Syrian prime minister asserts government remains operational despite recent upheaval

Syria's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali stated that the government remains operational despite the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad by rebels. Most cabinet ministers are still working in Damascus, and life is slowly returning to normal in the capital. Rebels, led by a former al-Qaida militant, have promised personal freedoms and will not impose dress codes on women. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites to prevent them from falling into extremist hands. In northern Syria, Turkey-backed forces have taken control of the town of Manbij from U.S.-supported Kurdish forces. Turkey's foreign minister expressed hopes for a peaceful, inclusive government in Syria while warning against the resurgence of extremist groups.