A locust infestation sweeping the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Horn of Africa</a> reached Uganda on Sunday, a government minister said as the prime minister convened an emergency meeting to address the pest invasion.

"The locusts entered Uganda today" from Kenya, said Moses Kizige, the minister in charge of the northeastern Karamoja border region where the insects were spotted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-spray-planes-can-counter-worst-locust-outbreak-in-eastern-africa-united-nations-278328">Also Read: Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa</a>

The locusts have devastated food supplies in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) describing the situation as the worst in 25 years.

Somalia declared a state of emergency this month as unusually large swarms of the hungry insects gorged on crops.

Desert <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/desert-locust-invasion-prevented-after-timely-measures-change-in-wind-directions-275981">locusts</a> -&nbsp;whose destructive infestations cause major crop damage and hunger -- are a species of grasshopper that live largely solitary lives until a combination of conditions promote breeding and lead them to form massive swarms.

Swarms formed in eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia &nbsp;have moved through the region.

The FAO says the current invasion is known as an "upsurge" -&nbsp;when an entire region is affected -&nbsp;however, if it gets worse and cannot be contained, over a year or more, it would become what is known as a "plague" of locusts.

There have been six major desert <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">locust </a>plagues in the 1900s, the last of which was in 1987-89. The last major upsurge was in 2003-05.

A locust infestation sweeping the Horn of Africa reached Uganda on Sunday, a government minister said as the prime minister convened an emergency meeting to address the pest invasion.

A locust infestation sweeping the Horn of Africa reached Uganda on Sunday, a government minister said as the prime minister convened an emergency meeting to address the pest invasion. "The locusts entered Uganda today" from Kenya, said Moses Kizige, the minister in charge of the northeastern Karamoja border region where the insects were spotted. Also Read: Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa The locusts have devastated food supplies in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) describing the situation as the worst in 25 years. Somalia declared a state of emergency this month as unusually large swarms of the hungry insects gorged on crops. Desert locusts - whose destructive infestations cause major crop damage and hunger -- are a species of grasshopper that live largely solitary lives until a combination of conditions promote breeding and lead them to form massive swarms. Swarms formed in eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia have moved through the region. The FAO says the current invasion is known as an "upsurge" - when an entire region is affected - however, if it gets worse and cannot be contained, over a year or more, it would become what is known as a "plague" of locusts. There have been six major desert locust plagues in the 1900s, the last of which was in 1987-89. The last major upsurge was in 2003-05.

After Kenya & Ethiopia, locusts enter Uganda

Amid United Kindom's decision to allow China's Huwaei to have a "limited role"&nbsp;in the country's 5G network, US President called up UK PM Johnson a fortnight ago which the British media said the US president was "apoplectic" with Boris Johnson.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">Also Read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines</a>

US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-should-relook-implementation-of-huawei-in-5g-networks-urges-pompeo-277388">Pompeo</a> was earlier mildly critical of UK's decision to allow Huwaei to operate in the country. Pompeo had urged the UK government to rethink its decision to allow China's Huawei a role in the 5G networks.

"There is also a chance for the United Kingdom to relook at this as implementation moves forward," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said. Pompeo had cited national security reasons to persuade UK to disallow Huawei from operating in the country.

Pompeo had also pressed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-not-to-ban-huawei-in-europe-but-to-impose-strict-rules-european-commissioner-breton-277078">European</a> allies to exclude Huwaei from various network across the continent after it allowed a "strict" rules to allow the Chinese telecom to operate.

"Our view is we should have Western systems with Western rules and American information should only pass across a trusted network. We'll make sure we do that," Pompeo had said earlier.

PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-uk-government-approves-limited-5g-role-for-huawei-277116">Johnson</a> had told parliament that his government will "do absolutely nothing to imperil our relationship with the US".

The White House, however, did not reveal the contents of the conversation between Trump and Johnson while the British PM's office said it had nothing to add apart from the fact that the two leaders had spoken on various issues including telecommunications.

In a guarded statement after the phone call, spokesperson at PM Johnson’s Downing Street office had said in a statement: "The Prime Minister underlined the importance of like-minded countries working together to diversify the market and break the dominance of a small number of companies."

Amid United Kindom's decision to allow China's Huwaei to have a "limited role" in the country's 5G network, US President called up UK PM Johnson a fortnight ago which the British media said the US president was "apoplectic" with Boris Johnson.

Amid United Kindom's decision to allow China's Huwaei to have a "limited role" in the country's 5G network, US President called up UK PM Johnson a fortnight ago which the British media said the US president was "apoplectic" with Boris Johnson. Also Read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was earlier mildly critical of UK's decision to allow Huwaei to operate in the country. Pompeo had urged the UK government to rethink its decision to allow China's Huawei a role in the 5G networks. "There is also a chance for the United Kingdom to relook at this as implementation moves forward," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said. Pompeo had cited national security reasons to persuade UK to disallow Huawei from operating in the country. Pompeo had also pressed European allies to exclude Huwaei from various network across the continent after it allowed a "strict" rules to allow the Chinese telecom to operate. "Our view is we should have Western systems with Western rules and American information should only pass across a trusted network. We'll make sure we do that," Pompeo had said earlier. PM Johnson had told parliament that his government will "do absolutely nothing to imperil our relationship with the US". The White House, however, did not reveal the contents of the conversation between Trump and Johnson while the British PM's office said it had nothing to add apart from the fact that the two leaders had spoken on various issues including telecommunications. In a guarded statement after the phone call, spokesperson at PM Johnson’s Downing Street office had said in a statement: "The Prime Minister underlined the importance of like-minded countries working together to diversify the market and break the dominance of a small number of companies."

Trump 'apoplectic' with Johnson on allowing Huawei in UK: Report

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Iowa </a>Democratic Party declared the final results after a long delay due to technical glitches.

It was a neck-and-neck between Buttigieg and sanders, in the first contest to pick a Democratic nominee to challenge Republican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Donald Trump</a> in the November polls.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-breaking-news-update-meet-Pete-Buttigieg-the-man-who-shocked-Sanders-Biden-in-Iowa-caucus">Also read:&nbsp;Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Buttigieg</a> edged out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Sanders </a>with 26.2 per cent of state-delegate equivalents.

Sanders who was among the leading democratic candidates in 2016 finish an at narrow second with 26-point-1 per cent equivalents.

The third spot was clinched by Sanders' fellow progressive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Elizabeth Warren</a>, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Joe Biden</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Amy Klobuchar</a> being relegated to fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

Former US Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Joe Biden</a>'s disappointing performance was as surprising as the 38-year old Buttigieg's victory.

Biden has been relegated to the 4th place which is 15.9 state delegates equivalents.

In many counties, he has failed to attain the 15 per cent votes needed to be considered a viable candidate.

Biden who served as the Vice President under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world-latest-breaking-news-Iowa-caucus-kicks-off-as-Democrats-seek-Trump%27s-2020-election-challenger">Obama</a> was once considered the democratic front-runner.

The results of the Iowa caucus are as follows:

Pete Buttigieg: 26.2 per cent 
Bernie Sanders: 26.1 per cent 
Elizabeth Warren: 18&nbsp;per cent 
Joe Biden: 15.8&nbsp;per cent 
Amy Klobuchar: 12.3 per cent

The Iowa Democratic Party declared the final results after a long delay due to technical glitches. It was a neck-and-neck between Buttigieg and sanders, in the first contest to pick a Democratic nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November polls.

The Iowa Democratic Party declared the final results after a long delay due to technical glitches. It was a neck-and-neck between Buttigieg and sanders, in the first contest to pick a Democratic nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November polls. Also read: Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus Buttigieg edged out Sanders with 26.2 per cent of state-delegate equivalents. Sanders who was among the leading democratic candidates in 2016 finish an at narrow second with 26-point-1 per cent equivalents. The third spot was clinched by Sanders' fellow progressive Elizabeth Warren, with Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar being relegated to fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Former US Vice President Joe Biden's disappointing performance was as surprising as the 38-year old Buttigieg's victory. Biden has been relegated to the 4th place which is 15.9 state delegates equivalents. In many counties, he has failed to attain the 15 per cent votes needed to be considered a viable candidate. Biden who served as the Vice President under Obama was once considered the democratic front-runner. The results of the Iowa caucus are as follows: Pete Buttigieg: 26.2 per cent Bernie Sanders: 26.1 per cent Elizabeth Warren: 18 per cent Joe Biden: 15.8 per cent Amy Klobuchar: 12.3 per cent

Pete Buttigieg defeats Bernie Sanders in Iowa caucus

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">coronavirus</a> outbreak died early morning on Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Li Wenliang</a>'s death was reported by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Wuhan </a>central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

However, there have been conflicting reports about his death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report</a>

The state-backed Chinese media had already reported his death on Thursday, hours before it was confirmed by the hospital.

The initial report of Li's death led to a massive reaction on Chinese social media.&nbsp;People hailed him as a hero and even blamed the government for dismissing his claims on the virus back in December. But very soon, the state-backed media changed their narrative.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim</a>

They said that Li was alive and was being given ECMO treatment which is a kind of life support.&nbsp;However, hours later, they finally confirmed his time of death as 2:58 am.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World Health Organisation</a>'s representative Mike Ryan initially expressed condolences on Li's death.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief</a>

Two months ago, Li, 34, had warned the world about a possible virus outbreak in his country.&nbsp;He had written to fellow doctors about a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">SARS</a>-like infection in December and had&nbsp;urged them to take precautions so as to not contract the disease.

The authorities had dismissed him as a fear-monger and accused him of spreading rumours.&nbsp;He was asked to sign a letter which accused him of making false statements and&nbsp;then on January 10, Li contracted the disease from a patient he had operated.

From his hospital bed, Li revealed that the outbreak could have been controlled better&nbsp;had the government been proactive.

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the coronavirus outbreak died early morning on Friday. Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the coronavirus outbreak died early morning on Friday. Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China. However, there have been conflicting reports about his death. Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report The state-backed Chinese media had already reported his death on Thursday, hours before it was confirmed by the hospital. The initial report of Li's death led to a massive reaction on Chinese social media. People hailed him as a hero and even blamed the government for dismissing his claims on the virus back in December. But very soon, the state-backed media changed their narrative. Also read: Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim They said that Li was alive and was being given ECMO treatment which is a kind of life support. However, hours later, they finally confirmed his time of death as 2:58 am. World Health Organisation's representative Mike Ryan initially expressed condolences on Li's death. Also read: World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief Two months ago, Li, 34, had warned the world about a possible virus outbreak in his country. He had written to fellow doctors about a SARS-like infection in December and had urged them to take precautions so as to not contract the disease. The authorities had dismissed him as a fear-monger and accused him of spreading rumours. He was asked to sign a letter which accused him of making false statements and then on January 10, Li contracted the disease from a patient he had operated. From his hospital bed, Li revealed that the outbreak could have been controlled better had the government been proactive.

Chinese whistleblower doctor who flagged coronavirus dies

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-rules-youtuber-to-pull-down-video-criticising-coconut-oil-275727">Bombay High Court</a> on Thursday granted bail to former media tycoon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/special-court-issues-production-warrant-against-peter-mukerjea-for-involvement-in-inx-media-case-265356">Peter Mukerjea</a>, an accused arrested in the sensational <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Sheena Bora</a> murder case.

However, the High Court stayed the implementation of its order for six weeks to enable the CBI to file an appeal in the matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/special-court-issues-production-warrant-against-peter-mukerjea-for-involvement-in-inx-media-case-265356">Special court issues production warrant against Peter Mukerjea for involvement in INX media case</a>

Earlier, Justice Nitin W. Sambre granted him bail on a surety of Rs 200,000 to Mukerjea who was arrested over four years ago and was in jail since barring release briefly on medical grounds.

He has been granted on the "merits of the case and his medical conditions".&nbsp;He will not be allowed to contact his children Rahul and Vidhi.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Bombay high court refuses to grant bail to Peter Mukerjea, allows him to take post-operation therapy</a>

Peter Mukerjea has been&nbsp;accused of murdering his daughter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Sheena Bora</a> over a financial dispute in 2012.&nbsp;

The alleged crime came to the fore three years later, in 2015, for which he was charged for conspiracy.

Mukerjea's wife <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">Indrani</a> is the prime accused in the case and is currently lodged in Mumbai's Byculla jail. 
&nbsp; 
The trial, in this case, has been taking place at the special <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-refuses-to-grant-bail-to-peter-mukerjea-allows-him-to-take-post-operation-therapy-216989">CBI </a>court.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea, an accused arrested in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case. However, the High Court stayed the implementation of its order for six weeks to enable the CBI to file an appeal in the matter.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted bail to former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea, an accused arrested in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case. However, the High Court stayed the implementation of its order for six weeks to enable the CBI to file an appeal in the matter. Also read: Special court issues production warrant against Peter Mukerjea for involvement in INX media case Earlier, Justice Nitin W. Sambre granted him bail on a surety of Rs 200,000 to Mukerjea who was arrested over four years ago and was in jail since barring release briefly on medical grounds. He has been granted on the "merits of the case and his medical conditions". He will not be allowed to contact his children Rahul and Vidhi. Also read: Bombay high court refuses to grant bail to Peter Mukerjea, allows him to take post-operation therapy Peter Mukerjea has been accused of murdering his daughter Sheena Bora over a financial dispute in 2012. The alleged crime came to the fore three years later, in 2015, for which he was charged for conspiracy. Mukerjea's wife Indrani is the prime accused in the case and is currently lodged in Mumbai's Byculla jail. The trial, in this case, has been taking place at the special CBI court.

Bombay High Court grants bail to Peter Mukerjea in Sheena Bora murder case

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-over-635-president-xi-says-china-starting-peoples-war-279156">As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war'</a>

<img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b33696b8-bc26-4c81-9452-db4cd0ac207b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_48.jpg" /> 
The death toll in&nbsp;China's&nbsp;coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-over-635-president-xi-says-china-starting-peoples-war-279156">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-killed-chief-of-al-qaeda-in-arabian-peninsula-in-yemen-trump-279162">US killed chief of Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula in Yemen: Trump</a>

<img alt="Military chief of Al-Qaeda network in Yemen Qassim al-Rimi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23caa27f-945e-46d6-acc4-759cf9c13807" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127729-qassim1main.jpg" />

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-killed-chief-of-al-qaeda-in-arabian-peninsula-in-yemen-trump-279162">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-palestinians-killed-16-israelis-hurt-in-violence-over-trump-plan-279166">At&nbsp;least&nbsp;two&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;killed,&nbsp;16&nbsp;Israelis&nbsp;hurt&nbsp;in&nbsp;violence&nbsp;over&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;plan</a>

<img alt="A Palestinian hurls stones at Israeli troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="108cbef5-458a-485f-8775-9cf9ed5112a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_23.jpg" />

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;two&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the occupied West Bank and&nbsp;16&nbsp;Israelis&nbsp;were&nbsp;hurt&nbsp;on Thursday in a surge of&nbsp;violence&nbsp;that erupted amid Palestinian anger at a&nbsp;US&nbsp;peace&nbsp;plan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-palestinians-killed-16-israelis-hurt-in-violence-over-trump-plan-279166">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basque-double-dumps-barcelona-and-real-madrid-out-of-copa-del-rey-279158">Basque double dumps Barcelona and Real Madrid out of Copa del Rey</a>

<img alt="Real Madrid and Barcelona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb818dda-eb2b-4f94-a576-45acac5327fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127726-113918-untitled-design-60.jpg" /> 
Barcelona&nbsp;and&nbsp;Real Madrid&nbsp;both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basque-double-dumps-barcelona-and-real-madrid-out-of-copa-del-rey-279158">Read more</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jet-skids-off-runway-in-istanbul-279154">Gravitas: Jet skids off runway in Istanbul</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jet-skids-off-runway-in-istanbul-279154/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war' The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war' The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000. Read more US killed chief of Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula in Yemen: Trump US President Donald Trump has confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi. Read more At least two Palestinians killed, 16 Israelis hurt in violence over Trump plan At least two Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank and 16 Israelis were hurt on Thursday in a surge of violence that erupted amid Palestinian anger at a US peace plan. Read more Basque double dumps Barcelona and Real Madrid out of Copa del Rey Barcelona and Real Madrid both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. Read more Gravitas: Jet skids off runway in Istanbul

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll rises, US kills Al-Qaeda chief in Arabian Peninsula and more

Just days after &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/enemy-fabricated-propaganda-says-taliban-as-it-denies-killing-of-south-asia-region-al-qaeda-chief-asim-umar-in-afghanistan-254669">Al-Qaeda</a> in the Arabian Peninsula(AQAP)claimed responsibility on Sunday for a December 6 shooting at US Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi.

"The US conducted a counterterrorism operation in Yemen that successfully eliminated Qassim al-Rimi, a founder and the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)," Trump said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/south-asia-region-al-qaeda-chief-killed-in-afghanistan-officials-254579">Also Read:&nbsp;South Asia region Al-Qaeda chief killed in Afghanistan</a>

"Under Rimi, AQAP committed unconscionable violence against civilians in Yemen and sought to conduct and inspire numerous attacks against the United States and our forces," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-confirms-death-of-al-qaeda-heir-hamza-bin-laden-249686">Trump</a> said, adding,"His death further degrades AQAP and the global al-Qaeda movement, and it brings us closer to eliminating the threats these groups pose to our national security."

In December, in an audio release, the AQAP had said it had carried out shooting in US naval base in Pensacola, Florida in which eight people were wounded including two police officers. Reports had circulated over several days that Qassim al-Rimi was killed in a drone strike &nbsp;Marib but it couldn't be confirmed.

FBI had confirmed the attacker to be Mohammed Alshamrani, an officer in the Royal Saudi Air Force who was training in the US.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman had denounced the shooting calling it a "heinous crime"

Reuters had quoted One Yemeni government official saying that there had been a drone strike in Marib but it was not Raymi who had been killed. The US president in his statement, however, did not state how Qassim al-Rimi was killed.

Just days after Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula(AQAP)claimed responsibility on Sunday for a December 6 shooting at US Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi.

Just days after Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula(AQAP)claimed responsibility on Sunday for a December 6 shooting at US Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US forces had killed its founder and leader Qassim al-Rimi. "The US conducted a counterterrorism operation in Yemen that successfully eliminated Qassim al-Rimi, a founder and the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)," Trump said in a statement. Also Read: South Asia region Al-Qaeda chief killed in Afghanistan "Under Rimi, AQAP committed unconscionable violence against civilians in Yemen and sought to conduct and inspire numerous attacks against the United States and our forces," Trump said, adding,"His death further degrades AQAP and the global al-Qaeda movement, and it brings us closer to eliminating the threats these groups pose to our national security." In December, in an audio release, the AQAP had said it had carried out shooting in US naval base in Pensacola, Florida in which eight people were wounded including two police officers. Reports had circulated over several days that Qassim al-Rimi was killed in a drone strike Marib but it couldn't be confirmed. FBI had confirmed the attacker to be Mohammed Alshamrani, an officer in the Royal Saudi Air Force who was training in the US. Saudi Arabia's King Salman had denounced the shooting calling it a "heinous crime" Reuters had quoted One Yemeni government official saying that there had been a drone strike in Marib but it was not Raymi who had been killed. The US president in his statement, however, did not state how Qassim al-Rimi was killed.

US killed chief of Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula in Yemen: Trump

Taiwan has come up with a unique alternative to fend off <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">Chinese </a>buyers from purchasing the face masks produced in its country for protecting themselves against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">coronavirus</a>.

It has printed its national flag on the facemask to ensure so that no Chinese national buys it or even steals it in case of dire need, reports said.

Wearing a face mask with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Taiwan </a>flag on it would be extremely humiliating and embarrassing for any Chinese national as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Taiwan </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">China </a>have always been at loggerheads with each other.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island</a>

Democratically governed Taiwan claims it is an independent country called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Republic of China</a> and has never been part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">People’s Republic of China</a>.

As the number of infections and confirmed positive cases soar in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">China</a>, the Chinese purchase of the facemasks rapidly began to deplete the global supply.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">Severe shortages: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China struggles with need for more masks, hospital beds, medical equipment&nbsp;</a>

Capable of churning out over 20 million masks daily, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">China </a>is now faced with acute&nbsp;shortages.&nbsp;With the death toll escalating to over 635&nbsp;people, panic buying is taking a toll on the availability of preventive masks even as&nbsp;Beijing has also put curbs on exports of raw materials and equipment used to make masks.

Taiwan has come up with a unique alternative to fend off Chinese buyers from purchasing the face masks produced in its country for protecting themselves against the deadly coronavirus.

Taiwan has come up with a unique alternative to fend off Chinese buyers from purchasing the face masks produced in its country for protecting themselves against the deadly coronavirus. It has printed its national flag on the facemask to ensure so that no Chinese national buys it or even steals it in case of dire need, reports said. Wearing a face mask with the Taiwan flag on it would be extremely humiliating and embarrassing for any Chinese national as Taiwan and China have always been at loggerheads with each other. Also read: Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island Democratically governed Taiwan claims it is an independent country called the Republic of China and has never been part of the People’s Republic of China. As the number of infections and confirmed positive cases soar in China, the Chinese purchase of the facemasks rapidly began to deplete the global supply. Also Read: Severe shortages: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China struggles with need for more masks, hospital beds, medical equipment Capable of churning out over 20 million masks daily, China is now faced with acute shortages. With the death toll escalating to over 635 people, panic buying is taking a toll on the availability of preventive masks even as Beijing has also put curbs on exports of raw materials and equipment used to make masks.

Now, Taiwan sells face masks to fend off Chinese buyers

The death toll in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">China's</a> coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-struggles-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak-xenophobia-raises-its-ugly-head-279139">Also Read: As China struggles to tackle coronavirus outbreak, xenophobia raises its ugly head</a>

The authorities confirmed 3,143 new cases of infection as the virus continued to spread nationwide with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-accused-of-stealing-virus-masks-from-hard-hit-neighbor-279103">Hubei </a>province which is considered the epicentre of the virus being the hardest-hit.

The country's National Health Commission said 73 new deaths were reported in the country.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-fighting-the-deadly-coronavirus-279153/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Japan's health minister said Another 41 people onboard a cruise ship off Japan's coast have tested positive for coronavirus after authorities tested 273 people on board the Diamond Princess.

"The results of the remaining 171 tests came out and 41 tested positive," Japan's health minister Katsunobu Kato said.

"Today they will be sent to hospitals in several prefectures, and we are now preparing for that."

"In total, out of 273 specimens, 61 tested positive," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">In Pics: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy</a>

In Hong Kong, another cruise ship with 3,600 passengers and crew have been quarantined for a second day pending testing as Taiwan which has reported at least 13 cases banned international cruise ships from docking.

As the virus spread, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">China's</a> &nbsp;Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping conversation with Saudi Arabia's King Salman in a telephone call saying: "The whole country has responded with all its strength to respond with the most thorough and strict prevention and control measures, starting a people's war for epidemic prevention and control."

US President Donald Trump expressed "confidence" in China's ability to tackle the coronavirus epidemic during talks with President Xi Jinping, the White House said.

The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000. Also Read: As China struggles to tackle coronavirus outbreak, xenophobia raises its ugly head The authorities confirmed 3,143 new cases of infection as the virus continued to spread nationwide with Hubei province which is considered the epicentre of the virus being the hardest-hit.

The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000. Also Read: As China struggles to tackle coronavirus outbreak, xenophobia raises its ugly head The authorities confirmed 3,143 new cases of infection as the virus continued to spread nationwide with Hubei province which is considered the epicentre of the virus being the hardest-hit. The country's National Health Commission said 73 new deaths were reported in the country. Watch Video: Meanwhile, Japan's health minister said Another 41 people onboard a cruise ship off Japan's coast have tested positive for coronavirus after authorities tested 273 people on board the Diamond Princess. "The results of the remaining 171 tests came out and 41 tested positive," Japan's health minister Katsunobu Kato said. "Today they will be sent to hospitals in several prefectures, and we are now preparing for that." "In total, out of 273 specimens, 61 tested positive," he added. In Pics: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy In Hong Kong, another cruise ship with 3,600 passengers and crew have been quarantined for a second day pending testing as Taiwan which has reported at least 13 cases banned international cruise ships from docking. As the virus spread, China's Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping conversation with Saudi Arabia's King Salman in a telephone call saying: "The whole country has responded with all its strength to respond with the most thorough and strict prevention and control measures, starting a people's war for epidemic prevention and control." US President Donald Trump expressed "confidence" in China's ability to tackle the coronavirus epidemic during talks with President Xi Jinping, the White House said.

As coronavirus death toll rises over 635, President Xi says China starting 'people's war'

Indian batting legend Sachin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-this-day-sachin-tendulkar-became-the-leading-centurion-in-test-history-267337">Tendulkar </a>who arrived in Australia for Sunday’s bushfire relief game in Melbourne praised Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne likening him to his own composed style with "positive footwork".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bushfire-cricket-bash-to-feature-yuvraj-singh-sachin-tendulkar-and-many-more-stars-278295">Also Read: 'Bushfire Cricket Bash' to feature Yuvraj, Tendulkar &amp;&nbsp;Lara</a>&nbsp;

"His footwork was incredible, so he would be the one I would say," Tendulkar said when asked if any batsman reminded him of his own playing days.

"I saw Marnus getting hit (on the helmet) off the second ball from Jofra Archer and post that, the 15 minutes he batted, I said 'this player looks special, there is something about him'," the Indian legend noted, adding, "footwork is not physical, it's mental."

South African-born Australian has had an incredible year in international cricket notching up 353 runs in the recent Ashes series. Labuschagne had made his one-day international debut against India at Mumbai two years ago. The visitors had won that match with Labuschagne neither batting or bowling.

The 25-year-old who was the leading Test run-getter last year is now behind Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian batsman Steve Smith in the ICC Test rankings.

Tendulkar said Marnus was "mentally strong" while complementing the Australian.

"If you're not thinking positively in your mind, then your feet don't move. That clearly indicated to me that this guy is mentally strong because if you're not, your feet will not move," Tendulkar said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-marnus-labuschagne-hits-double-ton-in-australias-454-in-sydney-test-272047">Labuschagne </a>has scored 1459 runs in 14 Tests so far with an incredible average of 63.4 with four centuries and eight half-centuries after making his Test debut against Pakistan at Dubai in 2018.

Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who arrived in Australia for Sunday’s bushfire relief game in Melbourne praised Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne likening him to his own composed style with "positive footwork".

Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who arrived in Australia for Sunday’s bushfire relief game in Melbourne praised Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne likening him to his own composed style with "positive footwork". Also Read: 'Bushfire Cricket Bash' to feature Yuvraj, Tendulkar & Lara "His footwork was incredible, so he would be the one I would say," Tendulkar said when asked if any batsman reminded him of his own playing days. "I saw Marnus getting hit (on the helmet) off the second ball from Jofra Archer and post that, the 15 minutes he batted, I said 'this player looks special, there is something about him'," the Indian legend noted, adding, "footwork is not physical, it's mental." South African-born Australian has had an incredible year in international cricket notching up 353 runs in the recent Ashes series. Labuschagne had made his one-day international debut against India at Mumbai two years ago. The visitors had won that match with Labuschagne neither batting or bowling. The 25-year-old who was the leading Test run-getter last year is now behind Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian batsman Steve Smith in the ICC Test rankings. Tendulkar said Marnus was "mentally strong" while complementing the Australian. "If you're not thinking positively in your mind, then your feet don't move. That clearly indicated to me that this guy is mentally strong because if you're not, your feet will not move," Tendulkar said. Labuschagne has scored 1459 runs in 14 Tests so far with an incredible average of 63.4 with four centuries and eight half-centuries after making his Test debut against Pakistan at Dubai in 2018.

Tendulkar says Australian Marnus Labuschagne reminds him of himself

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have&nbsp;been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats"&nbsp;which have been causing widespread havoc.

What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the&nbsp;decade.

Sometimes referred to as "flying foxes", the bat colony has reached such biblical proportions that it now outnumbers Ingham's 4,300 residents by gargantuan margins. Residents have called the situation a "bat tornado", with the epicentre&nbsp;residing over the town's botanical gardens and the trees in nearby local primary schools.

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in 2013 had complained about the flying foxes&nbsp;as their presence made flights difficult. Since then, the numbers in the colony have jumped yearly, which is worsened by the fact that hundreds of fruit bats die of heat-stroke every summer, leaving residents and local authorities to clean up dead bodies of flying fox pups.&nbsp;

<img alt="Dead bats" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="281a4e3f-0030-4983-b118-c00e90cf9391" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Piles of fruit bat corpses litter the majority of Ingham - Representative Image (Courtesy: Doug&nbsp;Gimesy, National Geographic)

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home</a>

The most obvious problem being faced by Ingham residents is a spike in their daily interactions with guano or bat droppings. This not only includes the sight and smell but also the sensation of stepping in a pile whenever one steps out of the safety of their homes.&nbsp;

The constant cacophony of screeches also adds to local disgust.&nbsp;The major concern when it comes to infections is that&nbsp;Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) can be transferred via scratches or bites.

Though the risk of infection is low and only three confirmed cases have been registered in the country since was&nbsp;discovered&nbsp;in 1996 but&nbsp;research data from the Australian Journal of General Practice states that ABL has a 100 per cent kill rate.

<img alt="Map of Infected region" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d82678-d341-4f4e-ada7-f6161b84c4f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2871%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Current declared Ingham Roost area&nbsp;(Courtesy: Department of Environment and Science,&nbsp;Hinchinbrook Shire Council) ]

The virus is similar to classical rabies and there are no cures for this once symptoms appear. However, the government of New South Wales has stated rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound, as well as prompt administration of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine which can prevent the spread of the disease.

The Ingham local council has limited options when&nbsp;it comes to dispersing the colony&nbsp;as bats are protected under Queensland law despite the potential health risk their existence poses.

<img alt="flying fox" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21b4c49b-46f6-4fdd-ae62-cb5ce9f51215" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2872%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ An adult flying fox (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Smoke, noise and light can qualify as non-lethal methods to disperse of the animals, but local law dictates that these cannot be used when the bats are breeding. As per reports, there have been claims that the techniques in question are "rarely very successful" and extremely expensive when dispersing bat colonies.

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats" which have been causing widespread havoc. What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the decade.

The local community of a small town in Queensland, Australia have been plagued by a colony of "fruit bats" which have been causing widespread havoc. What started as an uptick in fruit bat numbers around the small town of Ingham has become a virulent plague which the people of this town have been fighting to root out for the better part of the decade. Sometimes referred to as "flying foxes", the bat colony has reached such biblical proportions that it now outnumbers Ingham's 4,300 residents by gargantuan margins. Residents have called the situation a "bat tornado", with the epicentre residing over the town's botanical gardens and the trees in nearby local primary schools. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in 2013 had complained about the flying foxes as their presence made flights difficult. Since then, the numbers in the colony have jumped yearly, which is worsened by the fact that hundreds of fruit bats die of heat-stroke every summer, leaving residents and local authorities to clean up dead bodies of flying fox pups. [ Piles of fruit bat corpses litter the majority of Ingham - Representative Image (Courtesy: Doug Gimesy, National Geographic) Also Read: Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home The most obvious problem being faced by Ingham residents is a spike in their daily interactions with guano or bat droppings. This not only includes the sight and smell but also the sensation of stepping in a pile whenever one steps out of the safety of their homes. The constant cacophony of screeches also adds to local disgust. The major concern when it comes to infections is that Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL) can be transferred via scratches or bites. Though the risk of infection is low and only three confirmed cases have been registered in the country since was discovered in 1996 but research data from the Australian Journal of General Practice states that ABL has a 100 per cent kill rate. [ Current declared Ingham Roost area (Courtesy: Department of Environment and Science, Hinchinbrook Shire Council) ] The virus is similar to classical rabies and there are no cures for this once symptoms appear. However, the government of New South Wales has stated rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound, as well as prompt administration of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine which can prevent the spread of the disease. The Ingham local council has limited options when it comes to dispersing the colony as bats are protected under Queensland law despite the potential health risk their existence poses. [ An adult flying fox (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Smoke, noise and light can qualify as non-lethal methods to disperse of the animals, but local law dictates that these cannot be used when the bats are breeding. As per reports, there have been claims that the techniques in question are "rarely very successful" and extremely expensive when dispersing bat colonies.

'Bat tornado' wreaks widespread havoc in Australian town

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russian</a>-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Syrian </a>air defences,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia</a>'s defence ministry said on Friday.

The&nbsp;Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles&nbsp;which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria</a>

It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-army-enters-rebel-held-northwestern-saraqeb-town-in-latest-advance-report-279203">Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance</a>

It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues.&nbsp;Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight&nbsp;Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria.

The incident took place a month after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Boeing 737-800</a> operated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Ukraine International Airlines</a> crashed shortly after take-off from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Tehran</a>, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran</a>

The&nbsp;Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Syria</a>.&nbsp;Israel has declined to comment.

The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday. The Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying. Also read: Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Also read: Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues. Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria. The incident took place a month after a Boeing 737-800 operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error. Also see: In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran The Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria. Israel has declined to comment. The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

Passenger plane makes emergency landing after coming under fire in Syria

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