Syrian prime minister affirms government operations despite challenges as refugees return
Syria's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali stated that the government is still operational despite recent rebel advances in Damascus. Many cabinet ministers continue to work, but some government services have halted as state employees remain home due to uncertainty. Refugees are returning to Syria from neighboring countries, seeking stability. The rebel alliance, now in control of much of the country, has promised a representative government and religious tolerance, while also stating they will not impose dress codes on women. In northern Syria, Turkish-backed forces captured the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led groups. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites to prevent them from falling into extremist hands, amid ongoing tensions in the region.