Syrian Forces Kill Protesters in Rare Alawite Demonstrations

Syrian security forces shot and killed three people during protests in the coastal city of Baniyas, a war monitor reported. The demonstrations were held by members of Syria's Alawite sect. The protests began after an attack on an Alawite mosque this past Friday. Demonstrations then spread to several cities. State media said security forces intervened to separate two clashing groups of protesters. However, the monitor stated the three individuals were killed by direct fire from government forces. The Alawite sect forms the base of support for President Bashar al-Assad's government. Public protests within this community are extremely rare in Syria's 13-year civil war.