The Syrian defense minister announced a ceasefire in Sweida, a predominantly Druze city. Meanwhile, Israel launched strikes on southern Syria, claiming the goal was to protect the Druze community. DW has the latest.

Syrian authorities were accused on Tuesday of carrying out "field executions" of civilians in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida, where Israel launched strikes against government forces in what it described as an effort to protect the religious minority.

Syria’s defense minister has announced a ceasefire after government forces entered a key city in Sweida province on Tuesday.

The violence underscores the government’s challenge to assert nationwide control as ethnic and religious tensions simmer after the end of the civil war.

The Syrian province of Sweida has witnessed deadly clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, with government forces clashing with local groups. Over 30 people have died, and nearly 100 have been injured.