Uneasy truce holds in Syria as toll from clashes crosses 500

Syrian troops pulled out of the Druze heartland province of Sweida on orders from the Islamist-led government on Thursday, following days of deadly clashes that killed more than 500 people, according to a war monitor.

- Agencies

While the truce between Druze armed groups and government forces appeared to be largely holding, state media reported that Druze militants had launched revenge attacks on communities of Sunni Bedouins, leading to a wave of displacement. Bedouin clans had fought alongside government forces against the Druze groups.