Violence has flared in Syria for two days, claiming over 1,000 lives. The conflict began with clashes between government forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad, followed by revenge killings targeting members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect.
According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 745 civilians were killed in shootings from close distance, while 125 government security force members and 148 militants affiliated with Assad were also slain. The death toll has multiplied since Saturday morning, when bodies of people killed in revenge attacks were laid to rest in a mass grave.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos, with gunmen targeting Alawites in the streets or at their homes. Residents have fled to nearby mountains for safety, fearing further violence. The government blames “individual actions” for the widespread violence, but analysts warn that the crisis could destabilize the country’s new government.
France has expressed concern over the violence and urged the Syrian interim authorities to conduct independent investigations into the crimes. The international community must protect Alawites who are loyal citizens of their country, says Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/syria-alawites-sectarian-killings-coast-assad-hts-610cdee1d5762d3ecb75c700fb7cf5f2