Damascus: A surge of violence has rocked Syria's coastal regions, with reports alleging that Syrian security forces have massacred hundreds of civilians belonging to the Alawite minority group.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claims that around 745 civilians have been killed in approximately 30 "massacres" targeting Alawites over the past two days.

The violence has resulted in a massive displacement of people, with hundreds fleeing their homes in the region, a stronghold of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, who also belongs to the Alawite sect.

The SOHR reports that over 1,000 people have been killed in the past 48 hours, including dozens of government troops and pro-Assad fighters.

The Syrian Defence Ministry has denied the allegations, stating that the government has re-established control after "treacherous attacks" against its security personnel.

However, the UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed deep concern over the reports of civilian casualties, calling on all sides to refrain from actions that could destabilize the country.

The Alawite community, which makes up around 10 per cent of Syria's population, has been left in a state of horror, with many seeking refuge at a Russian military base in Latakia.

Dozens of families have also fled to neighbouring Lebanon, according to local media.

The international community has condemned the violence, with the European Union and Germany calling for an immediate investigation into the reports of targeted killings.

The United Nations has also urged all parties involved to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.