00:00Here is the latest development in Syria.
00:03In a televised speech today, Syria's interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharah,
00:07said protecting Druze citizens and their rights is a priority.
00:11His remarks come as Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Damascus,
00:16targeting the defense ministry and an area near the presidential palace.
00:20Now, fighting continues in Suwaida after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups collapsed.
00:26Israel claimed its intervention is to protect the Druze, whom it sees as a potential ally in Syria,
00:33vowing to destroy government forces attacking the group and demand a day withdrawal.
00:39Clashes erupted between Druze militias and sunny Bedouin tribes,
00:42prompting Syrian forces to deploy to Suwaida on Tuesday and declare ceasefire.
00:48But fighting quickly resumed.
00:50The government said on Wednesday it began withdrawing forces from the city
00:54and announced a new truce with the Druze, though it is still unclear if the deal will hold.
01:00U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, said Washington has engaged all sides
01:06and agreed on steps to help end the conflict.
01:09At the same time, Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel's strikes on Damascus,
01:14calling for an end to violations of international and humanitarian law.
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