Alawites face violence and killings from Sunni militants

Clashes erupted in Syria's Alawite heartland as new security forces confront Assad loyalists, leading to over 1,000 deaths, mostly civilians. The violence marks a significant escalation since the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. The Alawite community, previously favored under Assad's rule, is now facing attacks from Sunni militants. Rights groups report widespread revenge killings, targeting Alawites regardless of their involvement in the insurgency. Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa announced an independent committee to investigate the violence. Despite efforts to restore calm, the situation remains tense, with ongoing clashes and significant civilian casualties reported.