Syrian forces accused of ‘executions’ in Druze area as Israel launches strikes

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.

Damascus had deployed troops to the area after clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes killed more than 100 people.

Israel announced its strikes shortly after Syria’s defence minister declared a ceasefire in Sweida city,…