Over 1,000 civilians killed in Syrian violence

Violence erupted in coastal Syria, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, mostly civilians. The clashes involved gunmen supporting the government and the Alawite minority loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Bodies were left unburied on roads, and reports emerged of women being paraded naked before being killed. Security forces have since regained control and initiated funerals for the deceased. Authorities closed roads to restore stability in the region. The government condemned the violence and urged security forces to avoid revenge killings.