The violence broke out on Thursday, three months after the insurgent-led government seized power, bringing an end to Assad’s reign. The casualties included 745 civilians, 125 members of the Syrian security forces and 148 fighters loyal to Assad.

Once empowered by the regime, many Alawites now face reprisals from rebel factions and displaced Sunni populations who suffered under Assad's rule.

Alawites, a Shia sect, ruled Syria for decades under the Assads. Now, after Bashar al-Assad's fall, they face violence as sectarian tensions escalate in the war-torn country