Tensions ease in Syria with new ceasefire

Strikes aimed at 'expanding control' as UN calls attack violation of sovereignty

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.

Syrian interim government leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Thursday that "responsibility" for security in the Druze-majority Sweida would be handed over to religious elders and local factions "based on the supreme national interest".

Meanwhile, government troops have withdrawn from Sweida following a new ceasefire, state media reported. The United States — a close ally of Israel, now seeking to reset ties with Syria — said the deal had been reached to restore calm. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier called the conflict a "misunderstanding between neighbors".