Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government responded by deploying forces to the city. Druze residents of Suweida told the BBC they had witnessed "barbaric acts" as gunmen - government forces and foreign fighters - attacked people. Israel targeted these forces, saying they were acting to protect the Druze.

Armed Bedouin clans in Syria have withdrawn from the southern city of Sweida after over a week of deadly clashes

That understanding was based on comments from the U.S. special envoy and security talks with Israel, sources said.

"If Israel feels that a certain leader...is an evident threat to its national security, it will operate," a former Israeli envoy told Newsweek.

Once again, images of horrifying violence are pouring out of Syria: dead bodies piled up in a hospital corridor. Gunmen calling out insults as they drive their cars over the corpses of murdered civilians.

Thousands went missing during Syria’s decades-long intervention in Lebanon. Months after the fall of the Syrian regime, families are still clinging to hope.

Special Envoy Tom Barrack announces cessation of hostilities beginning 5 pm Damascus time Sunday - Anadolu Ajansı