STORY: Violence in southern Syria has put a spotlight on a small but influential minority, the Druze.:: Who are the Druze?The Druze are Arabs who follow a religion derived from a branch of Islam.They maintain a degree of secrecy about the practice of their faith that emerged in the 11th century.

The United States did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, the State Department said on Thursday, adding that Washington made clear its displeasure after tensions escalated and worked quickly to stop it.

It says that 300 Druze were killed, including 146 fighters and 154 civilians, 83 of whom were "summarily executed" by government forces. At least 257 government personnel and 18 Bedouin fighters were also killed,