The Syrian defence ministry said on Tuesday it was aware of reports of "shocking violations" by people wearing military fatigues in the country's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, and said it would launch an investigation.

Syria’s armed Bedouin clans announced Sunday they had withdrawn from the Druze-majority city of Sweida following weeklong clashes and a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, as humanitarian aid convoys started to enter the battered southern city.

Around 1,500 Bedouins are set to be evacuated from the conflict-hit province of Sweida, following a deal brokered by the Syrian government. Local officials told dpa that an initial group of about 350 people,