Israel launched strikes Tuesday against Syrian government forces in the Druze-majority region of Sweida, saying it was acting to protect the religious minority.Damascus had deployed troops to Sweida after clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes killed more than 100 people.

Israel carried out strikes against Syrian government forces in southwestern Syria for a second day on Tuesday, vowing to keep the area demilitarized and to protect the Druze minority as deadly clashes continued in the region at the Israeli frontier.

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.