Israel bombs Syrian forces entering Druze city after sectarian clashes

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now.

On Monday, Israel announced that it had targeted Syrian government troops near Sweida, as they moved into the largely Druze city to suppress severe sectarian conflicts that broke out on Sunday.

Sweida has seen intense fighting for two days, when armed confrontations between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes took place, reportedly killing approximately 100 people as of Monday evening.

Syrian security forces entered the city on Tuesday to enforce a ceasefire; however, their presence triggered armed resistance from local Druze fighters.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered strikes on forces and weapons in the Sweida area to defend the Druze, citing deep cultural ties and a Syrian violation of the demilitarization of the area.