DAMASCUS, July 17 — Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa promised to protect the rights of Druze citizens today as a ceasefire appeared to be holding in the country’s south following the United States’ intervention to end fighting between government forces and Druze fighters.

DAMASCUS, July 16 — Powerful airstrikes shook Damascus today, targeting the Defence Ministry as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded they withdraw.