The sectarian violence involving Islamist factions, security forces and Druze gunmen is another sign of the fragile security situation.

Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri has harshly criticized Syria's government for what he called an "unjustified genocidal attack" during deadly sectarian fighting in Druze-majority areas south of Damascus this week.

Israel said it carried out a strike in Syria against “an extremist group” that attacked members of the Druze community, following through on a promise to defend the minority group after deadly sectarian violence spread near Damascus on Wednesday.