The number of civilians killed in clashes between the security forces of the new Syrian authorities and armed groups loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad in the west of the country has risen from 830 to 973 overnight, Lebanese newspaper Al Nahar reports.

The dead include women and children, the number of whom, however, is not specified.

Most of the casualties are from the Alawite community, which makes up 12 percent of the population in Syria.

Security forces have regained control over the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus provinces, but clashes continue in the mountainous regions.

More than 250 militants have been killed in the military operation that began on March 6. The armed forces supporting the new Syrian authorities have lost 231 fighters.