In Syria, at least 30 people have been killed in recent days amid violent clashes between government forces and armed groups on the outskirts of Damascus. Israel intervened by launching air attacks on Syria, claiming it was defending the local Druze community. Syria immediately condemned “all forms of foreign intervention.” The transitional Syrian government, which came to power after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December, has said it has restored order in the region and is committed to protecting all communities in Syria.