VIDEO - The political and information adviser to President Bashar Assad, Bouthaina Shaaban, told BBC Arabic Saturday there were "foreign schemes" aimed at destabilizing Syria and that a number of foreign nationals had been detained, BBC reported. She also blamed Palestinians for turmoil in Latakia.

Meanwhile, youtube videos showing dozens of protestors shot by security forces in Al-Sanamayn and Daraa continue to surface.

Security forces use live ammunition against protestors

Shaaban tried to downplay the mass protests in Daraa involving thousands of demonstrators and told the BBC there were only small groups of 10-15 protestors rallying in Syrian cities.

She blamed foreign elements of firing at protestors in an attempt to ignite a civil war.

Hard-to-watch video showing casualties in Al-Sanamayn

Shaaban noted that Syrian security forces arrested a Syrian citizen and an Algerian citizen in Damascus as well as five Lebanese citizens in Homs who incited Syrians to hold protests.

She added their identities could only be exposed after an investigation is completed.

Assad's advisor claimed that Palestinians from the Al-Ramel refugee camp attacked stores in Latakia in an effort to ignite a civil war.