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An array of armed supporters responded to the call, including foreign jihadist fighters, civilians and armed units now nominally part of the new Syrian army, but still not fully under government control.

Netanyahu said the strike was "clear message to the Syrian regime" that Israel would "not allow the deployment of forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community".

The new Syrian authorities have said they are determined to bring unity and stability, but many inside and outside the country still point to their roots in jihadism and remain suspicious of their agenda.

“At the same time, a stern message was conveyed to the Syrian regime: Israel expects it to act to prevent harm to the Druze,” the statement said.

Syrian forces later said they had completed an operation there to "restore security and stability" after attacks by "outlaw groups" killed 16 of their personnel.