Syrian prime minister asserts government remains operational despite challenges

Syria's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali stated that the government is still operational despite the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad. 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, seeking a peaceful future. The rebel alliance, now in control, is led by a former al-Qaida militant who has promised a representative government. However, challenges remain, including a lack of public services and security concerns. In northern Syria, Turkish-backed forces have taken the town of Manbij from U.S.-supported Kurdish forces. Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites to prevent them from falling into extremist hands, amid ongoing tensions in the region.