BUSRA AL-HARIR, Syria (AP) — Israel’s army said Monday it has struck military tanks in southern Syria, where government forces and Bedouin tribes clashed with Druze militias.

US Republican leadership in Israel have raised concerns over severe threats facing the Druze community in southern Syria, particularly in the Suwayda region, which is home to Syria’s largest Druze population amounting to hundreds of thousands of Druze.

Syria deployed security forces Monday in the southern province of Sweida after at least 50 people were killed in clashes between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters, a monitor said.