Update | Ceasefire shaken by clashes in Idlib prior to UN discussions for observer group

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have been involved in the first clash since the UN-brokered ceasefire came into effect yesterday.

The fighting broke out in the north-western province of Idlib, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights who added that the fighting occurred after army troops were deployed in the area to clear rebels.

No immediate reports of casualties were made and the fighting has since been thought to have stopped after some of the gunmen retreated when the shooting began.

The ceasefire appears to be holding in the rest of the country but army withdrawal has still not been indicated.

In attempt to honour a request from international Syria mediator Kofi Annan, the UN Security Council quickly authorised a draft for the deployment of a UN truce-monitoring force.

This monitoring group will attempt to prevent the fragile ceasefire from deceasing.

A US-drafted resolution to authorise the deployment of up to 30 unarmed observers to Syria was discussed by diplomats on the 15- nation council and a revised draft was produced to highlight the language disliked by Russia.

Another meeting will be held today for council envoys to discuss the draft to hopefully reach an agreement regarding the text to vote on before the end of the day.

The ceasefire was aimed at stopping more bloodshed in Syria but President Bashar al-Assad showed no indication of pulling his forces out of restive cities.