Neighbouring Israel again launched strikes on Syrian military forces, saying it was protecting the Druze minority. PIC/ AFP
The latest escalation under Syria's new leaders began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions in the southern province, a centre of the Druze community
Syrian government forces, sent to restore order on Monday, also clashed with Druze armed groups
On Tuesday, Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said an agreement was struck with the city's notables and dignitaries and that government forces would respond only to the sources of fire and deal with any targeting by outlaw groups
However, scattered clashes continued after his announcement, as did allegations that security forces had committed violations against civilians
Syria's Interior Ministry said Monday that more than 30 people had been killed, but has not updated the figures since
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