DAMASCUS, Syria, April 17 (UPI) -- Fresh demonstrations broke out across Syria Sunday, and the Internet and mobile networks were shut off in Damascus, activists said.
Protesters clashed with Assad regime supporters in the southern town of As Suwaida, a witness told The Washington Post, and demonstrators marched in previously quiet Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, and many other towns.
Sunday's marches also marked the 65th anniversary of Syria's independence from France, and clashes broke out at a shrine to national hero Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash in As Suwaida, a protester named Alaa said. Ten people were reported injured there, two seriously.
A rally was planned the Damascus suburb of Douma, but the Internet and cell phone networks were cut off there, activists said.
The Web site Day Press News said the Damascus Declaration Group used social media networks to call for the demonstrations across the country.
Meanwhile, customs officials said they stopped a truck at the Iraqi border and discovered firearms and ammunition hidden inside.
The seizure at the al-Tanf crossing was the latest interception of weapons being smuggled into Syria, the government said.
Sunday was also Palm Sunday for Syria's Christians; however, the traditional marches were not held and the faithful kept their celebrations indoors, Day Press News said.
