The Syrian military began withdrawing from the southern town of Deraa on Thursday (May 5th).
The state-run SANA news agency quoted a military official as saying the army completed its mission of detaining so-called "terrorist elements" in the southern city and restoring calm and stability.
A convoy of 40 vehicles carrying an estimated 350 soldiers retreated from the centre of Deraa, which has been sealed off since April 25th.
Syrian activists are planning a "day of defiance" on Friday, including protests and sit-ins around the country.
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