Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, March 31

DAMASCUS -- The Syrian army on Saturday declared a major victory after wresting control over much of the Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus.

In a statement, the army said after a series of "precisely-planned" military actions, the Syrian army has captured 31 towns and areas in Eastern Ghouta, still in fight with the rebels in Douma district, the last rebel stronghold north of Eastern Ghouta. (Syria-Victory)

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GAZA -- Clashes between Palestinian protestors and Israeli soldiers renewed Saturday afternoon, leaving 35 Palestinians injured, medics said.

Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Gaza Health Ministry, told reporters that 35 Palestinian young men were shot and injured by Israeli troops' gunfire all over the Gaza Strip, adding that all the injured were taken to hospitals for medical treatment. (Gaza-Clashes)

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RIYADH -- The Saudi Presidency of State Security announced on Saturday the arrest of 13 Turkish nationals for security-related cases, Ajel online news reported.

The authority, which is responsible for state security cases, announced the news on its website. (Saudi-Turkey-Arrest)

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JERUSALEM -- An Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fell in an open area in southern Lebanon Friday night, said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement on Saturday.

"This is due to a technical malfunction," noted the IDF, adding "There is no risk of leaked information." (Israel-Drone) Enditem