Syrian security forces fired teargas on Friday to disperse a pro-democracy protest in the historic Midan district of Damascus, a witness said.

"The 'amn' (security) fired the tear gas from a flyover overlooking Midan. They were over 2,000 protesters and now hundreds have re-grouped," the witness told Reuters by phone as the chant "the people want the overthrow of the regime" was audible in the background.

Midan, a district just outside the wall boundaries of Old Damascus, was heavily bombed by French colonial forces during the 1925-1926 Great Syrian Revolt against French rule.