What we know about the deadly violence in Syria

A Syrian military operation against remnants of the former Assad regime has now ended, having sparked some of the worst violence seen in the country in years.

A Syrian military operation against remnants of the former Assad regime has now ended, having sparked some of the worst violence seen in the country in years. Hundreds of people have been killed in the crackdown and fighting between the security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad since Thursday. What began as clashes between armed groups loyal to Assad and forces loyal to the new Syrian regime quickly spiraled into communal killings, with a war monitor saying at least 779 people had been killed. Eyewitness testimonies and video verified by CNN showed government loyalists carrying out field executions, with some speaking of “purifying” the country. Here’s what we know about the bloodshed. The violence erupted in the heartland of former ruler Assad, where the Alawite leader drew most of his support.