The announcement comes after a day of sectarian clashes that killed dozens of people and after a state-run news agency reported that Israel had launched a strike in the area.

Syria's Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said in a statement: "After an agreement with the city's notables and dignitaries, we will respond only to the sources of fire and deal with any targeting by outlaw groups."

The clashes were sparked by a series of retaliatory kidnappings and attacks between members of local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions in the southern province, a centre of the Druze community.

Government security forces that were sent in on Monday to restore order also clashed with Druze armed groups. During the day, Israel struck a Syrian government military tank and said it was acting to protect the Druze religious minority.

The state-run news agency did not provide details about Tuesday’s strike. However, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel targeted a Syrian military tank as government forces advanced further into Sweida city. The Israeli military has not yet commented.

On Tuesday, Druze religious leaders in Syria asked armed groups in Sweida to surrender their weapons and cooperate with the government. However, one main Druze leader later withdrew the statement, accusing the government of breaking promises and attacking civilians.

Tensions grew between Druze fighters and government forces, resulting in recent violence that sparked fears of rising sectarian conflict, especially after earlier attacks killed hundreds of people.