Syrian prime minister asserts government remains functional as refugees return home
Syria's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali stated that the government is still operational despite the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad by rebels. Many cabinet ministers are working in Damascus, but some government services have halted due to state workers not returning to their jobs. Refugees are returning to Syria from neighboring countries, seeking a more peaceful environment. The rebel alliance, led by a former al-Qaida militant, has promised to respect women's rights and maintain public order, but challenges remain as the country is divided among various armed groups. In northern Syria, Turkish-backed forces have taken control of the town of Manbij from U.S.-supported Kurdish forces. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites to prevent them from falling into extremist hands, following the chaos after Assad's departure.