Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government responded by deploying forces to the city. Druze residents of Suweida told the BBC they had witnessed "barbaric acts" as gunmen - government forces and foreign fighters - attacked people. Israel targeted these forces, saying they were acting to protect the Druze.

The Druze spiritual leadership in Syria were at the heart of a negotiated ceasefire agreement, which permits Druze civilians living in and around Suweida city, to leave on safe routes and ensures government security forces prevent Bedouin fighters from entering the area.

Renewed violence in Syria between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes is threatening to deepen divisions in a country recuperating from a civil war.