Syria unrest: 'At least 13' die in protests

Protesters have been holding regular protests since March, despite a government crackdown

At least 13 people were killed across Syria after protesters returned to the streets following Friday prayers, activists said.

Most of the deaths were in the central city of Homs, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The death of Libya's Col Gaddafi was said to help galvanise activists, who regularly protest after Friday prayers.
Protesters are demanding an end to the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a transition to democracy.
More than 3,000 people - mostly unarmed demonstrators - have been killed since the revolt began in March, the UN says.
'Your turn' The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 10 of the deaths took place in Syria's third city, Homs, according to AFP news agency.
"Ten martyrs were killed in Homs, the revolutionary capital of Syria, including eight who took part in mass protests across the majority of the city's neighbourhoods," the group said in a statement cited by AFP.
Two civilians were shot dead ahead of the protest by security forces manning a checkpoint in Bab al-Sibaa, it said.
Homs, a city of one million, has been a focal point for unrest since demonstrations began.
Others were reportedly killed in Deraa and Hama, AFP cited the group as saying.
There has been no independent confirmation of the latest deaths.
Foreign journalists are severely restricted in Syria and information is tightly controlled by the government.
"Gaddafi is finished. It's your turn now Bashar!" shouted demonstrators in the town of Maaret al-Numaan in the northwestern province of Idlib, one witness told Reuters news agency.
In the town of Qusair near the Lebanese border, Syrian forces closed all mosques to prevent people from gathering, AP reports.
Syria has faced mounting international condemnation for its violent response to protesters, including being the subject of US and EU sanctions.
On Sunday, the Arab League called for talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces to take place within 15 days.
Arab foreign ministers at an emergency meeting in Egypt decided not to suspend Syria from the organisation.
Damascus has expressed reservations about the plan although correspondents say it is beginning to feel the pressure as criticism increases.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have already withdrawn their ambassadors from Syria in protest.