Israel struck a target near the presidential palace in the Syrian capital after the Druze community in both countries called for help following a series of violent clashes between the minority group and Syrian government forces.

Israel on Friday said it launched air strikes near the presidential palace in Damascus and threatened further military action to force Syrian authorities to protect its Druze people from what the

Sectarian violence has erupted again in Syria, raising fresh doubt on the ability of the new Islamist rulers to control armed factions and calm tensions.