Reports from human rights and advocacy groups said up to six people were killed and a number of others wounded in the incident.

An eyewitness who did not want his named used for safety reasons said security forces shot into the crowd in front of the Al Omari Mosque before daybreak. He also said he heard an explosion.

Syrian state TV, however, said armed groups had attacked security forces, killing a doctor, a medical assistant and an ambulance driver.

The violence comes a day after Syrian authorities arrested a prominent rights leader as anti-government demonstrations continue throughout the country's south.

On March 21, protesters marched in Daraa after they buried the body of a protester who was killed on March 20 in clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces.

The protests came the same day a delegation from President Bashar al-Assad offered "condolences to the families of the two martyrs who died during the unfortunate events which took place in Daraa on Friday," according to SANA, the Syrian news agency.

Local tribal leaders have said they rejected a government proposal to bring about calm and have put together a list of demands including asking that the head of the local police and governor of Daraa be held accountable for the civilian casualties since March 19.