The sectarian violence involving Islamist factions, security forces and Druze gunmen is another sign of the fragile security situation.

The Syrian government rejected calls for foreign intervention after a Druze leader slammed Damascus over the latest bout of sectarian violence in the country.

The Minister announced on Thursday that Israeli troops deployed in southern Syria "are prepared to prevent the entry of hostile forces into the area of Druze villages," adding the forces continue to monitor developments with readiness for "various scenarios".