Syria On Boil: Over 1,000 Dead As Alawite Minority Targeted In 'Revenge Killings' By Current Regime

More than 1,000 people have been killed in one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence in Syria, as clashes erupted between security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, according to the Associated Press.

The violence broke out on Thursday after gunmen supporting the current government launched "revenge killings" against the Alawite minority, which had been loyal to former President Assad.

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While the situation has temporarily calmed, the government has regained control over most areas. Authorities have shut down all roads leading to the coastal region, where the violence has been most intense, in an effort to restore stability.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 745 civilians lost their lives in the clashes, many of them shot at close range. Additionally, 125 government security personnel and 148 militants affiliated with Assad were killed.

Alawites Targeted Amid Power Shift

Under Assad's rule, Alawites held high-ranking positions in the military and other areas of power. However, since the new regime took control three months ago, the Alawite community has repeatedly faced violent reprisals due to their past association with the former president.

Electricity and Water Cut Off

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that electricity and drinking water have been cut off in several Alawite-majority areas of Latakia, exacerbating the crisis.

Residents of Alawite villages told AP that many homes belonging to community members had been looted and set ablaze.

Lebanese politician Haidar Nasser, who represents the Alawite sect in Lebanon's parliament, confirmed that many Alawites were fleeing Syria for Lebanon to seek safety.

Women Paraded Naked Before Being Killed

Eyewitnesses told the Associated Press that in shocking scenes of violence, women were reportedly stripped and paraded naked in the streets before being shot dead.

In Baniyas, one of the worst-affected towns, bodies were seen lying on roads and rooftops, as gunmen prevented civilians from burying them for an extended period.

"It was very, very bad. Bodies were on the streets," said one resident, quoted by AP, as they fled their town after witnessing gunmen killing indiscriminately and setting fire to homes and cars.