Myanmar fighting has escalated in Eastern Karen state after rebel forces torched a military base on Tuesday. The army has now responded with a fresh round of air strikes on Karen villages.

Myanmar: Karen village pummelled by fresh wave or air strikes

After a 'deadly' US airstrike in Syria, Iran has "strongly condemned" the actions, while US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has said that this was a warning for Iran.

On Friday, a US airstrike was carried out against an Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria. This was Biden's first such action since he took the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/the-white-house">Oval Office</a> on January 26.&nbsp;

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Talking about the strike, he said it should be seen by Iran as a warning. "You can't act with impunity," he said.

He also asked Iran and other countries to "be careful" and sent out a message that his administration will always protect Americans first.

"He's going to act to protect Americans and when threats are posed, he has the right to take an action at the time and in the manner of his choosing," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/the-white-house">White House</a> Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Biden's behalf.

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While Syria condemned the strike as "cowardly American aggression", the Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the administration wanted to make it "very, very clear — notably to Iran&nbsp;— that they cannot act with impunity against our people, our partners, our interests", adding that he hopes the message has been received clearly.

Syria believes this is a weak sign on behalf of the Biden administration. "It is a bad sign regarding the policies of the new US administration which should adhere to international (norms)," the foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-cant-act-with-impunity-says-us-president-joe-biden-366556">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-cant-act-with-impunity-says-us-president-joe-biden-366556/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran, too, has condemned the airstrike and has warned that this attack risks "intensifying military conflicts and further destabilise the region" in the war-stuck region.&nbsp;

Calling it illegal attacks, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said his country "strongly condemned the illegal attacks by US forces on areas in eastern Syria that are a clear violation of human rights and international law".

The Kremlin, too, used this moment to target the US and said it was&nbsp;closely monitoring the situation and was constantly in contact with the Syrian authorities. The&nbsp;spokesman Dmitry Peskov also added that he could not say whether the Biden administration had informed Russia of its plans to carry out the airstrike. He also added that additional&nbsp;operational contacts were made through the military.

After a 'deadly' US airstrike in Syria, Iran has "strongly condemned" the actions, while US President Joe Biden has said that this was a warning for Iran. On Friday, a US airstrike was carried out against an Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria.

After a 'deadly' US airstrike in Syria, Iran has "strongly condemned" the actions, while US President Joe Biden has said that this was a warning for Iran. On Friday, a US airstrike was carried out against an Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria. This was Biden's first such action since he took the Oval Office on January 26. Also read| President Biden calls Saudi King Salman; Iran tops agenda Talking about the strike, he said it should be seen by Iran as a warning. "You can't act with impunity," he said. He also asked Iran and other countries to "be careful" and sent out a message that his administration will always protect Americans first. "He's going to act to protect Americans and when threats are posed, he has the right to take an action at the time and in the manner of his choosing," the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Biden's behalf. Also read| Israeli researchers reveal China copied spyware code from America's NSA While Syria condemned the strike as "cowardly American aggression", the Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the administration wanted to make it "very, very clear — notably to Iran — that they cannot act with impunity against our people, our partners, our interests", adding that he hopes the message has been received clearly. Syria believes this is a weak sign on behalf of the Biden administration. "It is a bad sign regarding the policies of the new US administration which should adhere to international (norms)," the foreign ministry said. WATCH| Iran, too, has condemned the airstrike and has warned that this attack risks "intensifying military conflicts and further destabilise the region" in the war-stuck region. Calling it illegal attacks, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said his country "strongly condemned the illegal attacks by US forces on areas in eastern Syria that are a clear violation of human rights and international law". The Kremlin, too, used this moment to target the US and said it was closely monitoring the situation and was constantly in contact with the Syrian authorities. The spokesman Dmitry Peskov also added that he could not say whether the Biden administration had informed Russia of its plans to carry out the airstrike. He also added that additional operational contacts were made through the military.

'Be prepared': Biden to Iran after US airstrike in Syria

Tensions are escalating in central Mali. Some people were killed in a French airstrike this weekend. France says they were terrorists. The locals say it was a wedding party.

Tensions are escalating in central Mali. Some people were killed in a French airstrike this weekend. France says they were terrorists. The locals say it was a wedding party. Did a French airstrike kill innocent civilians in Mali? A controversy has erupted over an operation that happened on Sunday. The French military conducted an air raid. Paris says dozens of fighters were killed. But the locals say a wedding party was hit. Reports say more than 20 people including children have died. Villagers in Bounti say a lone helicopter opened fire in broad daylight. But, the French military has rejected the claims. The military campaign in mali is getting complicated for France. It had sent its forces into the former colony eight years ago. This is after Islamists took control of cities in the north. The mission was supposed to last barely a few weeks. Now, it's an unending battle. WATCH| × The terrorists are spread across a vast sweep of land south of the Sahara. Better known as the Sahel. The region includes mali, chad, niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania. The Sahel has now suffered repeated attacks by terrorists. Linked to the Al Qaeda and the Islamic state. More than 10 thousand Western Africans have died. Over a million, have fled their homes since the war began. The losses --- keep mounting. Recently five French soldiers were killed in different attacks. Paris had deployed 600 more troops to this region last year. Reports say it's mulling a withdrawal. The remaining troops could be pulled out ahead of the French presidential election in 2022. The situation here is already fragile. In a village in Niger, 100 people have died. The attack was one of the deadliest in recent days. Niger's prime minister has vowed to punish the terrorists. The French defence minister has said that his forces are not destined to stay forever in Sahel. But, the recent spike in tensions --- might complicate the french exit strategy.

Wedding party or terrorists? French air strikes escalate tensions in Mali

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes.&nbsp;

The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lead-scientist-behind-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-ugur-sahin-says-life-will-not-return-to-normal-till-next-winter-343465">Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter</a>

Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.

The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory.

On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria.

Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War.

According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces."

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Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria."

US visit

The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran.

Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency.

Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal. &nbsp;

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border. An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes. The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement. Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another. Also read| Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops. The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory. On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria. Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War. According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces." Also read: Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria." US visit The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran. Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency. Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal.

Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets

Israeli warplanes struck suspected Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip before dawn on Friday following rocket fire from the blockaded Palestinian territory.

Fighter jets and other aircraft struck a "weapons manufacturing site and underground infrastructures" operated by Islamist group Hamas, which has controlled the territory since 2007, the Israeli army said.

Hamas reported no casualties from the Israeli strikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp and the southern city of Khan Yunis.

Two rockets had been launched at Israel late Thursday, without causing any casualties or damage.&nbsp;

One was intercepted by Israeli air defences, while the other hit open ground, the army said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-uncovers-tunnel-from-gaza-military-says-holds-hamas-responsible-336760/amp">Also read:&nbsp;Israel uncovers tunnel from Gaza, military says holds Hamas responsible</a>

The last reported rocket attack from Gaza was on Tuesday night.

It came after the army announced it had found a new tunnel that crosses "dozens of metres (yards) into Israel" from Gaza.

The next day the army said the tunnel belonged to Hamas.

Authorities have discovered some 20 tunnels originating in Gaza since 2014, army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said this week.

Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since the Islamists ousted loyalists of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas from the territory in 2007 and there have been numerous smaller flare-ups.

An informal truce brokered by Egypt and the United Nations, with the financial support of gas-rich Qatar, has been in force since late 2018.

It has been broken several times but has been restored on each occasion.

Israeli warplanes struck suspected Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip before dawn on Friday following rocket fire from the blockaded Palestinian territory.

Israeli warplanes struck suspected Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip before dawn on Friday following rocket fire from the blockaded Palestinian territory. Fighter jets and other aircraft struck a "weapons manufacturing site and underground infrastructures" operated by Islamist group Hamas, which has controlled the territory since 2007, the Israeli army said. Hamas reported no casualties from the Israeli strikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp and the southern city of Khan Yunis. Two rockets had been launched at Israel late Thursday, without causing any casualties or damage. One was intercepted by Israeli air defences, while the other hit open ground, the army said. Also read: Israel uncovers tunnel from Gaza, military says holds Hamas responsible The last reported rocket attack from Gaza was on Tuesday night. It came after the army announced it had found a new tunnel that crosses "dozens of metres (yards) into Israel" from Gaza. The next day the army said the tunnel belonged to Hamas. Authorities have discovered some 20 tunnels originating in Gaza since 2014, army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said this week. Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since the Islamists ousted loyalists of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas from the territory in 2007 and there have been numerous smaller flare-ups. An informal truce brokered by Egypt and the United Nations, with the financial support of gas-rich Qatar, has been in force since late 2018. It has been broken several times but has been restored on each occasion.

Israel warplanes strike Gaza following rocket fire

The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups "wherever they are found".

The advances were made after President Bashar al-Assad's forces drove insurgents from the M5 highway linking Aleppo to Damascus, reopening the fastest route between Syria's two biggest cities for the first time in years in a big strategic gain for Assad.

Assad said on Monday his forces' rapid recent gains presaged the eventual defeat of the nine-year insurgency that sought to oust him from power. But in an appearance televised by state media, he also cautioned that the conflict was not yet over.

"We know this liberation does not mean the end of the war or the crushing of all plots or the end of terror or the surrender of the enemy, but it definitely rubs their noses in the dirt," Assad said. "This is a prelude to their (opposition forces') final defeat, sooner or later."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/900000-people-displaced-by-fighting-in-northwest-syria-since-december-un-281225">900,000 people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria since December - UN</a>

Backed by heavy Russian airstrikes and aided by pro-Iranian militias, government forces have intensified since the start of the year their campaign to recapture the Aleppo countryside and parts of neighbouring Idlib province in the far northwest of Syria where anti-Assad insurgents hold their last strongholds.

Russian and government airstrikes on Monday hit Darat Izza, near the Turkish border about 30 km (20 miles) north of Aleppo city, wounding several civilians and forcing two hospitals to close, according to hospital staff.

Witnesses also reported airstrikes in southern areas of Idlib province in what the opposition said was a "scorched earth policy" that has left dozens of towns and villages in ruins.

The advances sent hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians fleeing towards the border with Turkey in the biggest single displacement of the nine-year-old war.

The United Nations said on Monday that over 875,000 Syrians, mostly children and women, have now fled towns and villages targeted by the heavy aerial bombing campaign since December&nbsp;1.

More than 40,000 have been displaced in the last four days alone from western Aleppo province, the scene of heavy fighting, said David Swanson, a U.N. spokesman.&nbsp;

The offensive has also upset the fragile cooperation between Ankara and Moscow, which back opposing factions in the conflict.

Turkey and Russia began a new round of talks in Moscow on Monday after several demands by Ankara that Assad's forces should back down and a ceasefire be put in place.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'</a>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Islamist militant attacks on Russian bases and Syrian positions have continued and "it is not possible to leave this unanswered".

"Troops from Russia and Turkey on the ground in Syria, in Idlib, are in constant contact with each other, looking at changes in the conditions. They have a full understanding of each other," said Lavrov.

However, the Syrian armed forces said they would push on with what they called their "sacred and noble task to rid what remains of terrorist organisations wherever on Syria's geography they are found".

Syrian forces had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside, they said in a statement.

Syrian Transport Minister Ali Hammoud announced on Monday the reopening of Aleppo international airport with the first flight, from Damascus to Aleppo, scheduled for Wednesday and flights to Cairo to be announced within days, state news agency SANA reported.

The pro-Damascus Al-Watan newspaper said the M5 highway, a vital artery in northern Syria, would be ready for civilian use by the end of the week. Aleppo city, once Syria's economic hub, was the scene of some of the most vicious fighting of the war between 2012 and 2016.

The Syrian army has also opened the international roadway from northern Aleppo to the towns of Zahraa and Nubl towards the Turkish border, a military news service run by Lebanon's Assad-allied pro-Damascus Hezbollah group said.

The insurgent forces arrayed against Assad include Western-backed rebels and jihadist militants.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said his military will drive back Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Idlib by the end of the month. On Saturday, he appeared to move that date forward, saying Turkey would "handle it" before the end of the month if there was no pullback.

Alarmed by the new refugee crisis on its border, Turkey has sent thousands of troops and hundreds of convoys of military equipment to reinforce its observation posts in Idlib, established under a 2018 de-escalation agreement with Russia.

The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups "wherever they are found".

The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups "wherever they are found". The advances were made after President Bashar al-Assad's forces drove insurgents from the M5 highway linking Aleppo to Damascus, reopening the fastest route between Syria's two biggest cities for the first time in years in a big strategic gain for Assad. Assad said on Monday his forces' rapid recent gains presaged the eventual defeat of the nine-year insurgency that sought to oust him from power. But in an appearance televised by state media, he also cautioned that the conflict was not yet over. "We know this liberation does not mean the end of the war or the crushing of all plots or the end of terror or the surrender of the enemy, but it definitely rubs their noses in the dirt," Assad said. "This is a prelude to their (opposition forces') final defeat, sooner or later." Also read: 900,000 people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria since December - UN Backed by heavy Russian airstrikes and aided by pro-Iranian militias, government forces have intensified since the start of the year their campaign to recapture the Aleppo countryside and parts of neighbouring Idlib province in the far northwest of Syria where anti-Assad insurgents hold their last strongholds. Russian and government airstrikes on Monday hit Darat Izza, near the Turkish border about 30 km (20 miles) north of Aleppo city, wounding several civilians and forcing two hospitals to close, according to hospital staff. Witnesses also reported airstrikes in southern areas of Idlib province in what the opposition said was a "scorched earth policy" that has left dozens of towns and villages in ruins. The advances sent hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians fleeing towards the border with Turkey in the biggest single displacement of the nine-year-old war. The United Nations said on Monday that over 875,000 Syrians, mostly children and women, have now fled towns and villages targeted by the heavy aerial bombing campaign since December 1. More than 40,000 have been displaced in the last four days alone from western Aleppo province, the scene of heavy fighting, said David Swanson, a U.N. spokesman. The offensive has also upset the fragile cooperation between Ankara and Moscow, which back opposing factions in the conflict. Turkey and Russia began a new round of talks in Moscow on Monday after several demands by Ankara that Assad's forces should back down and a ceasefire be put in place. Also read: President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Islamist militant attacks on Russian bases and Syrian positions have continued and "it is not possible to leave this unanswered". "Troops from Russia and Turkey on the ground in Syria, in Idlib, are in constant contact with each other, looking at changes in the conditions. They have a full understanding of each other," said Lavrov. However, the Syrian armed forces said they would push on with what they called their "sacred and noble task to rid what remains of terrorist organisations wherever on Syria's geography they are found". Syrian forces had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside, they said in a statement. Syrian Transport Minister Ali Hammoud announced on Monday the reopening of Aleppo international airport with the first flight, from Damascus to Aleppo, scheduled for Wednesday and flights to Cairo to be announced within days, state news agency SANA reported. The pro-Damascus Al-Watan newspaper said the M5 highway, a vital artery in northern Syria, would be ready for civilian use by the end of the week. Aleppo city, once Syria's economic hub, was the scene of some of the most vicious fighting of the war between 2012 and 2016. The Syrian army has also opened the international roadway from northern Aleppo to the towns of Zahraa and Nubl towards the Turkish border, a military news service run by Lebanon's Assad-allied pro-Damascus Hezbollah group said. The insurgent forces arrayed against Assad include Western-backed rebels and jihadist militants. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said his military will drive back Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Idlib by the end of the month. On Saturday, he appeared to move that date forward, saying Turkey would "handle it" before the end of the month if there was no pullback. Alarmed by the new refugee crisis on its border, Turkey has sent thousands of troops and hundreds of convoys of military equipment to reinforce its observation posts in Idlib, established under a 2018 de-escalation agreement with Russia.

Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way

Reports have been claimed that head of the elite Quds Force & Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed late on Thursday in an airstrike on their convoy in Baghdad airport. #Baghdad #BaghdadAirport #QassemSoleimani #WION

Reports: Air strike on Baghdad airport, 8 killed including Iranian Major-General Soleimani

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned air strikes by the United States on several bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq and said the attack would have consequences.

Iraq PM condemns US strikes on its soil

Oil price rises over 4% after US air strike kills Iranian military commander

Supporters of Iran-backed Iraqi paramilitary groups began to withdraw from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday (January 1), a day after they stormed the outer perimeter, forcing Washington to dispatch extra troops and threaten reprisals against Iran.

Iraqi militias withdraw from U.S. Embassy

An airstrike Saturday by key Damascus ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrols-in-northern-syria-report-259271">Russia</a> killed six civilians including a child in the embattled opposition bastion of Idlib in northwestern Syria, according to a war monitor.

The strike hit the village of Jaballa in the south of the Idlib region, taking the lives of all six from the same family, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria, says it determines who carries out an airstrike according to flight patterns, as well as aircraft and ammunition involved.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the bloodiest such Russian air raid in two months since Moscow announced a truce for the surrounding area on August 31.

Since then, eight other civilians have been killed in Russian airstrikes on different dates in the region, he said.

The Idlib region, which is home to some three million people including many displaced by the eight-year war, is controlled by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Syrian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">Bashar al-Assad's</a> forces launched a devastating military campaign against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and forcing more than 400,000 people to flee their homes.

But a ceasefire announced by the regime's major backer Moscow has largely held since late August, though the Observatory says skirmishes persist.

On Friday, 23 regime fighters, as well as 11 jihadists and allied rebels, were killed in clashes on the western edges of the Idlib region.

Assad last week said Idlib was the main front remaining to end the civil war, as he made his first trip since 2011 to visit troops in the region.

He spoke as his forces were deploying in Kurdish-majority areas to the east of Idlib to help stave off a deadly Turkish offensive.

Syria's war has killed 370,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests.

An airstrike Saturday by key Damascus ally Russia killed six civilians including a child in the embattled opposition bastion of Idlib in northwestern Syria, according to a war monitor.

An airstrike Saturday by key Damascus ally Russia killed six civilians including a child in the embattled opposition bastion of Idlib in northwestern Syria, according to a war monitor. The strike hit the village of Jaballa in the south of the Idlib region, taking the lives of all six from the same family, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Britain-based monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria, says it determines who carries out an airstrike according to flight patterns, as well as aircraft and ammunition involved. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the bloodiest such Russian air raid in two months since Moscow announced a truce for the surrounding area on August 31. Since then, eight other civilians have been killed in Russian airstrikes on different dates in the region, he said. The Idlib region, which is home to some three million people including many displaced by the eight-year war, is controlled by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces launched a devastating military campaign against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and forcing more than 400,000 people to flee their homes. But a ceasefire announced by the regime's major backer Moscow has largely held since late August, though the Observatory says skirmishes persist. On Friday, 23 regime fighters, as well as 11 jihadists and allied rebels, were killed in clashes on the western edges of the Idlib region. Assad last week said Idlib was the main front remaining to end the civil war, as he made his first trip since 2011 to visit troops in the region. He spoke as his forces were deploying in Kurdish-majority areas to the east of Idlib to help stave off a deadly Turkish offensive. Syria's war has killed 370,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests.

Russian airstrike kills six civilians in Syria

Airstrikes by Turkey and mortar fire by its proxies killed nine more civilians near a flashpoint town in northeastern Syria, bringing Friday's civilian death toll to 14, a monitor said.

"Air strikes and mortar rounds Friday killed 14 civilians... in Bab el-Kheir and nearby villages," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shelling-heard-around-syrian-town-after-turkish-us-ceasefire-deal-256640">Deadly Turkish airstrikes </a>shattered an hours-old US-brokered deal to stop Ankara's military offensive against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-agrees-with-us-to-pause-syria-assault-while-kurds-withdraw-256571">ceasefire announced late Thursday</a> was meant to provide a pause for the evacuation of Kurdish fighters from the battleground border town of Ras al-Ain and other areas Turkey wants to control along its border with Syria.

The five-day suspension looked designed to help Turkey achieve its main territorial goals without fighting but its Syrian proxies continued to clash with Kurdish fighters Friday.

The Britain-based war monitor said four fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces -- the de facto army of the embattled Kurdish autonomous region -- were killed in the strike.

The incident took place even as a 200-vehicle convoy headed towards Ras al-Ain to evacuate civilians who have been virtually besieged there since the start of Turkey's cross-border assault on October 9.

Mustefa Bali, a spokesman for the SDF, said Turkey was clearly violating the terms of the agreement reached during a Thursday visit to Ankara by US Vice President Mike Pence.

- Violation -

"Despite the agreement to halt the fighting, air and artillery attacks continue to target the positions of fighters, civilian settlements and the hospital" in Ras al-Ain, he said.

Under the deal, Kurdish forces are required to withdraw from a border strip 32 kilometres (20 miles) deep, clearing the way for a "safe zone" sought by Turkey.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had said they were ready to abide by the ceasefire in border territory between Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad to its west.

The Turkish offensive was sparked by US President Donald Trump's announcement of an American withdrawal from northern Syria, leading critics to accuse him of betraying Washington's Kurdish allies.

On Thursday evening, Trump said he allowed the two sides to fight for a few days before brokering a truce as they were like "kids in a lot".

The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies -- mostly Arab and Turkmen former rebels used as a ground force -- have so far seized around 120 kilometres (70 miles) of territory along the border.

More than 500 people have been killed on the two sides, including nearly 100 civilians, while around 300,000 have been displaced, according to the Observatory.

- Hospital surrounded -

Kurdish forces have put up fierce resistance in Ras al-Ain, with a network of tunnels, berms and trenches that held off the Turkish onslaught for a week.

Ankara considers the Kurdish forces to be "terrorists" linked to Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

Turkish forces and their allies had taken control of half of Ras al-Ain on Thursday when its hospital was hit, trapping patients and staff inside, Abdel Rahman said.&nbsp;

Kurdish authorities sent a medical team to rescue the wounded but it was prevented from entering the town, said Hassan Amin, a director of the hospital in nearby Tal Tamr.

"The situation of the wounded is critical and the number is high," he said, adding that seven wounded people from around Ras al-Ain were however evacuated to Tal Tamr.

- 'War crimes' -

Trump has come under sustained criticism in Washington over his handling of the crisis, not only from Democrats but from within his own Republican Party.&nbsp;

The SDF fought alongside US forces to defeat the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq, but Trump argued it was no longer the US role to ensure calm in the region.

Thousands of IS fighters and their families are held in Kurdish-run jails across northern Syria.

The prospect of thousands of the world's most radical jihadists breaking out in the chaos caused by Turkey's invasion is causing widespread alarm.

The Turkish offensive has also been widely criticised, with videos surfacing online allegedly showing captured fighters and civilians being executed.

On Friday, Amnesty International accused Ankara's forces and their proxies of "serious violations and war crimes, summary killings and unlawful attacks".

There was no immediate response from Ankara, which says all possible measures have been taken to avoid civilian casualties.

Trump welcomed the temporary ceasefire Thursday, but later compared the warring parties to children.

"Like two kids in a lot, you have got to let them fight and then you pull them apart," Trump told a rally in Dallas, Texas.

Brett McGurk, former presidential special envoy for the anti-IS coalition, described Trump's remarks as "obscene and ignorant".

Airstrikes by Turkey and mortar fire by its proxies killed nine more civilians near a flashpoint town in northeastern Syria, bringing Friday's civilian death toll to 14, a monitor said.

Airstrikes by Turkey and mortar fire by its proxies killed nine more civilians near a flashpoint town in northeastern Syria, bringing Friday's civilian death toll to 14, a monitor said. "Air strikes and mortar rounds Friday killed 14 civilians... in Bab el-Kheir and nearby villages," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Deadly Turkish airstrikes shattered an hours-old US-brokered deal to stop Ankara's military offensive against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. The ceasefire announced late Thursday was meant to provide a pause for the evacuation of Kurdish fighters from the battleground border town of Ras al-Ain and other areas Turkey wants to control along its border with Syria. The five-day suspension looked designed to help Turkey achieve its main territorial goals without fighting but its Syrian proxies continued to clash with Kurdish fighters Friday. The Britain-based war monitor said four fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces -- the de facto army of the embattled Kurdish autonomous region -- were killed in the strike. The incident took place even as a 200-vehicle convoy headed towards Ras al-Ain to evacuate civilians who have been virtually besieged there since the start of Turkey's cross-border assault on October 9. Mustefa Bali, a spokesman for the SDF, said Turkey was clearly violating the terms of the agreement reached during a Thursday visit to Ankara by US Vice President Mike Pence. - Violation - "Despite the agreement to halt the fighting, air and artillery attacks continue to target the positions of fighters, civilian settlements and the hospital" in Ras al-Ain, he said. Under the deal, Kurdish forces are required to withdraw from a border strip 32 kilometres (20 miles) deep, clearing the way for a "safe zone" sought by Turkey. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had said they were ready to abide by the ceasefire in border territory between Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad to its west. The Turkish offensive was sparked by US President Donald Trump's announcement of an American withdrawal from northern Syria, leading critics to accuse him of betraying Washington's Kurdish allies. On Thursday evening, Trump said he allowed the two sides to fight for a few days before brokering a truce as they were like "kids in a lot". The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies -- mostly Arab and Turkmen former rebels used as a ground force -- have so far seized around 120 kilometres (70 miles) of territory along the border. More than 500 people have been killed on the two sides, including nearly 100 civilians, while around 300,000 have been displaced, according to the Observatory. - Hospital surrounded - Kurdish forces have put up fierce resistance in Ras al-Ain, with a network of tunnels, berms and trenches that held off the Turkish onslaught for a week. Ankara considers the Kurdish forces to be "terrorists" linked to Kurdish rebels inside Turkey. Turkish forces and their allies had taken control of half of Ras al-Ain on Thursday when its hospital was hit, trapping patients and staff inside, Abdel Rahman said. Kurdish authorities sent a medical team to rescue the wounded but it was prevented from entering the town, said Hassan Amin, a director of the hospital in nearby Tal Tamr. "The situation of the wounded is critical and the number is high," he said, adding that seven wounded people from around Ras al-Ain were however evacuated to Tal Tamr. - 'War crimes' - Trump has come under sustained criticism in Washington over his handling of the crisis, not only from Democrats but from within his own Republican Party. The SDF fought alongside US forces to defeat the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq, but Trump argued it was no longer the US role to ensure calm in the region. Thousands of IS fighters and their families are held in Kurdish-run jails across northern Syria. The prospect of thousands of the world's most radical jihadists breaking out in the chaos caused by Turkey's invasion is causing widespread alarm. The Turkish offensive has also been widely criticised, with videos surfacing online allegedly showing captured fighters and civilians being executed. On Friday, Amnesty International accused Ankara's forces and their proxies of "serious violations and war crimes, summary killings and unlawful attacks". There was no immediate response from Ankara, which says all possible measures have been taken to avoid civilian casualties. Trump welcomed the temporary ceasefire Thursday, but later compared the warring parties to children. "Like two kids in a lot, you have got to let them fight and then you pull them apart," Trump told a rally in Dallas, Texas. Brett McGurk, former presidential special envoy for the anti-IS coalition, described Trump's remarks as "obscene and ignorant".

Civilian toll rises to 14 in Turkey bombardment on Syria: Monitor

Five people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed and dozens injured in shelling on Turkish border towns on Thursday, local authorities said, following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explainer-turkey-set-to-redraw-map-of-syrian-war-once-more-254794">Turkey's offensive on Kurdish forces </a>in northern Syria.

"The first martyrs of Operation Peace Spring were a nine-month-old Syrian baby, Mohammad Omar, and Cihan Gunes, a civil servant working for the tax office in Akcakale," the Sanliurfa governor's office said in a statement.

Three more deaths were later reported in Mardin province, according to a local official.

AFP journalists witnessed consistent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-injured-as-shells-hit-turkish-border-towns-255028">explosions in Akcakale and saw three people injured</a>, one seriously, when shells hit a government building.

Attacks were also reported in Ceylanpinar.&nbsp;

The two areas lie just across the border from the Syrian towns of Tal Abyad and Ras Al-Ain, which have been the focus of Turkey's operation against Syrian Kurdish forces since it was launched on Wednesday.

A total of 70 people were so far reported injured across Turkish areas.

Families were evacuating and streets emptying in Akcakale, as local authorities called on people to take shelter.&nbsp;

Turkey says its operation is aimed at pushing back Syrian Kurdish forces, which it considers "terrorists", and establishing a "safe zone" to repatriate Syrian refugees. 
&nbsp;

Five people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed and dozens injured in shelling on Turkish border towns on Thursday, local authorities said, following Turkey's offensive on Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

Five people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed and dozens injured in shelling on Turkish border towns on Thursday, local authorities said, following Turkey's offensive on Kurdish forces in northern Syria. "The first martyrs of Operation Peace Spring were a nine-month-old Syrian baby, Mohammad Omar, and Cihan Gunes, a civil servant working for the tax office in Akcakale," the Sanliurfa governor's office said in a statement. Three more deaths were later reported in Mardin province, according to a local official. AFP journalists witnessed consistent explosions in Akcakale and saw three people injured, one seriously, when shells hit a government building. Attacks were also reported in Ceylanpinar. The two areas lie just across the border from the Syrian towns of Tal Abyad and Ras Al-Ain, which have been the focus of Turkey's operation against Syrian Kurdish forces since it was launched on Wednesday. A total of 70 people were so far reported injured across Turkish areas. Families were evacuating and streets emptying in Akcakale, as local authorities called on people to take shelter. Turkey says its operation is aimed at pushing back Syrian Kurdish forces, which it considers "terrorists", and establishing a "safe zone" to repatriate Syrian refugees.

5 killed, including baby, in Kurdish shelling on Turkey: Officials

Air strikes maim, scar Yemen's children

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-14-killed-8-injured-in-airstrike-in-helmand-251437">airstrike during a wedding celebration</a> in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul.

Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants.&nbsp;

Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting.&nbsp;

"Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said.&nbsp;

Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead.&nbsp;

Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest.&nbsp;

Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed.&nbsp;

But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation.

A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations.&nbsp;

While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict.

There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday. The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul. Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants. Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting. "Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said. Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead. Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest. Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed. But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation. A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations. While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict. There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.

Afghan officials investigate reports 40 civilians killed in airstrike

More than 100 people are believed to have been killed in an airstrike by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-coalition-says-it-bombed-houthi-arms-site-in-yemen-group-says-prison-hit-246991">Saudi-led military coalition</a> on a detention centre in Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Sunday.

The coalition said it targeted a facility run by the Huthi rebels that "stores drones and missiles", but the rebels said the attack had levelled a building they used as a prison.

The United Nations said 52 detainees were among the dead, with a further 68 still missing.

"Casualties are most likely to increase as rescue efforts are still ongoing," it said.

The ICRC rushed to the scene in the city of Dhamar with medical teams and hundreds of body bags.

"The location that was hit has been visited by ICRC before," Franz Rauchenstein, its head of delegation for Yemen, told AFP from Dhamar. "It's a college building that has been empty and has been used as a detention facility for a while."

"What is most disturbing is that (the attack was) on a prison. To hit such a building is shocking and saddening – prisoners are protected by international law."

Rauchenstein said that over 100 people were estimated to be dead, and that at least 40 survivors were being treated for their injuries in hospitals in the city, south of the capital Sanaa.

ICRC teams collecting bodies were also "working relentlessly to find survivors under the rubble", he said, but cautioned that the chances of finding any were very slim.

Footage obtained by AFP showed heavy damage to the building and several bodies lying in the rubble, as bulldozers worked to clear away huge piles of debris.

The coalition intervened in 2015 to support the government after the Iran-aligned Huthis swept out of their northern stronghold to seize Sanaa and much of Yemen -- the Arab world's poorest nation.

Fighting since then has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

'Staggering' casualties

The UN's humanitarian coordinator in Yemen called Sunday's airstrike "horrific" and said aid groups had been forced to divert critical medical supplies, intended for treating cholera outbreak, to Dhamar hospitals.

"We have no choice," Lise Grande said. "The scale of the casualties is staggering."

Both sides stand accused of actions that could amount to war crimes.

The coalition has been blacklisted by the UN for the killing of children, while Saudi Arabia and its allies accuse the Huthis of using civilians as human shields in densely populated areas.&nbsp;

Before the ICRC's comments, the coalition had insisted the strike was conducted against "a military compound which was a legitimate military target".

It said secondary explosions indicated the building was used to store weapons and that the Huthis were masking its identity by "claiming it was a secret prison".

"This is a traditional Huthi tactic and a violation of the laws of armed conflict. This site was not registered with the United Nations" and was not on the coalition's "no-strike list" of sites provided by the UN and other agencies, coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki said in a statement.

The coalition said it "took all precautionary measures to protect civilians".

But Huthi television channel Al-Masirah said dozens had been killed and wounded in seven airstrikes that hit the building.

"The enemy targeted prisoners on purpose in Dhamar, many of whom were preparing to be released under a prison swap deal," Huthi rebel chief Abdelmalek al-Huthi said in a televised speech on Sunday.

The UN's Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths said Sunday's deaths were a "tragedy".

"The human cost of this war is unbearable," he said. "We need it to stop. Yemenis deserve a peaceful future."

The attack in Dhamar comes weeks after a new front opened in Yemen's complex war, pitting two of Riyadh's allies against each other in a struggle for control of the south.

The United Arab Emirates, a key member of the coalition backing the Yemeni government, has also trained and supported secessionists who seek an independent southern Yemen.&nbsp;

The southern forces last month seized control of the interim capital Aden in the south, in a see-sawing battle with government troops that has drawn warnings that the country could break apart entirely.

The government has accused the UAE of backing a "coup".

Analysts say the fight for the south is a key test for Saudi Arabia, which hopes to mediate a ceasefire so it can focus on its main mission of battling the Huthis who are aligned with its arch-foe Iran.

More than 100 people are believed to have been killed in an airstrike by the Saudi-led military coalition on a detention centre in Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Sunday.

More than 100 people are believed to have been killed in an airstrike by the Saudi-led military coalition on a detention centre in Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Sunday. The coalition said it targeted a facility run by the Huthi rebels that "stores drones and missiles", but the rebels said the attack had levelled a building they used as a prison. The United Nations said 52 detainees were among the dead, with a further 68 still missing. "Casualties are most likely to increase as rescue efforts are still ongoing," it said. The ICRC rushed to the scene in the city of Dhamar with medical teams and hundreds of body bags. "The location that was hit has been visited by ICRC before," Franz Rauchenstein, its head of delegation for Yemen, told AFP from Dhamar. "It's a college building that has been empty and has been used as a detention facility for a while." "What is most disturbing is that (the attack was) on a prison. To hit such a building is shocking and saddening – prisoners are protected by international law." Rauchenstein said that over 100 people were estimated to be dead, and that at least 40 survivors were being treated for their injuries in hospitals in the city, south of the capital Sanaa. ICRC teams collecting bodies were also "working relentlessly to find survivors under the rubble", he said, but cautioned that the chances of finding any were very slim. Footage obtained by AFP showed heavy damage to the building and several bodies lying in the rubble, as bulldozers worked to clear away huge piles of debris. The coalition intervened in 2015 to support the government after the Iran-aligned Huthis swept out of their northern stronghold to seize Sanaa and much of Yemen -- the Arab world's poorest nation. Fighting since then has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. 'Staggering' casualties The UN's humanitarian coordinator in Yemen called Sunday's airstrike "horrific" and said aid groups had been forced to divert critical medical supplies, intended for treating cholera outbreak, to Dhamar hospitals. "We have no choice," Lise Grande said. "The scale of the casualties is staggering." Both sides stand accused of actions that could amount to war crimes. The coalition has been blacklisted by the UN for the killing of children, while Saudi Arabia and its allies accuse the Huthis of using civilians as human shields in densely populated areas. Before the ICRC's comments, the coalition had insisted the strike was conducted against "a military compound which was a legitimate military target". It said secondary explosions indicated the building was used to store weapons and that the Huthis were masking its identity by "claiming it was a secret prison". "This is a traditional Huthi tactic and a violation of the laws of armed conflict. This site was not registered with the United Nations" and was not on the coalition's "no-strike list" of sites provided by the UN and other agencies, coalition spokesman Turki Al-Malki said in a statement. The coalition said it "took all precautionary measures to protect civilians". But Huthi television channel Al-Masirah said dozens had been killed and wounded in seven airstrikes that hit the building. "The enemy targeted prisoners on purpose in Dhamar, many of whom were preparing to be released under a prison swap deal," Huthi rebel chief Abdelmalek al-Huthi said in a televised speech on Sunday. The UN's Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths said Sunday's deaths were a "tragedy". "The human cost of this war is unbearable," he said. "We need it to stop. Yemenis deserve a peaceful future." The attack in Dhamar comes weeks after a new front opened in Yemen's complex war, pitting two of Riyadh's allies against each other in a struggle for control of the south. The United Arab Emirates, a key member of the coalition backing the Yemeni government, has also trained and supported secessionists who seek an independent southern Yemen. The southern forces last month seized control of the interim capital Aden in the south, in a see-sawing battle with government troops that has drawn warnings that the country could break apart entirely. The government has accused the UAE of backing a "coup". Analysts say the fight for the south is a key test for Saudi Arabia, which hopes to mediate a ceasefire so it can focus on its main mission of battling the Huthis who are aligned with its arch-foe Iran.

More than 100 killed in air strike on Yemen prison: International Committee of Red Cross

Air strikes on Syria's northwestern Idlib region stopped on Saturday, a war monitor said, after the government agreed to a &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-announces-government-ceasefire-in-syrias-idlib-from-saturday-246696">Russian-backed ceasefire</a> following four months of deadly bombardment.

"There are no warplanes in the sky and airstrikes have stopped," said Rami Abdul Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

Clashes between regime loyalists and insurgents on the edges of the anti-government bastion have also ceased after a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian regime forces went into effect at 6:00 am (0300 GMT), he said.

Artillery and rocket attacks continued however despite the deal, he added.

Syrian regime ally Russia on Friday announced that Damascus government forces would observe a new ceasefire from Saturday morning in Idlib.

It said the truce aimed "to stabilise the situation" in Idlib, one of the last holdout of opposition to forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian government agreed to the deal, state news agency SANA said.

But the army "reserves the right to respond to violations" by jihadists and allied rebel groups, it added, citing a Syrian military source.

The truce is the latest Russian-led effort to avert what the United Nations has described as one of the worst humanitarian "nightmares" in Syria's eight-year conflict.

Only a few hours before it went into effect, the Observatory reported a Russian airstrike on a health facility in Aleppo's western countryside.&nbsp;

It said the attack after midnight wounded several health workers and put the medical centre out of service.

The UN has said that 43 health facilities and 87 educational facilities have been impacted by fighting since April.

The Idlib region is home to some three million people.

Most of the province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.&nbsp;

Russia-backed regime forces have been pressing an offensive against the region despite a deal with rebel backer Turkey in September last year to protect the area.&nbsp;

Stepped up bombardment by Damascus and Moscow since the end of April has displaced 400,000, the UN says, and killed more than 950 civilians, according to the Observatory.

The flare-up has emptied entire towns and villages in northern Hama and southern Idlib of their residents, according to the UN.&nbsp;

Almost half of the displaced are living in camps, reception centres or in the open air, it added.

Earlier this month, Damascus scrapped a similar truce agreement only three days after it went into effect, accusing rebels and jihadists of targeting a Russian airbase.

Assad, who now controls around 60 per cent of the country, has vowed to reclaim the rest, including Idlib.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and driven millions from their homes since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Air strikes on Syria's northwestern Idlib region stopped on Saturday, a war monitor said, after the government agreed to a Russian-backed ceasefire following four months of deadly bombardment.

Air strikes on Syria's northwestern Idlib region stopped on Saturday, a war monitor said, after the government agreed to a Russian-backed ceasefire following four months of deadly bombardment. "There are no warplanes in the sky and airstrikes have stopped," said Rami Abdul Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Clashes between regime loyalists and insurgents on the edges of the anti-government bastion have also ceased after a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian regime forces went into effect at 6:00 am (0300 GMT), he said. Artillery and rocket attacks continued however despite the deal, he added. Syrian regime ally Russia on Friday announced that Damascus government forces would observe a new ceasefire from Saturday morning in Idlib. It said the truce aimed "to stabilise the situation" in Idlib, one of the last holdout of opposition to forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government agreed to the deal, state news agency SANA said. But the army "reserves the right to respond to violations" by jihadists and allied rebel groups, it added, citing a Syrian military source. The truce is the latest Russian-led effort to avert what the United Nations has described as one of the worst humanitarian "nightmares" in Syria's eight-year conflict. Only a few hours before it went into effect, the Observatory reported a Russian airstrike on a health facility in Aleppo's western countryside. It said the attack after midnight wounded several health workers and put the medical centre out of service. The UN has said that 43 health facilities and 87 educational facilities have been impacted by fighting since April. The Idlib region is home to some three million people. Most of the province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces are controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Russia-backed regime forces have been pressing an offensive against the region despite a deal with rebel backer Turkey in September last year to protect the area. Stepped up bombardment by Damascus and Moscow since the end of April has displaced 400,000, the UN says, and killed more than 950 civilians, according to the Observatory. The flare-up has emptied entire towns and villages in northern Hama and southern Idlib of their residents, according to the UN. Almost half of the displaced are living in camps, reception centres or in the open air, it added. Earlier this month, Damascus scrapped a similar truce agreement only three days after it went into effect, accusing rebels and jihadists of targeting a Russian airbase. Assad, who now controls around 60 per cent of the country, has vowed to reclaim the rest, including Idlib. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and driven millions from their homes since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Air strikes stop in Syria's Idlib after truce announced

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-the-cia-doesnt-spy-on-the-uae-245781">United Arab Emirates</a> has confirmed launching air strikes on Yemen's interim capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-coalition-launches-airstrike-against-separatists-in-aden-242344">Aden</a> targeting "terrorist militias" after the government there announced the raids hit its troops.

A foreign ministry statement late Thursday said "precise and direct air strikes" on Wednesday and Thursday hit the militias.

The Abu Dhabi statement added that they had planned to target a Saudi-led military coalition, of which the UAE is a key member, backing the Yemen government against Iran-aligned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-shot-down-in-yemen-houthi-group-responsible-us-officials-244640">Huthi </a>rebels.&nbsp;

The UAE said it acted in "self-defence" after attacks by "armed groups affiliated with terrorist organisations".

"The military operation against the terrorist militias was based on confirmed field intelligence that the militias prepared to target the coalition forces -- a development which required a preemptive operation to avert any military threat," it said.

"The strikes against the Arab Coalition were launched by armed groups affiliated with terrorist organisations. These armed groups attacked the Arab Coalition at Aden Airport, causing two injuries to the coalition forces," it added.

"Accordingly, the Coalition responded as per their right of self-defence to protect the security of their forces," said the statement which was carried by the Emirates' official WAM news agency.

Watch video: Houthi attack on military parade in Yemen kills more than 30

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On Thursday Yemen's government accused the UAE of launching air strikes in Aden in support of separatists who say they have regained control of the southern city.

"The Yemeni government condemns the Emirati air strikes against government forces in the interim capital Aden and in Zinjibar, which resulted in civilian and military casualties," Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Hadhrami said in a tweet.

Yemeni Information Minister Muammar al-Iryani later tweeted that the alleged UAE strikes had killed 40 combatants and wounded 70 civilians.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi has trained and supported secessionists who seek an independent southern Yemen, despite being a key pillar in the coalition backing the government against the Huthi rebels.

The United Arab Emirates has confirmed launching air strikes on Yemen's interim capital Aden targeting "terrorist militias" after the government there announced the raids hit its troops.

The United Arab Emirates has confirmed launching air strikes on Yemen's interim capital Aden targeting "terrorist militias" after the government there announced the raids hit its troops. A foreign ministry statement late Thursday said "precise and direct air strikes" on Wednesday and Thursday hit the militias. The Abu Dhabi statement added that they had planned to target a Saudi-led military coalition, of which the UAE is a key member, backing the Yemen government against Iran-aligned Huthi rebels. The UAE said it acted in "self-defence" after attacks by "armed groups affiliated with terrorist organisations". "The military operation against the terrorist militias was based on confirmed field intelligence that the militias prepared to target the coalition forces -- a development which required a preemptive operation to avert any military threat," it said. "The strikes against the Arab Coalition were launched by armed groups affiliated with terrorist organisations. These armed groups attacked the Arab Coalition at Aden Airport, causing two injuries to the coalition forces," it added. "Accordingly, the Coalition responded as per their right of self-defence to protect the security of their forces," said the statement which was carried by the Emirates' official WAM news agency. Watch video: Houthi attack on military parade in Yemen kills more than 30 × On Thursday Yemen's government accused the UAE of launching air strikes in Aden in support of separatists who say they have regained control of the southern city. "The Yemeni government condemns the Emirati air strikes against government forces in the interim capital Aden and in Zinjibar, which resulted in civilian and military casualties," Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Hadhrami said in a tweet. Yemeni Information Minister Muammar al-Iryani later tweeted that the alleged UAE strikes had killed 40 combatants and wounded 70 civilians. Abu Dhabi has trained and supported secessionists who seek an independent southern Yemen, despite being a key pillar in the coalition backing the government against the Huthi rebels.

United Arab Emirates confirms Aden air strikes on 'terrorist militias'

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said.

"The death toll increased to 13, including two children, while 23 others, including 11 children, were wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Al-Thabit popular market in Katabir district in Saada," a medic in Saada health office told Xinhua news agency over phone on condition of anonymity.

Eyewitnesses were also quoted as saying that several fruits and vegetable stalls were destroyed and burned to the ground, where rescue workers were searching for possible survivors.

There were no comments from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the airstrike.

The airstrike came a few hours after Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the southwestern Saudi city of Asir.

The Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom`s air forces.

Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen for more than four years in support of the exiled internationally-recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said.

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said. "The death toll increased to 13, including two children, while 23 others, including 11 children, were wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Al-Thabit popular market in Katabir district in Saada," a medic in Saada health office told Xinhua news agency over phone on condition of anonymity. Eyewitnesses were also quoted as saying that several fruits and vegetable stalls were destroyed and burned to the ground, where rescue workers were searching for possible survivors. There were no comments from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the airstrike. The airstrike came a few hours after Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the southwestern Saudi city of Asir. The Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom`s air forces. Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen for more than four years in support of the exiled internationally-recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Saudi-led airstrike on market kill 13 in northern Yemen

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-21-injured-in-israeli-missile-strikes-syria-231935">Israeli missile attack</a> targeted Syrian military positions held by the government and its allies early on Wednesday, Syria's state news agency said.&nbsp;

The missiles were fired into the south of the country close to the Golan Heights, an area occupied and annexed by Israel.

"The Israeli enemy launched aggression after midnight against the Tall al-Hara area," the SANA news agency said Wednesday, adding that there were reports of damage to property.&nbsp;

The attacks were earlier described as "probably Israeli" by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said they targeted Tall al-Hara in Daraa province, south of Damascus, and two areas in the neighbouring province of Quneitrathe.

"The regime's anti-aircraft defence has been activated to counter the attack," director of the Observatory Rami Abdel Rahmane said.

"Some missiles have been shot down, others have hit their target."

The Observatory reported "loss of life" without giving further details.

Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and drawn in world powers since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israeli strikes have previously targeted Tall al-Hara where Hezbollah has installed a radar system and the Syrian regime has erected anti-aircraft batteries, according to the Observatory.&nbsp;

At the end of June, six civilians and nine pro-government fighters were killed in Israeli strikes near Damascus and in the central province of Homs, it added.

Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs Assad's regime.

The Jewish state insists that it has the right to continue to target positions held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah out of self-defence.

The strikes came after Hezbollah's leader said earlier this month that the group's rockets could reach key Israeli sites along the Mediterranean coast, including Tel Aviv.

Hassan Nasrallah also said that Iran was "able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force" but "will not start a war".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-crushing-retaliation-after-hezbollah-chiefs-remarks-235756">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> countered that his country would deliver a "crushing military blow" on the both Hezbollah and Lebanon if it were to attack.&nbsp;

An Israeli missile attack targeted Syrian military positions held by the government and its allies early on Wednesday, Syria's state news agency said. The missiles were fired into the south of the country close to the Golan Heights, an area occupied and annexed by Israel.

An Israeli missile attack targeted Syrian military positions held by the government and its allies early on Wednesday, Syria's state news agency said. The missiles were fired into the south of the country close to the Golan Heights, an area occupied and annexed by Israel. "The Israeli enemy launched aggression after midnight against the Tall al-Hara area," the SANA news agency said Wednesday, adding that there were reports of damage to property. The attacks were earlier described as "probably Israeli" by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said they targeted Tall al-Hara in Daraa province, south of Damascus, and two areas in the neighbouring province of Quneitrathe. "The regime's anti-aircraft defence has been activated to counter the attack," director of the Observatory Rami Abdel Rahmane said. "Some missiles have been shot down, others have hit their target." The Observatory reported "loss of life" without giving further details. Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 370,000 people and drawn in world powers since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Israeli strikes have previously targeted Tall al-Hara where Hezbollah has installed a radar system and the Syrian regime has erected anti-aircraft batteries, according to the Observatory. At the end of June, six civilians and nine pro-government fighters were killed in Israeli strikes near Damascus and in the central province of Homs, it added. Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs Assad's regime. The Jewish state insists that it has the right to continue to target positions held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah out of self-defence. The strikes came after Hezbollah's leader said earlier this month that the group's rockets could reach key Israeli sites along the Mediterranean coast, including Tel Aviv. Hassan Nasrallah also said that Iran was "able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force" but "will not start a war". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered that his country would deliver a "crushing military blow" on the both Hezbollah and Lebanon if it were to attack.

Israel fires missiles into south Syria: Report

Last-minute Iran strike reversal showcases Trump's confusion on war

At least seven civilians were killed in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-flare-up-kills-35-fighters-including-26-pro-regime-forces-monitor-227319"> air strikes by the Syrian government </a>on the northwest province of Idlib on Saturday.

Around 15 other suffered injuries in the attacks by President Bashar al-Assad regime.

Out of seven, three people were killed in an air strike on the town of Maaret al-Numan, while in al-Bara, three children and their father were killed, reported Al Jazeera Even though the Idlib Province is one of four designated de-escalation zones in Syria, it is still home to at least 30,000 gunmen.

The war has been raging since 2011 in Syria.

In September last year, Turkey and Russia agreed on a ceasefire on Idlib, where the two sides agreed that the province would act as a de-escalation zone and promised to refrain from staging acts of aggression in the demarcated area.

However, regime forces have been launching several attacks in the de-escalation zone, thereby violating the truce terms.

Over 170 civilians have lost their lives in Idlib since April 25.&nbsp;

The province is home to about three million people.

More than 370,000 people were killed and millions were displaced in Syria and abroad since the beginning of the Syrian war in March 2011.&nbsp;

At least seven civilians were killed in air strikes by the Syrian government on the northwest province of Idlib on Saturday. Around 15 other suffered injuries in the attacks by President Bashar al-Assad regime.

At least seven civilians were killed in air strikes by the Syrian government on the northwest province of Idlib on Saturday. Around 15 other suffered injuries in the attacks by President Bashar al-Assad regime. Out of seven, three people were killed in an air strike on the town of Maaret al-Numan, while in al-Bara, three children and their father were killed, reported Al Jazeera Even though the Idlib Province is one of four designated de-escalation zones in Syria, it is still home to at least 30,000 gunmen. The war has been raging since 2011 in Syria. In September last year, Turkey and Russia agreed on a ceasefire on Idlib, where the two sides agreed that the province would act as a de-escalation zone and promised to refrain from staging acts of aggression in the demarcated area. However, regime forces have been launching several attacks in the de-escalation zone, thereby violating the truce terms. Over 170 civilians have lost their lives in Idlib since April 25. The province is home to about three million people. More than 370,000 people were killed and millions were displaced in Syria and abroad since the beginning of the Syrian war in March 2011.

Syria: 7 civilians killed in air strikes by Assad regime

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-caliphate-collapse-jihadists-head-to-afghanistan-to-plot-attacks-214689">fight against the Islamic State group</a> in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The figure is far lower than the death tolls given by groups which have monitored the conflicts in the two countries.

"The coalition conducted 34,502 strikes between August 2014 and the end of April 2019," it said in a statement.

During this period, it "assesses at least 1,302 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-after-guns-fall-silent-mosul-residents-suffer-hearing-loss-221700">Long after guns fall silent, Mosul residents suffer hearing loss</a>

The coalition said it was still assessing 111 additional claims of civilians deaths and was ready to receive new allegations or fresh evidence to review.

The coalition has repeatedly said it does all it can to avoid civilian deaths.

Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz

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Airwars, an NGO which monitors civilian casualties from air strikes worldwide, estimates more than 7,900 civilians have been killed in coalition raids -- well in excess of the total acknowledged by the coalition.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, says coalition strikes have taken the lives of 3,800 civilians in Syria alone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">IS jihadists </a>seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring a "caliphate" in areas they controlled.

But several offensives with coalition backing chipped away at the "caliphate" until it was declared eliminated on March 23.

Ambushes and hit-and-run attacks have continued in both countries.

The coalition is continuing to work "to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge", it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. 
&nbsp;

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria since 2014. The figure is far lower than the death tolls given by groups which have monitored the conflicts in the two countries. "The coalition conducted 34,502 strikes between August 2014 and the end of April 2019," it said in a statement. During this period, it "assesses at least 1,302 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes". Also read: Long after guns fall silent, Mosul residents suffer hearing loss The coalition said it was still assessing 111 additional claims of civilians deaths and was ready to receive new allegations or fresh evidence to review. The coalition has repeatedly said it does all it can to avoid civilian deaths. Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz × Airwars, an NGO which monitors civilian casualties from air strikes worldwide, estimates more than 7,900 civilians have been killed in coalition raids -- well in excess of the total acknowledged by the coalition. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, says coalition strikes have taken the lives of 3,800 civilians in Syria alone. IS jihadists seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring a "caliphate" in areas they controlled. But several offensives with coalition backing chipped away at the "caliphate" until it was declared eliminated on March 23. Ambushes and hit-and-run attacks have continued in both countries. The coalition is continuing to work "to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge", it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

We unintentionally killed 1,300 civilians in air strikes on Islamic State: US-led coalition

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/libyan-conflict-will-not-end-anytime-soon-expert-216455">United Nations experts </a>are investigating missile strikes near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-nearly-400-killed-by-libya-fighting-50000-displaced-215774">Libya's capital</a> that were fired likely using Chinese-made drones and point to possible involvement by the United Arab Emirates, a confidential report shows.

The April 19-20 missile attack on the southern suburbs of Tripoli was carried out as forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar battled to seize the capital from the UN-recognised government.

A UN panel of experts said in the report to the Security Council, a copy of which was seen by AFP, that it had examined photographs of missile debris and had identified the weapon as a Blue Arrow air-to-surface missile, which has not been used in Libya before.

The Chinese-made missile is only in use in three countries -- China, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates -- and is paired with the Chinese-made Wing Loong drone.

Watch-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-the-battle-for-oil-sparks-wars-influences-geopolitics-215501">Gravitas: How the battle for oil sparks wars &amp; influences geopolitics</a>

"Probable use of Wing Loong UAV variants by the LNA, or by a third party in support of the LNA," -- Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army -- is under investigation by the panel, according to the report sent to the council Thursday.

The panel added that it was "almost certain" that the missiles were not directly supplied by the manufacturer or by China to Libya. It has written to China to request information that could help identify the suppliers.

The experts said the use of the drones was "likely a recent non-compliance of the arms embargo as the weapon system reported on has not been identified in Libya before," the report said.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are seen as key supporters of Haftar, praising his battlefield successes against the Islamic State group and other extremists in Libya.

No foreign interference

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for a ceasefire and for an end "to foreign interference to allow Libyans to be able to once again come together" to find a political solution.

Haftar launched his offensive to seize Tripoli on April 4, but his push appears to have stalled after militias backing the government in Tripoli put up strong resistance.

The Security Council remains divided over how to respond to the upsurge in fighting, with Russia refusing to condemn Haftar and the United States re-thinking its strategy.

The panel presented an interim report after a key expert, Tunisian-German national Moncef Kartas, was arrested in Tunisia on suspicion of spying for unnamed "foreign parties."

Kartas, who was looking into illegal arms shipments to Libya in violation of the embargo, was arrested on March 26, less than 10 days before Haftar launched his offensive.

The arms embargo was imposed on Libya in 2011 as the country descended into chaos that led to the overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

United Nations experts are investigating missile strikes near Libya's capital that were fired likely using Chinese-made drones and point to possible involvement by the United Arab Emirates, a confidential report shows.

United Nations experts are investigating missile strikes near Libya's capital that were fired likely using Chinese-made drones and point to possible involvement by the United Arab Emirates, a confidential report shows. The April 19-20 missile attack on the southern suburbs of Tripoli was carried out as forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar battled to seize the capital from the UN-recognised government. A UN panel of experts said in the report to the Security Council, a copy of which was seen by AFP, that it had examined photographs of missile debris and had identified the weapon as a Blue Arrow air-to-surface missile, which has not been used in Libya before. The Chinese-made missile is only in use in three countries -- China, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates -- and is paired with the Chinese-made Wing Loong drone. Watch- Gravitas: How the battle for oil sparks wars & influences geopolitics "Probable use of Wing Loong UAV variants by the LNA, or by a third party in support of the LNA," -- Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army -- is under investigation by the panel, according to the report sent to the council Thursday. The panel added that it was "almost certain" that the missiles were not directly supplied by the manufacturer or by China to Libya. It has written to China to request information that could help identify the suppliers. The experts said the use of the drones was "likely a recent non-compliance of the arms embargo as the weapon system reported on has not been identified in Libya before," the report said. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are seen as key supporters of Haftar, praising his battlefield successes against the Islamic State group and other extremists in Libya. No foreign interference On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for a ceasefire and for an end "to foreign interference to allow Libyans to be able to once again come together" to find a political solution. Haftar launched his offensive to seize Tripoli on April 4, but his push appears to have stalled after militias backing the government in Tripoli put up strong resistance. The Security Council remains divided over how to respond to the upsurge in fighting, with Russia refusing to condemn Haftar and the United States re-thinking its strategy. The panel presented an interim report after a key expert, Tunisian-German national Moncef Kartas, was arrested in Tunisia on suspicion of spying for unnamed "foreign parties." Kartas, who was looking into illegal arms shipments to Libya in violation of the embargo, was arrested on March 26, less than 10 days before Haftar launched his offensive. The arms embargo was imposed on Libya in 2011 as the country descended into chaos that led to the overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Libya air strikes point to possible UAE involvement: UN report

Indian Army states that Pakistan breaks ceasefire 513 times post-Balakot air strike. Indian army is giving a befitting response to the Pak army. Watch complete video to know more.

Indian Army: Pakistan breaks ceasefire 513 times post Balakot air strike

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">Pakistan military</a> on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Balakot</a>, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago.

Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

According to BBC Urdu, the group was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot. They visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees.

The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload, according to Pakistan military.

About 150 students, aged 12-13, were present inside the seminary building and were being taught Quran when the group reached inside the madrassa, they said.

The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures and even some of them spoke to the teachers present there.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the reporters.

"This is an old madrassah and has always been like this," he said, indicating that Indian claim of hitting it was not true.

This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place about which India claimed that its strike killed scores of militants.

The purpose of organising the trip was apparently to fortify Pakistan's claim that Indian failed to destroy any structure or kill anyone during the ariel attack of February 26 which brought the two nations to the verge of a war, he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan military on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago.

Pakistan military on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago. Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. According to BBC Urdu, the group was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot. They visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload, according to Pakistan military. About 150 students, aged 12-13, were present inside the seminary building and were being taught Quran when the group reached inside the madrassa, they said. The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures and even some of them spoke to the teachers present there. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the reporters. "This is an old madrassah and has always been like this," he said, indicating that Indian claim of hitting it was not true. This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place about which India claimed that its strike killed scores of militants. The purpose of organising the trip was apparently to fortify Pakistan's claim that Indian failed to destroy any structure or kill anyone during the ariel attack of February 26 which brought the two nations to the verge of a war, he said.

Pakistan military takes international media, foreign diplomats on tour of Balakot seminary, hit by India on February 26

Forces loyal to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar said Saturday they had been targeted by an air strike, as fresh fighting flared south of Tripoli.

"We strongly condemn the air raid... in the Al-Aziziya region" by a plane, which had taken off from western Misrata, said the media office of Haftar's self-styled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-talks-to-go-ahead-despite-new-fighting-un-envoy-208377">Libyan National Army (LNA)</a>.

Forces in Misrata are mostly loyal to Libya's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been battling Haftar for control of the war-torn north African country.&nbsp;

Pro-government forces in the capital Tripoli confirmed they had targeted Haftar's men with "intensive strikes".

The air strikes came as fresh fighting flared Saturday south of Tripoli between the pro-government forces and Haftar's troops despite calls from the international community to halt the military offensive.

Haftar's forces are battling for control of an area some 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the capital near Tripoli's international airport, which was destroyed in 2014.&nbsp;

On Friday they were pushed back from a key checkpoint west of the capital, less than 24 hours after seizing it during a lightning offensive towards Tripoli.&nbsp;

Late Friday Haftar's men also briefly seized the airport, before being ousted.

Haftar on Thursday ordered his troops to advance on the capital.&nbsp;

"The time has come" to take Tripoli, he said in an audio message, pledging to spare civilians and "state institutions".

Dozens of militia have proliferated in Libya since the NATO-backed 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and are variously aligned with either the unity government or the rival administration in the east backed by Haftar.

Tripoli residents have expressed concern that large-scale fighting could break out and began stocking up on food and petrol.

On Saturday large queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets, an AFP journalist said.&nbsp;

"We must store everything we need for the family, just in case, especially those with young children," said Farida, a mother pushing a full shopping cart.

"You never know how long it will last," she added.&nbsp;

Despite the flare-up, UN envoy Ghassan Salame insisted Saturday that talks planned to be held next week in Libya would go ahead.

"We are determined" to hold the talks "as scheduled" unless prevented by serious obstacles, Salame told a press conference.

"We want to reassure Libyans that we will stay alongside the Libyan people to make the political process a success without resorting to escalation."

Since the toppling of dictator Kadhafi, Libya has been divided between an array of armed groups.

And the internationally-recognised unity government, born out of UN-backed talks, has struggled to assert its control.

Forces loyal to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar said Saturday they had been targeted by an air strike, as fresh fighting flared south of Tripoli. "We strongly condemn the air raid.

Forces loyal to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar said Saturday they had been targeted by an air strike, as fresh fighting flared south of Tripoli. "We strongly condemn the air raid... in the Al-Aziziya region" by a plane, which had taken off from western Misrata, said the media office of Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA). Forces in Misrata are mostly loyal to Libya's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been battling Haftar for control of the war-torn north African country. Pro-government forces in the capital Tripoli confirmed they had targeted Haftar's men with "intensive strikes". The air strikes came as fresh fighting flared Saturday south of Tripoli between the pro-government forces and Haftar's troops despite calls from the international community to halt the military offensive. Haftar's forces are battling for control of an area some 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the capital near Tripoli's international airport, which was destroyed in 2014. On Friday they were pushed back from a key checkpoint west of the capital, less than 24 hours after seizing it during a lightning offensive towards Tripoli. Late Friday Haftar's men also briefly seized the airport, before being ousted. Haftar on Thursday ordered his troops to advance on the capital. "The time has come" to take Tripoli, he said in an audio message, pledging to spare civilians and "state institutions". Dozens of militia have proliferated in Libya since the NATO-backed 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and are variously aligned with either the unity government or the rival administration in the east backed by Haftar. Tripoli residents have expressed concern that large-scale fighting could break out and began stocking up on food and petrol. On Saturday large queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets, an AFP journalist said. "We must store everything we need for the family, just in case, especially those with young children," said Farida, a mother pushing a full shopping cart. "You never know how long it will last," she added. Despite the flare-up, UN envoy Ghassan Salame insisted Saturday that talks planned to be held next week in Libya would go ahead. "We are determined" to hold the talks "as scheduled" unless prevented by serious obstacles, Salame told a press conference. "We want to reassure Libyans that we will stay alongside the Libyan people to make the political process a success without resorting to escalation." Since the toppling of dictator Kadhafi, Libya has been divided between an array of armed groups. And the internationally-recognised unity government, born out of UN-backed talks, has struggled to assert its control.

Libyan strongman's forces say targeted by air strike

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-vows-to-retaliate-with-force-after-rocket-attack-205460">Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip</a> while vowing a forceful response.

The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections.

Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave.

It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists.

Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday.

Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said.

The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret.

Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare.

The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children.&nbsp;

One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family.

The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site.

Islamic Jihad warning

Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives.

The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force."

"I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office.

There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip".

"Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket.

The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns."

One-year anniversary

Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response. The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections. Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave. It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists. Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday. Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said. The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret. Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare. The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children. One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family. The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site. Islamic Jihad warning Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives. The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said. Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force." "I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office. There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip". "Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket. The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly. Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns." One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence. Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

Rare rocket strike near Tel Aviv wounds Israelis, Netanyahu to return

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated.&nbsp;

During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here.

The reason for carrying out the combat drill was to be prepared for thwarting any misadventure by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to intrude into the Indian air space, they said.

The IAF has been on a high alert ever since it carried out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-counter-terrorism-strike-on-jem-camp-in-pakistan-achieved-its-objective-says-india-202145">air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot town</a> of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26.

A couple of days ago, two PAF fighter jets flew at supersonic speeds over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir around 10 kilometres from the Line of Control in the Poonch sector.

After the PAF started flying its planes close to Indian borders and were detected and monitored closely by the air defence network, the Indian fighter plane fleet was also ready to respond to them.

The IAF had an edge over the adversary in the aerial combat as its vintage MiG-21 fighter flown by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-seeks-param-vir-chakra-for-abhinandan-varthaman-202009">Wing&nbsp;Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a> shot down a modern F-16D fighter plane of the PAF in a beyond-visual-range fight.

The IAF also managed to thwart the PAF attack on Indian Army positions on February 27 after India targeted non-military positions a day earlier.&nbsp;

During the February 26 air strikes also, the PAF F-16s had to return gauging the enormity of the IAF attack with 12 Mirages.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated. During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here.

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated. During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here. The reason for carrying out the combat drill was to be prepared for thwarting any misadventure by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to intrude into the Indian air space, they said. The IAF has been on a high alert ever since it carried out air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot town of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26. A couple of days ago, two PAF fighter jets flew at supersonic speeds over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir around 10 kilometres from the Line of Control in the Poonch sector. After the PAF started flying its planes close to Indian borders and were detected and monitored closely by the air defence network, the Indian fighter plane fleet was also ready to respond to them. The IAF had an edge over the adversary in the aerial combat as its vintage MiG-21 fighter flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a modern F-16D fighter plane of the PAF in a beyond-visual-range fight. The IAF also managed to thwart the PAF attack on Indian Army positions on February 27 after India targeted non-military positions a day earlier. During the February 26 air strikes also, the PAF F-16s had to return gauging the enormity of the IAF attack with 12 Mirages.

IAF carries out major readiness exercise along Pak border

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times.&nbsp;

"Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said.&nbsp;

"Do ki jaankari apko dunga, teesri ki nahi dunga (I will tell you about two but not about the third)," the union home minister added.&nbsp;

Singh was speaking in Karnataka's Mangaluru.&nbsp;

While Singh said "three air strikes", he went on to say that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-were-conducted-in-the-interest-of-national-security-not-for-political-mileage-148036">the first strike</a> came after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. Nineteen soldiers had died in that attack.&nbsp;

Eleven days after the Uri attack, the Indian Army had conducted a surgical strike on terror launchpads along the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Singh said the second strike was conducted after Pulwama.&nbsp;

On February 14, a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy had killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

Twelve days after Pulwama, on February 26, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp</a> in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Singh said "this is no longer a weak India".&nbsp;

The Indian Army's September 2016 surgical strike and the Indian Air Force's recent air strike on the JeM training camp in Balakot have been well publicised, but it is the "third strike" mentioned by Singh today that has begun to raise fevered speculation.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times. "Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times. "Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said. "Do ki jaankari apko dunga, teesri ki nahi dunga (I will tell you about two but not about the third)," the union home minister added. Singh was speaking in Karnataka's Mangaluru. While Singh said "three air strikes", he went on to say that the first strike came after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. Nineteen soldiers had died in that attack. Eleven days after the Uri attack, the Indian Army had conducted a surgical strike on terror launchpads along the Line of Control. Singh said the second strike was conducted after Pulwama. On February 14, a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy had killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Twelve days after Pulwama, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. On Saturday, Singh said "this is no longer a weak India". The Indian Army's September 2016 surgical strike and the Indian Air Force's recent air strike on the JeM training camp in Balakot have been well publicised, but it is the "third strike" mentioned by Singh today that has begun to raise fevered speculation.

In last 5 years, we have hit Pakistan 3 times: Rajnath Singh

Senior <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-infuriated-as-congress-leader-digvijay-singh-trolls-pm-modi-19998">Congress leader Digvijaya Singh</a> on Tuesday courted controversy by terming the dastardly Pulwama terror attack an “accident", drawing a sharp retort from BJP which said his statement was making headlines in Pakistan.

Tweeting in Hindi, he said after the Pulwama “durghatna” (accident) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike, "sandeh” (doubt) is being expressed in some foreign media reports following which “vishwasniyata” (credibility) of the Government of India is under question.

The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, who has made controversial statements in the past, also questioned the casualty claim in the February 26 air raid and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clear on the same.

"Prime Minister, some ministers of your government say 300 terrorists killed, BJP president says 250 are killed, Yogi Adityanath says 400 people were killed and your minister SS Ahluwalia says that no one died. And you are silent about this issue. The country wants to know who is a liar in this," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-drops-digvijay-singh-kamal-nath-and-janardan-dwivedi-from-cwc-152453">Digvijaya Singh</a> said.

His statement comes at a time when many opposition leaders are raising questions on the Balakot strike by IAF and are asking for proof on the exact casualty inflicted on terrorists.

Talking to reporters in Delhi, he said, “What else will you call a terrorist attack.”

Hitting out at Digvijaya Singh, BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress leader’s remarks were making headline news in Pakistan.

Another BJP leader and Union Minister VK Singh asked him whether the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/was-rajiv-gandhis-assassination-also-an-accident-vk-singh-responds-to-digvijaya-singhs-pulwama-shocker-201273">terror incident or just an "accident"</a>.

Prasad said, "Has Digvijaya Singh reduced himself to such a low level that he will call the most heinous terrorist attack on 45 CRPF jawans an accident? This is his thinking."

At a press conference in New Delhi, he said that there is a “growing competition” among Congress leaders as to who is “more vocal in lowering the morale of the security forces”.

"I would appeal to Congress that for the sake of India, please don't reduce the morale, courage and prestige of our forces for your extraneous political interest. They neither have faith in the Army, nor the Air Force. And this is all for votes. We will like to know is all this tweeting a part of the conspiracy. The statement of the Congress spokesperson is making headline news in Pakistan," he said.

"However, what else will you expect from Digivjaya Singh. After the Batla House encounter, Singh went to Azamgarh and questioned the police operations. He has called Zakir Naik a symbol of humanity. He is the same person who had said Osama ji and Hafiz Saeed Saab", Prasad said.

He also came down heavily on Congress for questioning the outcome of the IAF raid in Balakot and demanding evidence on the casualty figure.

VK Singh, who is Minister of State for External Affairs, said in Ranchi, "With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination an accident or a terror incident? Let him answer this first."

Last week, BJP president Amit Shah had claimed that over 250 terrorists were killed in the IAF air raid.

On Shah`s statement, VK Singh said that he did not give a "confirmed figure" and it was just an "estimate".

"It`s an estimate. He is not saying this is a confirmed figure. He is saying these many people might have died," the former Army Chief said.

"The figure is of the attack on Balakot (in Pakistan). The attack was only at one place, nowhere else. The target was selected carefully, away from residential areas, to avoid civilian casualty," he told reporters.

Asked about Digvijaya`s remarks, Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath declined to comment.

Earlier, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had also attacked Congress for its comments on Balakot strike and said that only “Congress party can do this sin of refuting the information of armed forces”.

"What has happened to Congress? They are talking exact opposite to sentiments of the nation, they are refuting the information of armed forces. This doesn`t happen in any other democratic country where distrust is shown towards armed forces itself. Only Congress can do this sin," the BJP leader said.

After the 2008 Batla house encounter, Digvijaya Singh had questioned the veracity of Delhi Police’s evidence. He had also once used a suffix indicating respect for UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. In August 2016, he had also addressed Jammu and Kashmir as India-occupied Kashmir. However, he later clarified that it is an integral part of India.

While speaking at an event in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi had on Monday asserted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-will-be-hunted-even-if-they-hide-deep-underneath-the-earth-pm-modi-201148">terrorists will be hunted</a> even if they hide deep underneath the Earth and asked his critics not to question the valour of the armed forces even if they are not willing to trust him.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Monday said the fighter planes had hit the target given to them but he cannot give the number of casualties suffered as it is for the government to do so.

India carried out the air strike in less than two weeks after the terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. &nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday courted controversy by terming the dastardly Pulwama terror attack an “accident", drawing a sharp retort from BJP which said his statement was making headlines in Pakistan.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday courted controversy by terming the dastardly Pulwama terror attack an “accident", drawing a sharp retort from BJP which said his statement was making headlines in Pakistan. Tweeting in Hindi, he said after the Pulwama “durghatna” (accident) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike, "sandeh” (doubt) is being expressed in some foreign media reports following which “vishwasniyata” (credibility) of the Government of India is under question. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, who has made controversial statements in the past, also questioned the casualty claim in the February 26 air raid and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clear on the same. "Prime Minister, some ministers of your government say 300 terrorists killed, BJP president says 250 are killed, Yogi Adityanath says 400 people were killed and your minister SS Ahluwalia says that no one died. And you are silent about this issue. The country wants to know who is a liar in this," Digvijaya Singh said. His statement comes at a time when many opposition leaders are raising questions on the Balakot strike by IAF and are asking for proof on the exact casualty inflicted on terrorists. Talking to reporters in Delhi, he said, “What else will you call a terrorist attack.” Hitting out at Digvijaya Singh, BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Congress leader’s remarks were making headline news in Pakistan. Another BJP leader and Union Minister VK Singh asked him whether the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was a terror incident or just an "accident". Prasad said, "Has Digvijaya Singh reduced himself to such a low level that he will call the most heinous terrorist attack on 45 CRPF jawans an accident? This is his thinking." At a press conference in New Delhi, he said that there is a “growing competition” among Congress leaders as to who is “more vocal in lowering the morale of the security forces”. "I would appeal to Congress that for the sake of India, please don't reduce the morale, courage and prestige of our forces for your extraneous political interest. They neither have faith in the Army, nor the Air Force. And this is all for votes. We will like to know is all this tweeting a part of the conspiracy. The statement of the Congress spokesperson is making headline news in Pakistan," he said. "However, what else will you expect from Digivjaya Singh. After the Batla House encounter, Singh went to Azamgarh and questioned the police operations. He has called Zakir Naik a symbol of humanity. He is the same person who had said Osama ji and Hafiz Saeed Saab", Prasad said. He also came down heavily on Congress for questioning the outcome of the IAF raid in Balakot and demanding evidence on the casualty figure. VK Singh, who is Minister of State for External Affairs, said in Ranchi, "With due respect, I would like to ask Digvijaya Singh Ji, was Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination an accident or a terror incident? Let him answer this first." Last week, BJP president Amit Shah had claimed that over 250 terrorists were killed in the IAF air raid. On Shah`s statement, VK Singh said that he did not give a "confirmed figure" and it was just an "estimate". "It`s an estimate. He is not saying this is a confirmed figure. He is saying these many people might have died," the former Army Chief said. "The figure is of the attack on Balakot (in Pakistan). The attack was only at one place, nowhere else. The target was selected carefully, away from residential areas, to avoid civilian casualty," he told reporters. Asked about Digvijaya`s remarks, Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath declined to comment. Earlier, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had also attacked Congress for its comments on Balakot strike and said that only “Congress party can do this sin of refuting the information of armed forces”. "What has happened to Congress? They are talking exact opposite to sentiments of the nation, they are refuting the information of armed forces. This doesn`t happen in any other democratic country where distrust is shown towards armed forces itself. Only Congress can do this sin," the BJP leader said. After the 2008 Batla house encounter, Digvijaya Singh had questioned the veracity of Delhi Police’s evidence. He had also once used a suffix indicating respect for UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. In August 2016, he had also addressed Jammu and Kashmir as India-occupied Kashmir. However, he later clarified that it is an integral part of India. While speaking at an event in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi had on Monday asserted that terrorists will be hunted even if they hide deep underneath the Earth and asked his critics not to question the valour of the armed forces even if they are not willing to trust him. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Monday said the fighter planes had hit the target given to them but he cannot give the number of casualties suffered as it is for the government to do so. India carried out the air strike in less than two weeks after the terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Digvijaya Singh calls Pulwama attack 'accident', draws BJP ire

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