Conflict in Syria has escalated with Israel launching bombing raids against its northern neighbour. It follows months of fluctuating tensions in southern Syria between the Druze minority and forces aligned with the new government in Damascus.

Israel says the purpose of the strikes, both in the south and in Damascus, was to end a Syrian government assault on the Druze and to enforce the demilitarised zone it had declared around Suwayda after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December.