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. Zachary Goelman produced this report.

Syrian government forces have started withdrawing from the southern province of Sweida following days of vicious clashes with militias from the Druze minority

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.