A leader, Ezzeddine al-Shamayer, informed Agence France-Presse that the forces “are advancing toward Sweida” city.

Syria’s defence ministry says “outlawed groups” have attacked government security forces. Source: AP / Ghaith Alsayed

In a statement, Syria’s interior ministry declared “army and internal security forces have moved closer to the centre” of Sweida province.

Nonetheless, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual figure in Sweida, voiced his “opposition to the deployment” of security forces into the region, demanding “international protection”.

The strikes served as “a clear warning to the Syrian regime — we will not tolerate harm to the Druze in Syria,” Israeli defense minister Israel Katz stated on X.

Fear of massacres

Following deadly clashes with government forces in April and May, local and religious leaders reached an agreement with Syria under which Druze fighters have been providing security in the province.