Hijri has harshly criticized Syria’s government for what he called an “unjustified genocidal attack” during deadly sectarian fighting in Druze-majority areas south of Damascus this week.

The clashes come as Syria’s new rulers are trying to establish their authority, and contending with well-armed militias and Israeli troops determined to keep government forces out.

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