Washington, April 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) US President Barack Obama has condemned the Syrian authorities for using force to quell nationwide protests against Bashar Assad's regime.

Western media has circulated reports claiming that at least 88 people were killed Friday across the country after security forces opened fire and used teargas against demonstrators who demanded political freedoms and an end to corruption.

"The US condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of force by the Syrian government against demonstrators," Obama said in a statement Friday. "This outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end now."

Syrian mass protests started in Daraa on the border with Jordan March 18. They were prompted by the arrest of a group of school students who wrote anti-government mottos on walls.

The unrest later spread to other Syrian regions.

At least 300 people have been killed in protests and clashes that have erupted in the country since mid-March, as per Syrian opposition.

In response to the protests, Assad formed a new government, promised a score of political and economic reforms, and even lifted on Tuesday the almost five-decade long state of emergency in the country.

However, these measures failed to pacify the opposition prompting the government to resort to violence in dealing with the protesters.