BEIRUT - A Syrian activist group says fighting between regime troops and rebels in the south has killed one and wounded at least five soldiers.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the clashes broke out early Friday in the town of Jassem in the southern province of Daraa.

The 10-month conflict in Syria has grown more militarized as army defectors joined the uprising against President Bashar Assad and formed a guerrilla force, protecting protesters but also attacking regime troops.

The UN estimated in January that at least 5,400 people have been killed in the crackdown.

Activists have called for nationwide protests after Friday prayers to mark the 30th anniversary of the Syrian regime's assault on the central city of Hama that killed thousands.