Israel launched airstrikes on Syria’s defence ministry in Damascus and military targets in the south on Wednesday, as sectarian violence in Suweida province left over 300 dead. The fighting, now in its fourth day, broke out between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes.

Isareli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the strikes aimed to protect the Druze community, while Syria condemned them as “treacherous aggression.” The clashes reportedly began after the abduction of a Druze merchant, according to BBC.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was "very worried" about the violence in the south but believed it would end within hours. "We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight," he wrote on X on Wednesday evening.

Syria's foreign ministry said the country "welcomes the efforts made by the US and Arabian sides" to "resolve the current crisis" peacefully.

Syrian troops have started withdrawing from Suweida under a local agreement. US expressed concern and said a ceasefire was close. Conditions in Suweida have worsened, with severe shortages of water and medical supplies, BBC reported.