'Thousands' In Syrian Streets To Demand Assad Exit

Syrian youths attend a sit-in in Damascus on June 29 to honor victims of the recent violence.

Tens of thousands of Syrians have taken to the streets to demand the end of President Bashar al-Assad's 11-year rule, according to activists quoted by international news agencies.

Those activists described masses of people shouting "Leave!" as they marched through the streets in cities throughout the country.

Also on July 1, rights groups say government troops killed three people during skirmishes in the country's north overnight.

Rights activists say 1,400 people have been killed in long-running clashes between security forces and antigovernment protesters.

compiled from agency reports