The UN human rights office reports that at least 111 civilians, including entire families, were killed in recent violence in Syria’s coastal region, though the true toll is probably much higher. Predominantly Alawite towns (most Alawites were supporters of the overthrown president Bashar al-Assad) were targeted in apparent sectarian attacks, following an ambush on 7 March which killed thirteen security personnel. Alawite gunmen retaliated by storming villages, executing civilians, looting, and even attacking hospitals. The UN verified the deaths of 90 men, 18 women, and three children: however, one monitoring group has said that 1,225 civilians, most of them Alawites, have been killed.This marks the worst violence since Assad was ousted in December, ending a 13-year civil war which claimed 600,000 lives. The UN has urged thorough investigations, while Syria’s new government has pledged accountability. An independent committee is gathering evidence to bring perpetrators to justice.