Syrian government forces have started withdrawing from the southern province of Sweida following days of vicious clashes with militias from the Druze minority.

In Syria's Druze city of Sweida, sectarian violence has led to numerous deaths, with government forces clashing with Druze militia. The violence worsened after the government's arrival, deepening distrust of the Islamist-led government in Damascus.

After days of bloodshed in Syria's Druze city of Sweida, survivors emerged on Thursday to collect and bury the scores of dead found across the city. A ceasefire overnight brought an end to ferocious fighting between Druze militia and government forces sent to the city to quell clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters.

Clashes that shook southern Syria this week have killed hundreds of people, including civilians, and drawn in an array of both local and international players, harking back to the dynamics of the country's nearly 14-year civil war.

Druze leader Youssef Jarbu'a confirmed the regime’s claim that a ceasefire had been reached. However, shelling and gunfire continued in various parts of the Druze-majority province

Syrian officials and Druze leaders announce new ceasefire after days of fighting, following breakdown of previous truce.

Syria's defense minister has announced a ceasefire just hours after government forces entered a key city in the volatile Sweida province.