Syrian security forces have allegedly killed hundreds of Alawite civilians in ongoing violence along the country’s coastal regions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The UK-based war monitoring group reported that 745 civilians were killed in 30 massacres targeting the Alawite minority on Friday and Saturday.

SOHR estimates that more than 1,000 people were killed over two days, marking the worst violence in Syria since Assad’s regime was overthrown in December.

The reported death toll includes:
125 members of government security forces
148 pro-Assad fighters

Syrian government troops and loyalist militias have been engaged in fierce battles with Islamist-led government forces since Thursday, fueling an escalation in sectarian violence.

A Syrian Defense Ministry spokesman, quoted by state-run Sana news agency, claimed that government forces had regained control after “treacherous attacks” on its security units.

However, the worsening conflict has left many Alawite communities in fear.

Large crowds of Alawite civilians have reportedly sought refuge at a Russian military base in Hmeimim, Latakia, according to Reuters.

Footage shared by the news agency showed dozens of people chanting:

“People want Russian protection” outside the base.

Meanwhile, local media report that dozens of families have fled to Lebanon, seeking safety from the violence.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed deep concern over the “very troubling reports” of mass civilian casualties.

“I urge all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize Syria further and hinder a credible and inclusive political transition,” Pedersen said.

The Alawite minority, a Shiite offshoot sect, makes up around 10% of Syria’s population, which is majority Sunni Muslim. The latest wave of violence has heightened fears of sectarian conflict, raising concerns about Syria’s fragile stability.