Syrian troops entered the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Tuesday following two days of clashes, the first time government forces have deployed to the city since Ahmed al-Sharaa took over as President in December.
The deployment came after the Druze spiritual leadership, which had resisted any deployment of Syrian troops there, urged Druze fighters to lay down their arms and allow government forces in.
US military says it's completed 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran
The US military said on Thursday night it had carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, marking the 13th consecutive night of American attacks.
India's youth leaders to talk with government but press on with nationwide protests
Leaders of India's youth-led "cockroach" movement will meet the government on Friday to try and resolve a face-off over national examination paper leaks although they will not halt nationwide protests, a spokesperson for the group said.
Spain declares national emergency over wildfires near Madrid and in Avila
The Spanish government on Thursday night declared a national emergency after a series of wildfires threatened communities near Madrid and in the neighbouring province of Avila, forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate as firefighters struggled to contain the blazes.
Saudi-owned vessel targeted in Red Sea, crew safe, state news agency says
Saudi Arabian state news agency on Thursday confirmed that tanker Encelia was ablaze after an assault while sailing in the Red Sea.
Rubio says US committed to helping end Ukraine war after meeting Lavrov
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the United States remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in helping bring an end to the war in Ukraine, following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering in Manila.
