Syria's state-run TV said the army has begun withdrawing from a southern city at the heart of the uprising against the regime.

May 5 TV report said a "gradual withdrawal" from Daraa began after the military "carried out its mission in detaining terrorists" and restored calm to the city, according to AP.

The city near the Jordanian border has been under siege since April 25, when President Bashar Assad sent in the military to quell mass protests.

Troops have cut off electricity and telephone services, and snipers have fired at residents who ventured outdoors. There were also reports that security forces shot at rooftop water tanks, a vital supply of water in the bone-dry region.

About 50 people have been reported killed in Daraa violence over the past 10 days.