Syrian security forces take up position near Sweida, blocking Bedouin fighters from entering:: Residents report calm in the predominantly Druze city after days of deadly factional fighting:::: Near Sweida,

Residents reported calm in the Syrian city of Sweida on Sunday after the Islamist-led government declared that Bedouin fighters had withdrawn from the predominantly Druze city and the United States stepped up calls for an end to fighting.

Syria’s president declared a ceasefire after nearly a week of sectarian bloodshed in the south, but civilians said there was no let-up in the violence.