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

Gunmen patrolled the streets of the Jaramana suburb on Wednesday, while some shops stayed closed, a day after clashes broke out between local gunmen belonging to the minority Druze sect and pro-government fighters.

Israel said it carried out a warning strike against an extremist group that was preparing to attack Druze in Syria, following through on its pledge to protect the minority group as violence spread in Druze areas near Damascus on Wednesday.