Syrian troops captured a famed Crusader castle near the border with Lebanon today, running the two-starred government flag high above the stone ramparts of the 12th century fortress after days of intense clashes with rebel fighters.

THE situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, while the international community stands idly by, seemingly believing that little can be done.

Hezbollah guerrillas fired 10 Katyusha rockets at a town in northern Israel today, causing no casualties, the army said.