DAMASCUS — Syrian government forces sought to consolidate a fragile ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida on Sunday, following days of sectarian fighting between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribesmen that left hundreds dead. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported continued sporadic clashes.

The violence erupted last week around Sweida city, the heartland of Syria's Druze minority, before escalating into the deadliest internal conflict since President Bashar al-Assad's fall in December 2024. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government deployed security forces, some of whom were accused by Druze leaders of siding with Bedouin fighters.

Israel carried out airstrikes on Syrian military positions in and around Damascus during the fighting, saying it was acting to protect the Druze community. The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed its forces struck what it described as regime units advancing on Druze areas.

The United States and Arab governments pressed for a durable truce. US envoy Tom Barrack urged all parties to halt hostilities. The clashes have exposed deep challenges facing al-Sharaa's administration in unifying a country fractured along sectarian and tribal lines.

A UN spokesperson said humanitarian access to Sweida remained limited, with reports of civilians trapped and hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.