A commander, Ezzeddine al-Shamayer, told Agence France-Presse the forces “are heading 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.

But Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, one of the three Druze spiritual leaders in Sweida, expressed his “rejection of the entry” of security forces into the province, demanding “international protection”.

The strikes were “a clear warning to the Syrian regime — we will not allow harm to be done to the Druze in Syria”, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz posted 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.