Syria’s military entered a stronghold for the Druze community in the country’s south on Tuesday, the government said, reigniting fears of attacks against minorities and triggering renewed Israeli strikes on the forces dispatched by Damascus.

Injured government soldiers and civilians were treated after Syrian troops moved into the city of Sweida and surrounding areas after clashes broke out between Druze militiamen and Sunni Bedouin tribes...

Fighting between different minority groups has escalated since the collapse of the Assad regime in December.

Sectarian fighting persisted in southern Syria on Tuesday, adding to a death toll that after three days of clashes has exceeded 160 people, according to observer groups.

Syria 's defence minister announced a ceasefire shortly after government forces entered a key city in Sweida province on Tuesday.