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.

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