Reports indicate that Syrian security forces have allegedly killed hundreds of civilians belonging to the Alawite minority group in ongoing violence along the country’s coast. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claims that approximately 745 civilians were killed in approximately 30 “massacres” targeting Alawites on Friday and Saturday. BBC News has been unable to independently verify these claims. The violence has prompted hundreds of people to flee their homes in the region, which is a stronghold of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, who also belongs to the Alawite sect. According to the SOHR, over 1,000 people have been killed in the past two days, making this the worst violence in Syria since rebels overthrew the Assad regime in December. This includes dozens of government troops and gunmen loyal to Assad, who have been engaged in clashes in the coastal Latakia and Tartous provinces since Thursday. The Syrian defense ministry has stated that the government has regained control following “treacherous attacks” against their security personnel. The violence has left the Alawite community in a state of horror, with hundreds reportedly fleeing affected areas. Many have sought refuge at a Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia, chanting “people want Russian protection” outside the base. Additionally, dozens of families have fled to neighboring Lebanon. The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed deep concern over the reports of civilian casualties and has called on all sides to refrain from actions that could destabilize the country and hinder a credible and inclusive political transition. The Alawites, an offshoot of Shia Islam, make up approximately 10% of Syria’s population, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crknjgrd3geo