Calm reported in Syria's Sweida, Damascus says truce holding

[stamau123@lemmy.world]

-Syrian security forces take up position on roads near Sweida
-Bedouin fighters withdraw, interior ministry says
-US envoy says sides have 'navigated' to a cessation of hostilities, next step is prisoner swap
-Sharaa receives report of inquiry into coastal killings, during which 1,500 Alawites were killed

DAMASCUS, July 20 (Reuters) - Residents reported calm in Syria's Sweida on Sunday after the Islamist-led government announced that Bedouin fighters had withdrawn from the predominantly Druze city and a U.S. envoy signalled that a deal to end days of fighting was being implemented.

With hundreds reported killed, the Sweida bloodshed is a major test for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes against government forces last week as it declared support for the Druze. Fighting continued on Saturday despite a ceasefire call.