According to reports, the british based Syrian observatory for human rights said about 745 civilian alawites thought to be loyal to former president Bashar al-Assad were killed in around 30 massacres on Friday and Saturday, and a total of more than a thousand people have been killed over the past two days in the worst surge of violence since Mr Assad was removed in December. Reportedly, alawites of which Bashar al-Assad is a member are an offshoot of shia islam, they make up 10% of the population which is predominantly sunni muslim. According to the report the conflict includes troops loyal to Mr Assad, who attacked government forces which resulted in revenge killing. Reportedly, the new government has blamed individual actions for the violence, and hundreds of people have fled their homes, some going to Lebanon.
According to reports, 125 security force members of Syria’s new sunni muslim government and 148 pro-Assad troops have been killed in the conflict as the government fought for control. Reportedly, large crowds gathered outside a Russian military base in Latakia chanting, People want russian protection.
According to a report, the u.n.’s special envoy to Syria called on all sides to refrain from actions which could destabilise the country and jeopardise a credible and inclusive political transition.