In Syria, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have opened fire on thousands of pro-democracy protesters throughout the southern province of Daraa, killing at least seven people including a 13-year-old boy. Violence was also reported in the central city of Homs and in the capital of Damascus following prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The violence comes just one day after pro-Assad forces killed at least eight people and wounded dozens in nationwide raids. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department has issued new sanctions against Syria’s foreign minister and two other top officials.