Under Israeli bombardment and diplomatic pressure, Ahmed al-Sharaa pulled troops from Syria's Druze heartland -- a move that exposes the interim leader's weakness just as he sought to assert control.

Fighting has resumed between Druze fighters and Bedouins tribes in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, a day after Syrian troops pulled out of the area. A spokesman for Syria’s Interior Ministry has denied reports that government forces are being redeployed to Suwayda to quell the renewed fighting,

Hundreds of Druze from Israel pushed across the border in solidarity with their Syrian cousins they feared were under attack. Many then met relatives never seen before.

The Syrian government has begun withdrawing its forces from the majority-Druze city of Suwayda, according to the country's state-run SANA news agency. A ceasefire with Druze militia has also been announced but it is "unclear" whether it will hold, said CNN.