Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a "comprehensive" ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida after nearly a week of violence that left hundreds dead. The government said on Saturday that it was redeploying security forces in the province and called for all parties to refrain from further violence.

The U.N. said on Friday (July 19) it had received "credible" reports of "widespread violations and abuses" as well as continuing clashes in Sweida, after days of bloodshed in and around the predominantly Druze city in southern Syria.

In his statement, Turk condemned the mass displacement and acts of violence in Sweida, including reports of killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property, and looting of homes. The head of the United Nations human rights office urged on Friday for Syria's interim authorities to ensure accountability and justice for killings and violations in the southern city of Sweida.