Over 600 killed in Syria's violent power struggle

More than 600 people have died in Syria amid clashes between new Islamist rulers and supporters of the former Assad regime. The violence erupted after the Islamist group, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, took power in December. Since Thursday, about 428 civilians from the Alawite minority have reportedly been killed. The new government has launched a major counter operation, using helicopters and drones, in response to attacks from pro-Assad forces. Syria's state news agency reports that government forces have regained control of many areas after the violence. Security forces are actively searching for remaining militants in the region.