Syrian Druze say govt mission of peace devolved into rampage

The mainly Druze residents of the Syrian city of Sweida had hoped the arrival of government forces on Tuesday would spell an end to deadly sectarian clashes with local Bedouin tribes.

Instead they spoke of executions, looting and arson as government troops and their allies rampaged through Druze neighbourhoods, prompting thousands from the religious minority to flee.

“Government forces entered the city on the pretext of restoring order… but unfortunately they indulged in savage practices,”…