At least 1,000 Alawites, including children, have been killed over the past few days, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – the BBC has not been able to independently verify the death toll

Syria’s presidency has announced the creation of a new committee to investigate the attacks

The violence began after loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad – whose regime was toppled last December – ambushed government forces on Thursday

The Alawites are a minority sect of Shia Muslims, from which the Assad family originates. UN urges Syria to act fast to protect people as hundreds of civilians killed.Summary
The UN is urging Syria’s interim leaders to take “swift action to protect Syrians” following a wave of violence against the Alawite community
At least 1,000 Alawites, including children, have been killed over the past few days, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – the BBC has not been able to independently verify the death toll
Syria’s presidency has announced the creation of a new committee to investigate the attacks
The violence began after loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad – whose regime was toppled last December – ambushed government forces on Thursday
The Alawites are a minority sect of Shia Muslims, from which the Assad family originates