NEW : Syrian forces open fire on anti - al - Assad protesters across Syria , Syrian media reports . Lebanese PM Mikati is staying in Damascus , despite his offer to leave . Under Assad , Syria has continued to influence the politics of its smaller neighbor despite withdrawing troops from Lebanon in 2005 following Rafik Hariri 's assassination . Mikati is backed by Syria . Blame over Lebanese intel chief 's death is largely aimed at Syrian government .
NEW : Syrian forces open fire on anti - al - Assad protesters across Syria , Syrian media reports . Lebanese PM Mikati is staying in Damascus , despite his offer to leave . Mikati is backed by Syria . Blame over Lebanese intel chief 's death is largely aimed at Syrian government .