At least 1,383 civilians have been killed in the recent wave of violence in Syria's coastal region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Wednesday.

The violence erupted on March 6, triggered by coordinated attacks by armed groups loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad on security forces in the coastal Latakia province, which killed at least 16 security personnel, according to Syria's Defense Ministry.

The violence quickly escalated into broader sectarian clashes, predominantly targeting Alawite-majority towns and villages, UN Human Rights Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said on Tuesday.

He added that initial investigations suggest perpetrators included fighters aligned with Syria's interim authorities as well as pro-Assad factions. The Alawite community is a minority sect that dominated Syria's power structures under Assad.

The Britain-based observatory has documented at least 1,383 civilian deaths so far, cautioning against improper burial procedures as the scale of violence strains local capacity to manage the crisis.

It added that the toll would likely rise as more bodies were found, with the latest deaths recorded in the provinces of Latakia, Tartous, and Hama.

On Sunday, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa ordered the formation of an independent national committee to investigate the violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The committee is required to complete its mission within 30 days.

On Monday, the Defense Ministry announced the conclusion of its military operation in the coastal region, confirming in a statement that all "strategic objectives" had been achieved, with security restored, hostile elements neutralized or repelled, and key infrastructure safeguarded.