Sporadic rallies have taken place this week in villages around the southwestern city, where protesters blocked roads and dozens rallied in the main square of the city to demand a halt to the cuts in subsidies that followed gasoline price hikes in recent months.
Residents blame growing discontent within the ranks of those who stood with President Bashar Al Assad during the conflict on rampant corruption and worsening inequalities.
Witnesses said hundreds of security forces were seen arriving in buses from Damascus as activists urged people to take to the streets.
