Syrian government forces sent reinforcements to the region in the country's south, saying it wants to restore security. In response, Israel launched attacks on Syrian government forces moving towards Sweida, saying it is protecting the Druze minority, some of whom are known to have been loyal to Israel.

Syrian officials and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after days of violent clashes, but Israel has continued its airstrikes after intervening.

Israel carried out a series of powerful strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus Wednesday, escalating a campaign it says is in support of an Arab minority group involved in deadly clashes with Syrian government forces.