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.

Sharply escalating tensions in Syria appeared to ease on Thursday following a new ceasefire, a day after Israel bombed Damascus and threatened further attacks under the pretext of "protecting the Druze" amid sectarian clashes in the southern province of Sweida.

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.

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

State Department says 'engaging diplomatically' with Israel, Syria at 'highest levels' to address present crisis

Syrian army begins withdrawing heavy military equipment from Suwayda to hand over city’s neighborhoods to internal security forces - Anadolu Ajansı