Clashes between Syrian government troops and local fighters resumed in the southern Druze city of Sweida early on Wednesday, just hours after a ceasefire was announced.
Local news outlet Sweida24 said the city and nearby villages were coming under heavy artillery and mortar fire early on Wednesday, while Syria's defense ministry, in a statement carried by state news agency SANA, blamed outlaw groups in Sweida for breaching the truce.
“Military forces continue to respond to the source of fire inside the city of Sweida, while adhering to rules of engagement to protect residents, prevent harm, and ensure the safe return of those who left the city back to their homes,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the military will continue to strike Syrian forces until they withdraw, warning that the level of response will escalate if the message is not understood, according to local media reports on Wednesday.
Katz also said the Syrian government should "leave Druze alone,” Israeli media reported.
