UN urges Syria to act fast to protect people as hundreds of civilians killed

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.

Source: BBC