BEIRUT: Several protests and rallies are expected to be held across parts of the country Friday in support of Syrians calling for reforms in their country, security sources told The Daily Star.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the demonstrations were likely to be held in the north, east, south and the capital, Beirut.

All protests would likely take place following Friday prayers, they added.

Two protests are likely to be held in the northern coastal city of Tripoli, where weekly protests have taken place against the crackdown by Damascus on Syrians calling for the departure of President Bashar Assad.

Following Friday prayers, protests are likely to launch following prayers at Al-Mansouri al-Kabir mosque as well as the Hamza mosque in Qibbeh.

A demonstration in support of Syrians, who have since March been calling for reforms in the tightly controlled state, will also take place in the northern area of Wadi Khaled.

The Bekaa will likely witness three protests: one to be launched following prayers at Ali ibn Abi Taleb mosque, Saadnayel, West Bekaa; one following prayers at Saad bin Maaz mosque, Khirbet Rouha, Rashaya; and one after prayers at Qab Elias Al-Kabir mosque.

In the south, a protest is expected to follow prayers at Saad bin Maaz mosque, east of Sidon, while a demonstration is expected to launch from Sahat al-Imam mosque in al-Tariq al-Jadideh, Greater Beirut.

The sources said security services were taking measures to monitor and ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful.