Syria witnesses its deadliest violence since Assad’s ouster, with over 1,000 killed. The conflict between Sunni-led government forces and Alawite fighters escalates amid sectarian reprisals and international concern.

A monitoring group says 973 civilians have been killed in revenge attacks against the Alawite sect since Thursday.

A Syrian security source said the pace of fighting had slowed around Latakia, Jabla and Baniyas, while forces searched surrounding mountainous areas where an estimated 5,000 pro-Assad insurgents were hiding.