More violence erupts in Syria’s Druze heartland as tribal groups reinforce local Bedouin

UN calls for end to bloodshed' that has claimed at least 638 lives, according to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Armed tribes supported by Syria's Islamist-led government clashed with Druze fighters in the community's Sweida heartland on Friday, a day after the army withdrew under Israeli bombardment and diplomatic pressure.

The UN called for an end to the bloodshed" and demanded an independent" investigation of the violence, which has claimed at least 638 lives since Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).