DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to fracture Syria and promised to protect its Druze minority on Thursday, after U.S. intervention helped end deadly fighting between government forces and Druze fighters in the south.

Syrian officials and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after days of violent clashes, but Israel has continued its airstrikes after intervening.

Ankara played a critical role in facilitating a cease-fire following Israeli strikes that threatened to endanger peace not only in Syria but the

Sharaa accused Israel on Thursday of sowing discord with a wave of airstrikes following deadly clashes with the Druze community.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said that protecting the country’s Druze citizens and their rights is a priority, as he announced that local leaders will take control of security in the city of Suwayda in a bid to end sectarian violence in the south and in the wake of deadly Israeli strikes in Damascus.

Ahmed al-Sharaa faces challenges to stitch Syria back together amid deep misgivings from groups that fear Islamist rule. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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