisher=Reuters |date= 30 March 2011|accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110330172731/https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/syria-protest-latakia-idUSLDE72T1ZQ20110330| archivedate= 30 March 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/1853160.html |title=Syrian police fire at protesters in Latakia &#124; Arabic region &#124; Trend |publisher=En.trend.az |date=30 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511020408/http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/1853160.html| archivedate= 11 May 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Mass protests in Daraa to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government following his speech and reports of five new deaths and total of 200 "[[martyr]]s" in Daraa since uprising started. The investigative judge in Damascus refused to release the activist [[Suhair Attasi]] and four others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=256241|title=Syria: 30&nbsp;March 2011 |publisher=AFP/NOW Lebanon |date=30 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419043646/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=256241| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;31 March
Two more Reuters journalists Suleiman al-Khalidi and Khaled al-Hariri disappeared in Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256300|title=Two more Reuters journalists disappear in Syria |publisher=NOW Lebanon |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419173841/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256300| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Syrian President Bashar al-Assad established a commission to study the termination of the emergency law in his country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256337|title=Syria forms committee to study ending state of emergency|publisher=NOW Lebanon |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419173822/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256337| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

[[Syrian Arab News Agency]] (SANA) reported that President al-Assad issued a decree raising the wages of state employees. The decision will go into effect as of 1 April.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256392|title=Assad issues decree to raise wages|publisher=NOW Lebanon |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419113204/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256392| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

A London-based rights group close to the Muslim Brotherhood said Thursday 25 people were killed by security forces in Latakia, northwest of the country, in a "bloodbath."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256458|title=Several killed in Latakia "bloodbath," NGO says|publisher=NOW Lebanon |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110420234426/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=256458| archivedate= 20 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

==Early April==
;1 April
After online calls for a '''"Friday of martyrs"''' ({{lang-ar|جمعة الشهداء}}), thousands of protesters emerged from Friday's prayers and took to the streets in multiple cities around Syria. Security forces opened fire on about 1,000 protesters in the suburb of Damascus, Douma, killing eight. In Damascus, hundreds gathered in Al Rifai mosque to protest after Friday prayers; however, government forces reportedly sealed the mosque and attacked those who tried to leave. Further south, in a small city outside Daraa, a demonstrator was killed during a protest there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4050879,00.html |title=At least 10 killed in Syria |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=20 June 1995 |accessdate=10 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513141920/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0%2C7340%2CL-4050879%2C00.html |archivedate=13 May 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Syrian Protesters Clash With Security Forces|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/world/middleeast/02syria.html?ref=world|accessdate=1 April 2011|newspaper=NYTimes|date=1 April 2011|author=LIAM STACK|author2=J. DAVID GOODMAN| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184022/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/world/middleeast/02syria.html?ref=world| archivedate=5 April 2011<!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;2 April
Over 2,000 people protested in support of Assad in the village of [[Buq'ata]] in the [[Golan Heights]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Golan Heights: Thousands of Druze protest in solidarity with Assad|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=2 April 2011|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4050968,00.html|accessdate=2 April 2011}}</ref> while Syrian security forces arrested more than 20 people in Daraa and Homs, according to a human rights group.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Many arrested in Syria after protests |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114211257594538.html |date=2 April 2011 |accessdate=2 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405193025/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114211257594538.html| archivedate= 5 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
Prime Minister of Turkey [[Recep Erdogan]] said he will put pressure on Assad to create reforms.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brown |first=Cameron S. |url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=214849 |title=Erdogan says he will press Syria's Assad to reform |work=Jerusalem Post |location=Israel |accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511180246/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=214849| archivedate= 11 May 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;3 April
Syrian authorities released 50-year-old [[Reuters]] photographer Khaled al-Hariri after six days in detention.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syria frees Reuters photographer after six days|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=214978|accessdate=3 April 2011|newspaper=[[Jerusalem Post]]|date=3 April 2011|agency=[[Reuters]]|location=London|quote=Syrian authorities freed Reuters photographer Khaled al-Hariri on Sunday, six days after detaining him as he arrived for work in Damascus last Monday. Hariri, 50, who has worked for Reuters for over 20 years in his native Syria, met colleagues in the capital after his release and told them he was well.}}</ref>

Assad appointed [[Adel Safar]] as the new Syrian prime minister and charged him with the task of forming a new government.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bashar Assad appoints Adel Safar new PM of Syria|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/deaths-arrests-in-syrian-clashes/story-e6frg6so-1226032915783|accessdate=3 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Australian]]|date=4 April 2011|agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]], AP|quote=SYRIAN President Bashar Assad last night asked former agriculture minister Adel Safar to form a new government, as communications networks failed and residents in Douma prepared to bury the first of their dead.}}</ref>

;4 April
Assad appointed ''Mohammad Khaled al-Hannus'' as the new governor of Daraa.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Assad appoints new governor for Daraa |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201144134848651549.html |date=5 April 2011 |accessdate=5 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405035606/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201144134848651549.html| archivedate= 5 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Meanwhile, thousands of Syrians marched through the shuttered streets of Douma, just outside Damascus, chanting antigovernment slogans as they buried at least eight victims of the crackdown on protests held 1 April.<ref name="NYTIMES" />

[[Syrian Arab News Agency]] (SANA), the state news agency, reported that 8 prisoners were killed in a fire that was set by one of the prisoners in [[Latakia]] prison. Two police men were injured by the fire.<ref>{{Cite news|title=إضرام النار من قبل أحد المساجين في جناح بسجن اللاذقية المركزي يودي بحياة ثمانية مساجين|url=http://www.sana.sy/ara/163/2011/04/04/339973.htm|accessdate=4 April 2011|newspaper=Syrian Arab News Agency|date=4 April 2011}}</ref>

;5 April
AFP reported the start of '''"Martyrs Week"''' ({{lang-ar|أسبوع الشهداء}}), a series of rallies organized by the Syrian Revolution 2011 Facebook group in honor of those killed in recent security crackdowns on pro-reform demonstrations.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syria braces for "Martyrs Week" of protests|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258075|accessdate=5 April 2011|newspaper=NOW Lebanon|date=5 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419113058/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258075| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> According to state television, two policemen in rural Damascus were shot to death by unidentified perpetrators.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Two Syrian police killed by gunmen – state TV|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/05/syria-police-idUSLDE7341YC20110405|accessdate=5 April 2011|agency=Reuters |date=5 April 2011|location=Beirut|quote=}}</ref> 15 people died in protests in [[List of towns and villages in Syria#Rif Dimashq Governorate|Kafr Batna]] in Syria.{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}

;6 April
Assad's government offered concessions to Sunnis and Kurds and that teachers would once again be allowed to wear the [[Niqāb|niqab]].<ref name="NYTIMES" /> The government had also closed the country's only casino.<ref name=ForbesAssociatedPress042011>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/06/general-ml-syria_8393538.html |title=Syria reverses ban on Islamic face veil in schools |date=6 April 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=Forbes |accessdate=6 April 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409195853/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/06/general-ml-syria_8393538.html |archivedate=9 April 2011 }}</ref> Tens of thousands of Kurds residing in Syria will soon be granted Syrian citizenship.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Many Kurds will be granted Syrian citizenship, As-Safir reports|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258435|accessdate=6 April 2011|agency=AFP /NOW Lebanon|date=5 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419113051/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258435| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

The editor of Syrian government daily ''Teshreen'' said she is organizing talks with key opposition figures so that they can air their demands for political reforms.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syrian regime prepares talks with opponents|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258402|accessdate=6 April 2011|agency=AFP /NOW Lebanon|date=6 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419113055/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258402| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> A politician close to the said that the Syrian parliament is preparing to adopt major reforms in May, including an end to emergency rule.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Syrian lawmakers pave the way to end emergency rule|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258617|accessdate=6 April 2011|agency=AFP /NOW Lebanon|date=6 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110419113041/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=258617| archivedate= 19 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;7 April
Minor protests took place across Syria, but the majority of protesters prepared for large demonstrations planned for Friday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/World/News/Syria-set-for-protests-despite-overtures-20110408 |title=Syria set for protests despite overtures|publisher=News24 |date=5 March 2011 |accessdate=10 April 2011}}</ref>

;8 April
{{external media|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJYKLb72Y1k Unknown Gunmen Filmed at Syria Demo]<br />(YouTube: ''[[Associated Press]]''.)<br />8 April 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2011.}}<!--Video uploaded by the copyright holder.-->
On the third Friday called '''"Friday of Resistance"''' ({{lang-ar|جمعة الصمود}}), thousands of protesters took to streets in Daraa, [[Latakia]], [[Tartus]], [[Idlib|Edlib]], [[Baniyas]], [[Qamishli]], [[Homs]] and the Damascus suburb of [[Harasta]], in the largest protest yet.<ref>{{cite news|author=Katherine Marsh in Damascus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/08/syria-unrest-killed-damascus-assad |title=Syria's biggest day of unrest yet sees at least 20 people killed |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date= 9 April 2011|accessdate=10 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110412161446/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/08/syria-unrest-killed-damascus-assad| archivedate= 12 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name=AlJazeera090411>{{Cite news|title=Protesters killed in southern Syria|publisher=AL Jazeera|date=9 April 2011|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201148131548860250.html|accessdate=9 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110409035352/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201148131548860250.html| archivedate= 9 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

27 anti-government protesters were killed in Daraa and many other were wounded when security forces opened fire with rubber bullets and live rounds to disperse stone-throwing protesters.<ref name=AlJazeera090411/><ref>[http://www.france24.com/en/20110408-syrian-security-forces-shoot-dead-13-protesters Syrian security forces 'shoot dead 13 protesters'], ''[[France 24]]'', 8 April 2011</ref> The clashes started when thousands of prayers staged rallies following the Friday prayers. In a telephone call one of the activists told the news agencies that demonstrators, starting from three mosques, have marched to the city's main court where they were confronted by security forces dressed in civilian clothing.<ref name="BBC Deraa">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13016843 Syrian city of Deraa hit by deadly clashes], ''[[BBC]]'', 8 April 2011</ref> A witness told Reuters he saw "snipers on roofs."<ref name="Reuters Deraa">{{Cite news|title=Friday protests erupt in Arab world,10 die in Syria|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/08/us-mideast-protests-idUSTRE73742420110408|accessdate=8 April 2011|agency=Reuters |date=8 April 2011|location=Sanaa; [[Cairo]]|quote=In Syria security forces killed at least 10 people in the southern city of Deraa as uprising against President Bashar al-Assad flared in several towns, witnesses said.}}</ref> It was also reported that another resident has seen "pools of blood and three bodies" in the Mahatta area of Daraa.<ref name="Reuters Deraa"/> The protesters have also smashed a stone statue of [[Basil al-Assad]], the brother of the current President of the country, and set fire to a [[Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Syria Region|Ba'ath Party]] outpost.<ref name="BBC Deraa"/><ref name="Reuters Deraa"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Syria protesters torch party outpost, smash statue |date=8 April 2011 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/08/cb-syria-protests-statue-idUSLDE7371LA20110408|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> The state-run Syrian Television reported that 19 police officers and members of the security forces have been killed in Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC110408-0001122/20-protesters-killed-in-Syria,-witnesses-say |title=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/08/general-ml-syria_8398670.html Associated Press:Syria says 19 police killed in southern city |publisher=Todayonline.com |accessdate=10 April 2011}}</ref>

At least three people were killed in Damascus's suburb city of Harasta and two people were killed and dozens wounded in [[Homs]], Syria's third largest city.<ref>{{cite news |title=Syria: government troops in violent reaction to fresh protests |date=8 April 2011 |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8438932/Syria-government-troops-in-violent-reaction-to-fresh-protests.html|publisher=Telegraph |location=London |first=Richard |last=Spencer}}</ref> A human rights group said 37 people killed in protests across the country on Friday.<ref name="NYTIMES" />

;9 April

Witnesses in the city of Daraa reported that Syrian security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas at thousands of protesters who had gathered for a mass funeral near a mosque.<ref>{{Cite news|last=al-Khalidi|first=Suleiman|title=Syrian forces fire at mourners after mass funeral|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/09/syria-deraa-violence-idUSLDE7380B120110409|accessdate=9 April 2011|agency=Reuters |date=9 April 2011|location=Amman|quote=They said security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse thousands of Syrians who were chanting freedom slogans, after assembling close to the mosque in the old quarter of the city near the border with Jordan.}}</ref> In Latakia, witnesses said Syrian security forces used live ammunition to disperse hundreds of people who gathered to protest. Another witness said water trucks had been brought in and were hosing down the streets to wash away blood.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Oweis|first=Khaled Yacoub|title=Syrian forces fire at mourners after mass funeral|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/09/us-syria-idUSTRE72N2MC20110409|accessdate=9 April 2011|agency=Reuters |date=9 April 2011|location=Amman|quote=In the early hours of Saturday, Syrian security forces used live ammunition to disperse a pro-democracy protest by hundreds of people in a Sunni district of Latakia, causing scores of injuries and possible deaths, residents said.}}</ref>

==Mid April==
;10 April
The death toll of the previous day's events was up to 26 people in Daraa,{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} 20 in the [[Homs]] neighborhood of Teldo and one in [[Baniyas]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} On 10 April's morning, militiamen alleged to be members of the shabbiha opened fire on demonstrators in front of the main mosquee of Baniyas, killing at least 4. Uprising also took place in Homs, Douma and Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141011216603387.html |title=Deaths reported in fresh Syria violence |publisher=English.aljazeera.net |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110415094227/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141011216603387.html| archivedate= 15 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> 9 soldiers of a unit of the Syrian army were killed in an armed ambush on a road near Baniyas, including two officers, while many others were injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sana.sy/fra/51/2011/04/10/341067.htm |title=Syria news |publisher=Sana.sy |accessdate=15 April 2011}}</ref>

;11 April
Students in the Science faculty of [[Damascus University]], located in the [[Baramkeh]] area in Damascus, began a demonstration in which they chanted for freedom and support of the people in Daraa and [[Baniyas]]. However, the Damascus University Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Mohammad Said Mahasni, denied the reports, and said instead that a number of students gathered in front of the faculty, rejecting attempts of destabilizing Syrian national security, and chanting national slogans and support for Assad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleid=80561 |title=DayPress news: Pressure mounted on Syria |publisher=Dp-news.com |accessdate=15 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH1xkZ-6dgs |title=Rally in support of Mr. Bashar Al-Assad at Damascus University-Faculty of Sciences |work=Youtube |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2011}}</ref> In Baniyas, funerals for the 4 protesters who were shot down by the military led to a new demonstration, and security forces attacked the city until late at night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011411143055997548.html |title=Students rally in Syria's capital over deaths |publisher=English.aljazeera.net |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110415090712/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011411143055997548.html| archivedate= 15 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;12 April
The day started with a confirmation that one student was beaten to death by security forces during the demonstration at Damascus University one day earlier. Witnesses reported that the suburb of Bayda in [[Baniyas]] was surrounded by tanks, and ongoing gunfire by security forces had led to dozens of injuries,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13046990|title=Syria: 'Dozens injured' in Baniyas as arrests continue|publisher=BBC |accessdate=12 April 2011}}</ref> while neither ambulance cars nor necessary food-aid that had been sent from the nearby city [[Tartus]] were allowed to enter the village.

;13 April
Hundreds of women took part in a march demanding the release of 350 men arrested in town of Bayda. Protests also spread to [[Aleppo University]], as security forces and students clashed on the campus of Aleppo's faculty of literature and three students were arrested. In Damascus, about 50 students staged a pro-freedom protest at the faculty of law.<ref name="AJ13AprSyria">{{cite news |title=Syrian protests spread to Aleppo |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141315543918716.html |date=13 April 2011 |accessdate=13 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110414105304/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141315543918716.html| archivedate= 14 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;14 April
Assad announced the release of hundreds of prisoners that were "not involved in criminal acts", and that a new government had been formed (see [[Cabinet of Syria]]). In the coastal city of Baniyas (Banias), the army replaced the secret police. Shortly afterwards, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded another. Assad also met with a delegation from Deraa in his first direct contact with representatives close to the protesters.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13084656 Syria: President Assad forms new government], ''[[BBC News]]'', 14 April 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/syria-president-appoints-new-government-orders-protesters-freed-from-jail Syria president appoints new government, orders protesters freed from jail], Phil Sands, ''[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]'', 15 April 2011</ref>

300 people protested in [[As-Suwayda|Suwayda]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest erupts in Syria's Druze heartland: witness|author=Reporting by Khaled Yacoub Oweis; editing by Janet Lawrence|newspaper=Reuters|date=14 Apr 2011|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/14/us-syria-protests-druze-idUSTRE73D6UN20110414|accessdate=15 Apr 2011}}</ref>

;15 April
On '''"Friday of determination"''' ({{lang-ar|جمعة الإصرار}}), tens of thousands of people held protests in several Syrian cities, including Baniyas, Latakia, Baida, Homs, and [[Deir ez-Zor]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Thousands demand Syria reforms|author=Press Association|date=15 Apr 2011|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jN76aN1xO-jx1SDSM2d3TOIFa8vw?docId=N0611591302874520983A|accessdate=15 Apr 2011}}</ref><ref name="AJ15AprilSyria"/> ''Al Jazeera'' reported that up to 50,000 protesters trying to enter Damascus from the Douma suburb were dispersed by security forces using tear gas, while in the [[Barzeh, Syria|Barzeh]] district of the capital violence erupted when dozens of armed men in plain clothes surrounded about 250 protesters rallying in front of a mosque.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/live-blog-middle-east-protests-april-15 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-04-15 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415103341/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/live-blog-middle-east-protests-april-15 |archivedate=15 April 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> On the other hand, thousands demonstrated in Daraa, but security forces were not visible in the city, as the authorities reportedly allowed the uprising to take place.<ref name="AJ15AprilSyria">{{cite news |title=Thousands take to streets in Syria protests |author=[[Al-Jazeera English]] |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141511585431229.html |date=15 April 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110416111258/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141511585431229.html| archivedate= 16 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

;16 April
Thousands of people marched in Deraa chanting anti-government slogans, while in the Damascus suburb of Douma, 1,500 residents staged a sit-in, demanding the release of 140 people arrested a day earlier.<ref name="Reuters16AprSyria">{{cite news |title=Syria's Assad vows to lift emergency law by next week |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/16/us-syria-idUSTRE72N2MC20110416 |date=16 April 2011 |accessdate=17 April 2011 |work=Reuters}}</ref>

In [[Majdal Shams]] In the Israeli controlled area of the Golan heights, almost 200 people demonstrated in opposition to Assad and the government.<ref>{{cite news|title=200 Druze rally against Assad in Majdal Shams|author=Hagai Einav|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=16 April 2011|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/1,7340,L-4057595,00.html|accessdate=23 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4057638,00.html|title=Druze in Golan rally against Assad|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

On the same day, Assad spoke to the People's Assembly in a televised speech, stating that he expects his government to lift the emergency law the following, and acknowledging there is a gap between citizens and the state, and that government has to "keep up with the aspirations of the people".<ref>{{cite news |title=Syria to lift emergency law |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114161511286268.html |date=16 April 2011 |accessdate=17 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110417110609/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114161511286268.html| archivedate= 17 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Later in the day he welcomed [[Cabinet of Syria|his new cabinet]] with a speech containing more specifics ([http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleid=81032 full text]). He spoke of the importance of reaching "a state of unity, unity between the government, state institutions and the people"; stressed the need for dialogue and consultation in multiple channels, popular support, trust and transparency; explained the interrelatedness of reform and the needs of citizens for services, security and dignity. He stated the first priorities were citizenship for Kurds, lifting the state of emergency in the coming week or at the latest the week after, regulating demonstrations without chaos and sabotage, political party law, local administration law in both structure and elections, and new and modern media law, all with public timeframes. The next topics were unemployment, the economy, rural services, attracting investment, the public and [[private sector]]s, justice, corruption, petty bribery, [[tax reform]] and reducing government waste, followed by tackling government itself with more participation, [[e-government]], decentralization, effectiveness and efficiency, as well as closer cooperation with civil society, mass organizations and trade unions.

;17 April
About 300 protesters took to the streets in Suweida, but were dispersed by security forces. Reportedly, demonstrations also took place in Aleppo, Baniyas, Homs, and [[Hirak, Syria|Hirak]], mostly chanting slogans for political freedom. [[SANA]] reported seizure of a large number of weapons hidden in a lorry coming in from Iraq.<ref>{{cite news |title=Syrians protest despite Assad concessions |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011417131422534165.html |date=17 April 2011 |accessdate=17 April 2011}}</ref> Security forces opened fire on a funeral procession on a highway outside the town of [[Talbiseh]], killing three people. In Homs, clashes between protesters and security forces took place after a tribal leader died in custody. 12 protesters were killed.<ref>http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/syria-city-boiling-after-security-forces-reportedly-kill-12-protesters-1.356647</ref>

;18 April
{{External media
| video1 = {{YouTube|E7eSoRoj8uE|General Tellawi's mutilated body, Homs, Syria, 18 April 2011}}
}}
{{External media
| video1 = {{YouTube|vZ1gd7osPY8|Protests in Homs, Syria, 18 April 2011}}
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A high-ranked officer of the Syrian army; brigadier-general Abdo Kheder al-Tellawi was shot dead by an armed group in Homs along with his 2 children and nephew.<ref>http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=1&articleid=81193 DPnews</ref><ref>http://www.shukumaku.com/Content.php?id=26467</ref> According to the director of the National Hospital of Homs Dr. Ghassan Tannous, the bodies of the victims have been maimed and mutilated with the use of sharp tools.<ref>http://www.albaathmedia.sy/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33795&Itemid= Al-Baath Media</ref>
More than 10,000 demonstrators staged an anti-government sit-in in Homs, and a massive funeral procession for six demonstrators who had been killed also took place in the city. In Baniyas, about 300 children released balloons with slogans calling on Assad to leave power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141817736498882.html|title=Gunfire in locked-down Syrian city|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

Security forces shot dead at least 13 people when dispersing a protest. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that the latest developments in Syria such as the killing of policemen, army soldiers and civilians and terrifying people are all armed mutiny led by extremist Salafi armed groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?articleid=81226&l=2|title=Interior Ministry: Armed Mutiny Led by Salafi Armed Groups cause chaos - English - NEWS - DayPress|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;19 April
A colonel-pilot of the Syrian air forces; Mohammad Abdo Khaddour was shot dead by an armed group in front of his home in Homs.<ref>http://www.aksalser.com/?page=view_articles&id=bb7e3dadb9e7d544400864a504f5fdfb&ar=724862860 AksAlser</ref><ref>http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=1&articleid=81251 DPnews</ref><ref>http://www.shukumaku.com/Content.php?id=26484</ref>
Police forces use combat rounds and tear gas to disperse a sit-in, deaths are confirmed, but their number is unknown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-tIDbGoEwo&feature=feedu|title=Syria gun battle: Police open fire on protesters|first=|last=RT|date=19 April 2011|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref>
Police forces cause 3 deaths after opening fire on a funeral mourning dead protesters. The authorities vowed to "crush any new uprising". A witness reported that the gunfire lasted at least two hours.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/09/501364/main20052465.shtml | work=CBS News | title=Syrian protesters' funeral shot at by police}}</ref>

;20 April
Activists said that 4000 university students protested in Daraa.<ref name=AssociatedPressForbes200411>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/20/general-ml-syria_8426091.html|title=Thousands protest in Syria, brushing off reforms|author=Zeina Karam|date=20 April 2011|agency=Associated Press |work=Forbes|accessdate=20 April 2011}}</ref> Around 20 students protested at the faculty of medicine of [[Aleppo University]] where they were quickly denied and absorbed by a pro-Assad rally.<ref name=AssociatedPressForbes200411/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aksalser.com/?page=view_articles&id=ff814fcac091e846f71f1d025c11f0cb&ar=127219122|title=تجمع صغير يتحول إلى إشكال واحتجاز أكثر من عشرين طالباً بسبب سوء إدارة الأزمة .. القصة الكاملة لما جرى في جامعة حلب - عكس السير دوت كوم|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref><ref>http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=131659 Syria-news</ref>

==Late April==
;21 April
Protesters call for Friday to be their biggest yet, in what they dub as '''"the Great Friday"''' ({{lang-ar|الجمعة العظيمة}}).<ref>{{cite news|title=Amid Crackdown, Big Protest Is Planned in Syria|author=Anthony Shadid|newspaper=The New York Times|date=20 April 2011|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/world/middleeast/21syria.html?_r=1&hpw|accessdate=21 April 2011}}</ref>

;22 April - The Great Friday
For the first time, major demonstrations occurred in [[Damascus]] itself. Other cities where protesting was particularly strong were in [[Daraa]], [[Baniyas]], [[Qamishli]], and [[Homs]].<ref name=Reuters220411>{{cite news|last=Oweis|first=Khaled|title=Almost 90 dead in Syria's bloodiest day of unrest|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/22/us-syria-protests-idUSTRE73L1SJ20110422|accessdate=22 April 2011|newspaper=REUTERS|date=22 April 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110427131621/https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/22/us-syria-protests-idUSTRE73L1SJ20110422| archivedate= 27 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201142203815205988.html|title=Syrians hold 'Great Friday' protests|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref> The Douma and Harasta sections of Damascus were particularly filled with protesters. Firing throughout the country resulted 88 deaths among security forces and protesters, making it the bloodiest day so far.<ref name=Reuters220411/><ref>{{cite news|title=Syria Live Blog – April 22|author=Al Jazeera Staff in Middle East|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 April 2011|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-22}}</ref>

;23 April
Throughout the country, funerals for fallen protesters occurred. Snipers reportedly fired, killing 8 people in Daraa with 5 members of the security forces among them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114231169587270.html|title='Nine killed' at Syria funeral processions|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref><ref>http://www.syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=131797 Syria-news</ref>

;24 April
A Syrian human rights organisation said that 9 civilians were killed in [[Jableh]] by security forces and pro-Assad gunmen.<ref>{{cite news|title=Syrian civilian death toll in Jabla rises to 9|author=Khaled Yacoub Oweis|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 April 2011|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/04/24/uk-syria-jabla-toll-idUKTRE73N2AW20110424|accessdate=25 April 2011}}</ref>

;25 April
Tanks and soldiers entered [[Daraa]] and Douma.<ref name=Reuters250411>{{cite news|title=Syria sends tanks into Deraa where uprising began|author=Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Suleiman al-Khalidi|newspaper=Reuters|date=25 April 2011|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/25/us-syria-idUSLDE73N02P20110425|accessdate=25 April 2011}}</ref><ref name=AlJazeera250411>{{cite news|title=Toll rises as army storms Syrian towns|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=25 April 2011|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011425142513343584.html|accessdate=26 April 2011}}</ref> The border with [[Jordan]] was also closed.<ref name=Reuters250411/><ref name=AlJazeera250411/> According to an activist, 18 people were killed in Daraa.<ref name=AlJazeera250411/>

; 27 April
The army continued its crack down into the 27th of April, and over the span of three days arrested over 500 people. Several dozen died from the raids. The Syrian government intensified their raids using more tanks and brigades. 2 Jordanian civilians were amongst those killed. On 27 April 233 members of the Ba'ath Party, amongst them parliament members, resigned over the violence against protesters and civilians.<ref>http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-27</ref>

; 28 April
It has been confirmed that there are defections from within the Syrian army. Two battalions were sent into Deraa on 25 April, the fourth division and the fifth division. The fifth division refused to open fire on protesters, and there has been gun battles between the fourth and fifth divisions. The fourth division is controlled directly by Maher Assad, Bashar's brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011428182333234775.html|title=Syrian army units 'clash over crackdown'|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

; 29 April
Bashar's forces have cut off Daraa's water supply and electricity several days ago, as well as other cities in Syria. They have confiscated flour and food as well, in an effort to starve the people of Daraa. Activists called for another Friday of protests, dubbed "Solidarity with Daraa day".<ref>http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-april-29</ref>

Protests occurred nationwide including in Damascus in order to show solidarity with Daraa. At least 62 civilians were reported killed, many from Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201142993412242172.html|title=Scores killed on Syria's 'day of rage'|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

; 30 April
The military increased their presence with more tanks and military helicopters. Snipers were positioned on buildings. Tanks began firing indiscriminately on houses, and also destroyed the local mosque. Snipers and military vehicles were also placed in other cities in the country such as Homs. Activists had called for this week, starting this Sunday, to be the "week of breaking the siege of Daraa" with the aim of stopping the siege on Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114309234489989.html|title=Fresh violence hits Syrian town|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

A video taken allegedly shows the dead bodies of protesters from Daraa wrapped in burial cloth and gathered and stored in a refrigerated room, as the people of Daraa are unable to burial them due to the military and sniper presence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZc_z2SK05Y&feature=share|title=جثث الشهداء بالبراد في درعا|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

==Early May==
;1 May
Protesters throughout Syria remained defiant despite intensifying arrests and attacks in Daraa and Douma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/20115191534769149.html|title=Syrian protesters stay defiant amid crackdown|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

The Syrian military continued shelling homes in Daraa with tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newser.com/story/117579/syria-protests-bashar-al-assads-forces-still-shelling-daraa.html|title=Syria Forces Shell Restive Daraa|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;2 May
As the military siege on Daraa continues, Assad's security forces killed 40 civilians the previous day elsewhere in the town of Tel Kalakh. By 2 May, 4000 people crossed the border into Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/robert-fisk-we-will-never-cease-our-struggle-until-we-bring-down-assad-2277704.html |location=London |work=The Independent | title=Robert Fisk: 'We will never cease our struggle until we bring down Assad' | date=2 May 2011}}</ref>

;4 May
The deadly military siege on Daraa continued. Arrests intensified in Damascus, with large protests anticipated for Friday after prayers.<ref>{{cite news|title=SYRIA: Security forces, officials attempt to head off protests| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/05/syria-damascus-uprising-students-freedom-human-rights.html | work=Los Angeles Times | date=4 May 2011}}</ref>

;5 May
Dozens of tanks have been sent to the [[Syria]]n city of [[Homs]] as part of the crackdown.<ref>[http://news.sky.com/skynews/Article/201009115985647 Hundreds Held In Syria Protest Crackdown] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522104535/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Article/201009115985647 |date=22 May 2011 }}</ref> Syrian army tanks raid [[Saqba]] and other suburbs of [[Damascus]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13291358 |work=BBC News | title=Syria: Raid in Damascus suburb as crackdown defied | date=5 May 2011}}</ref> The Syrian army pulled out of Daraa<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ1P4Oa7qV0|title=YouTube|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref> By the end of the day the army prepared to attack Baniyas as it did in Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201155427971631.html|title=Syrian forces tighten grip ahead of protests|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

About 100 tanks and troop transports converged on the town of [[Al-Rastan]], after anti-government protesters toppled a statue of the late Syrian president [[Hafez al-Assad]] and pledged to press ahead with their revolution despite sweeping arrests by [[Bashar al-Assad]]'s government.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/tensions-rise-in-syria-as-ruling-forces-mass-tanks-in-protest-hotbed/story-e6frg6so-1226050230959 | title=Tensions rise in Syria as ruling forces mass tanks in protest hotbed | date=5 May 2011 | work=The Australian}}</ref>

;6 May
Many anti-government protests occurred, starting mainly in the Kurdish Northeast and Damascus suburbs. Baniyas, Homs, and Hama were also among the cities which witnessed large demonstrations. 11 members of the Syrian army were killed by an armed group in Homs as a result of an armed attack on a military checkpoint.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7372876.html|title=Syria mourns 11 soldiers killed by "armed groups": SANA - People's Daily Online|first=|last=F_221|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref> 16 civilians in Homs and Hama were shot dead by security forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/2011566163239760.html|title=More deaths on Syria's 'day of defiance'|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-syria-protests-20110507,0,5413069.story | work=Los Angeles Times | first1=Molly | last1=Hennessy-Fiske | first2=Roula | last2=Hajjar | title=Tens of thousands protest across Syria | date=6 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.antiwar.com/2011/05/06/at-least-30-killed-as-tens-of-thousands-protest-in-syria/|title=At Least 30 Killed as Tens of Thousands Protest in Syria|date=7 May 2011|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;7 May
The Syrian army began a siege on Baniyas, with at least 6 civilians dead on 7 May, among them 4 women.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/20115715242900404.html |title=Deaths reported as Syrian forces storm city |publisher= |accessdate=13 June 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821051255/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/20115715242900404.html |archivedate=21 August 2011 |df= }}</ref>

;8 May
The Syrian army began a siege on Tafas, near Daraa, and arrested at least 250 people there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/20115891758964745.html|title=Syria tightens control over more urban areas|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;9 May
The Syrian army continued its house to house raid on Baniyas, Tafas, Homs. Arrests were ongoing in Damascus as well, where gunfire was heard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201159103011741192.html|title='House-to-house raids' in Syrian cities|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

==Mid May==
;10 May
The Syrian army prepared a siege on Hama, as the siege on Baniyas, Tafas, and Homs, and Damascus continued.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13343540 |work=BBC News | title=Syrian army tanks 'moving towards Hama' | date=10 May 2011}}</ref> The European Union imposed sanctions on 13 government individuals including Maher al-Assad, Bashar's brother, who commands the security brigades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201151083236550487.html|title=Assad's brother tops Syria sanctions list|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref> Kuwait will also replace Syria for bid on membership of the UN human rights council due to Syria's oppression of protesters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/2011510171246332265.html|title=Syria drops bid for UN rights body|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;11 May
In an escalation of the siege on Homs, tanks were sent in and began shelling buildings, with at least 5 killed. Secretary general of the UN Ban Ki-moon demanded that the UN have access to Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/20115117374683547.html|title=Deaths reported as tanks shell Syrian cities|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;12 May
Mass arrests were carried out in Allepo against students who protested. The siege of Homs, Tafas, and Baniyas continued. Tanks were sent towards Hama.<ref>http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-may-12</ref> {{Not a typo|Dael}}, Jassem, and Al-Harah were also under siege by tanks and troops.<ref name="english.aljazeera.net">{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201151362452271960.html|title=Syrian troops 'will not shoot' protesters|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;13 May
Bashar Al-Assad reportedly ordered the Syrian army "not to shoot" at protesters ahead of expected Friday protests.<ref name="english.aljazeera.net"/> Security forces have set up checkpoints and roadblocks all across Syria. Demonstrations first began in Hama and Qamishli and Homs. Towns across the Kurdish northeast protested as Kurds have been intensifying their protests. Thousands rallied in Daraa where security forces fired warning shots. Thousands rallied in Damascus, where police presence was especially large, particularly in the Midan suburb, where thousands of officers were deployed to stop them from entering other parts of Damascus. People tried to protest in Baniyas and Latakia, but were shot at with live ammunition.<ref>http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-may-13</ref>

Three people were shot killed by security forces in Homs, 2 in Damascus, and 1 in Daraa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201151404727674446.html|title=Deaths in Syria despite 'no-shoot order'|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13391828 |work=BBC News | title=Syria protests: 'Six killed' in Homs after prayers | date=13 May 2011}}</ref> Despite the intensified crackdown and massive police and army presence, the strength and the amount of protesters in Damascus appeared to have only increased.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-syria-protests-20110514,0,3212585.story | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Borzou | last=Daragahi | title=Syrian protests, expected to wane, grow stronger | date=13 May 2011}}</ref>

;14 May
The government continued to prevent food from being sent to Daraa, in an effort to starve people into stopping their protests.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2071362,00.html | work=Time | title=Starving the Rebellion: Syria's Brutal Tactics | date=13 May 2011}}</ref> The army launched a siege on Talkalakh, killing four civilians and sending hundreds to seek refugee in Lebanon. Protesting occurred in several cities, including Daraa. Funerals for slain protesters were held in Damascus's suburbs. The Kurds protesting in the north have called on all opposition forces in and out of Syria to unite into one party aiming at transferring Syria from a dictatorship to a democracy.<ref>http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/middle-east/syria-live-blog-may-14</ref>

;16 May
The Syrian army's siege across the country continued, especially in Talkalakh, where 7 civilians were killed by Syrian army snipers when trying to cross the border into Lebanon. By this point 5,000 people had crossed the border intio Lebanon. In Daraa people found a mass grave when they were allowed to walk out of Daraa by security forces, only for a curfew to be put back in when they found the mass grave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201151613739330881.html|title=Syria 'tightens security grip' in border area|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;17 May
The chief of the Politaical Security Forces of Homs and 4 other officers were killed by an armed group in Talkalakh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=132751|title=سيريانيوز :: استشهاد رئيس فرع الأمن السياسي في حمص وأربعة من عناصر الأمن في تلكلخ|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aksalser.com/?page=view_articles&id=7fdcbe9b54cd20c33fe55b7073e0a5a4&ar=896565008|title=مراسل عكس السير : استشهاد رئيس فرع الأمن السياسي في حمص وأربعة عناصر في كمين مسلح - عكس السير دوت كوم|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref><ref>http://www.champress.net/index.php?q=en/Article/view/90620</ref>
The civilian death toll from the Syrian army's siege on Talkalakh risen to 27. Thousands attended funerals for slain protesters in Damascus the previous day. University students attempted to protest in Allepo, but were dispersed by an immense security presence. Activists called for a general strike in Syria starting Wednesday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201151722757252901.html|title='Dozens killed' in Syrian border town|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;19 May
The general strike did not affect Damascus significantly, which is mostly blamed on the fear factor. Other towns saw greater levels of general strike. The USA put up sanctions on six top Syrian government officials, including Bashar al-Assad. As the opposition promised to continue their campaign, shootings and arrests of protesters were ongoing in Syria, as well as the siege and starvation of Talkalakh.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704083904576333243805500306 | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Nour | last=Malas | title=Opposition Deadlocked With Syria's Government | date=20 May 2011}}</ref>

==Late May==
;Friday 20 May,
Over 23 people, including 2 boys, were killed by security forces across Syria. Most of the deaths occurred in Homs. For the first time Assyrian Christians joined protests, in which many were arrested.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201152013723847215.html|title=Syrian protests draw deadly fire|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref> Protesters burned down the Ba'ath headquarters in Abou-Kamal. 4 protesters were killed in the Berze section of Damascus, where security forces surrounded it and shut off its electricity. 9 of the 23 dead protesters were killed in Hama, and another 9 in Kafr Nabal. Qamishli saw large protests by the Kurds. Other cities that saw thousands protest were Hama, Homs, Sanamin, Hassake, Amouda, Ras al-Ain, Tel, Baniyas, and Latakia.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/syria Syria Live Blog - Al Jazeera Blogs]</ref>

;21 May
The death toll from Friday through Saturday rose to 76. Security forces in Homs fired on a funeral procession, killing 22 mourners.<ref>{{cite news|title=SYRIA: Activists raise death toll to 76 in three days of violence [Video]|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/05/syria-activists-up-death-toll-to-76-in-three-days-of-violence.html | work=Los Angeles Times | date=22 May 2011}}</ref> A video released allegedly shows soldiers gathering dead bodies of Syrian protesters and mocking them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZULHxzmrYE|title=Syrian Army showing off bodies of dead civilians in Daraa|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;24 May
Human rights groups say the civilian death toll has reached over 1,100. They also confirmed that soldiers who refused to fire on civilians were executed by the Syrian army.<ref>http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/syria-rights-group-1-100-civilians-killed-since-start-of-uprising-1.363793</ref>
A large number of opposition groups are reportedly planning to meet in Turkey at the end of the month; to attempt to elect a transitional council, connect with protesters inside the country, and present the international community with a clear alternative to Assad.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13529923 |work=BBC News | title=US policy on Syria 'depends on success in Libya' | date=24 May 2011}}</ref>

;25 May
[[Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb]]'s tortured lifeless body was delivered to his family with three gunshot wounds, his genitals cut off & bruises all over. Hamza was a 13 years old Syrian boy, he lived with his parents in a village called “Al Jeezah” or “Al Giza” in Daraa governorate. He joined his family in a rally to break the siege of the city of Daraa. He was detained among hundreds of Syrian during the massacre of Siada, where citizens of Deraa were randomly killed by Syrian security forces. Hamza was detained amongst hundreds. According to his autopsy he was shot down after cutting his genitals. The chief of Syria's medical examiners association Dr. Akram El-Shaar denying that Hamza was tortured, claimed that he supervised the autopsy in Damascus and that the boy did not have any sign of torture. Also claiming that all signs of disfigurement were due to decay.<ref name="egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com">{{cite web|url=http://egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/we-are-all-hamza-ali-el-khatib-syrias.html|title=Egyptian Chronicles: We are all Hamza Ali El-Khatib , Syria’s Khalid Said "Extremely Graphic"|first=|last=Zeinobia|date=28 May 2011|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>

;26 May
Protesters plan to launch more large demonstrations Friday. This Friday dubbed, '''Honor to the Guardians''', will focus on asking the Syrian army to defend its people rather than its government.<ref>http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/syria-opposition-calls-on-army-to-join-uprising-against-assad-1.364258/</ref>

;27 May
Protests occurred throughout the country. A total of 7 protesters died. Cities where several thousand protested in each included Baniyas, Berze, Qatana, Deir al-Zur, Zabadani, {{Not a typo|Dael}}, Daraa, Ablu Kamal, and Homs. Tens of thousands protested in Hama.<ref name="blogs.aljazeera.net">[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/Syria Syria Live Blog - Al Jazeera Blogs]</ref>

In the Daraa area, a 13-year-old boy by the name of Hamza al-Khateeb was detained by Syrian security forces, tortured, had his genitalia cut off, and then killed by them breaking his neck. His body shows copious signs of burn and whip markings, as well as bullet holes in each arm.<ref name="egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com"/><ref name="blogs.aljazeera.net"/>

;30 May 14 civilians were killed in Syria by security forces, including a young girl. Cities and towns in the Daraa and Homs region saw the most intense protests. In response the Syrian army launched attacks and sieges on many towns and villages in the Homs and Daraa region, especially near Homs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/2011531026507510.html|title=UN rights chief decries Syrian 'brutality'|publisher=|accessdate=13 June 2016}}</ref>


==Deaths==
==Deaths==
{{Expand section|date=July 2012}}
{{Expand section|date=July 2012}}
;May - [[Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb]], murder victim (born [[1997 in Syria|1997]])
* 25 May – [[Hamza Ali Al-Khateeb]], murder victim (born 1997)


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:50, 12 May 2023

←

2011
in
Syria

→

Decades:
See also:Other events of 2011
List of years in Syria

The following lists events that happened during 2011 in Syria.

Incumbents

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Events

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For events related to the Civil War, see Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (January–April 2011), Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (May–August 2011) and Timeline of the Syrian Civil War (September–December 2011)

July

Deaths

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References

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  1. ^ "Bashar al-Assad Fast Facts". CNN. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  2. ^ De Rosa, Anthony. "Syria al-Shaab manages to broadcast under fire". Reuters. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
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