Syria’s military entered a stronghold for the Druze minority in the country’s south on Tuesday to “pursue outlaw groups,” the government said, prompting Israel to launch strikes against the forces dispatched by Damascus.

According to the monitor, armed organisations linked with the government executed four Druze civilians at another guest home in Sweida province, as well as three siblings north of Sweida city in front of their mother.

The city of Sweida in southern Syria has been featured in headlines worldwide as clashes have erupted between Druze and Bedouin forces in the area. Syrian forces have also advanced on the city, and the IDF has launched airstrikes on nearby military targets.