Syrian security forces fired gunshots in the air to disperse rival protests in response to clashes between pro-government demonstrators and those mourning dead civilians after reported mass killings of Alawites. Activists had organized a silent protest in Damascus to mourn the victims, resulting in confrontations with counter-protesters chanting anti-Alawite slogans. The violence escalated, with hundreds killed in attacks targeting the Alawite minority, clashes between security forces and pro-Assad fighters, and the fiercest violence since rebels toppled Assad on December 8.
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