Straddling Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the Druze occupy a special niche in the region's complex politics. Israel has cited protecting the Druze as a reason for attacking forces from the Islamist-led government this week.

Hundreds of Druze from Israel pushed across the border in solidarity with their Syrian cousins they feared were under attack. Many then met relatives never seen before.

Syrian government forces have fully withdrawn from violence-hit Sweida province following days of bloodshed. This comes after Syria's Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said that Druze is an integral part of Syria and denounced Israel’s actions as sowing division.

Violence in Syria pitting the Islamist-led government against members of the Druze community has put a spotlight on the small but influential minority.

SANA says women and children among those killed by armed groups following withdrawal of government forces in Sweida

Army says there were no further crossings overnight, is working to patch up holes in fence; Kurdish official urges Sharaa to rethink approach to minorities

An AFP photographer counted 15 bodies on the street in the centre of Sweida today after government forces pulled out. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said more than 370 people have been killed in sectarian clashes in the city since Sunday.