The Druze are a prominent religious community of more than a million people spread across Syria, Lebanon and Israel, who for centuries have sought to preserve a distinct identity.In Syria, Druze fighters have clashed both with neighbouring Bedouin tribes and with forces loyal to the Islamist government,

At least 135 people have been killed at the Druze-majority city of As-Sweida since Sunday and many others humiliated by the assailants. The

Dozens of people have been killed in armed clashes between Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias in southern Syria, according to local media reports. The violence erupted in the predominantly Druze city in the province of Suweida on Sunday, two days after a Druze merchant was reportedly abducted on the highway to Damascus.

Israel launched strikes on Syrian forces in southwestern Syria, emphasizing protection for the Druze minority amid ongoing conflicts. The clashes highlight challenges facing interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and sectarian distrust.

The mainly Druze residents of the Syrian city of Sweida had hoped the arrival of government forces on Tuesday would spell an end to deadly sectarian clashes with local Bedouin tribes.

A leading Druze spiritual leader accused the Syrian leadership in Damascus of bombarding the southern city of Sweida despite having reached an agreement to quell violence, and he called on fighters to confront Syrian troops entering the city.

Samaria Council Head Yossi Dagan urges Israeli government to increase military action, until massacre of Druze community stops, stressing Israel’s role as a regional power protecting its loyal allies.

The Syrian government deployed its forces in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, in a bid by the Islamist authorities to extend their power to the area controlled by local armed groups.