In a significant ruling, a Brussels court delivered convictions for French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini and found them guilty of “terrorist murder”&nbsp;for their roles in the 2016 bombings in the Belgian capital&nbsp;which resulted in the death&nbsp;of 32&nbsp;people.

This judgement comes after the largest-ever criminal trial in Belgium and adds to the life sentences both Abdeslam and Abrini had already received in France for their involvement in the 2015 Paris massacre.

Alongside them, four others were also found guilty of "murder linked to terrorism" in connection with the devastating attacks on March 22, 2016, at Brussels' main airport and metro system, which were claimed by the Islamic State group, as reported by AFP.

<h2>The trauma and aftermath of the 2016 attacks</h2>

The bombings caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of travellers and transport staff severely injured.

Even seven years after the attacks, many victims, their families, and rescuers continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted on that&nbsp;day. The trial proceedings aimed to bring justice to those affected and hold the perpetrators accountable.

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<h2>Salah Abdeslam's connection to the Paris and Brussels attacks</h2>

Salah Abdeslam, now 33 years old, was the lone surviving perpetrator of the infamous 2015 Paris attack that resulted in the death&nbsp;of 130 people.

After participating in the Paris attacks, he fled to Brussels and hid in an apartment where members of the local terrorist cell resided. Authorities arrested him a few days before the Brussels attacks took place.

During the trial, Abdeslam denied any involvement in planning the violence, but the jury ultimately rejected his defence.

<h2>The role of Mohamed Abrini and others in the attacks</h2>

Mohamed Abrini faced charges for being part of the team of suicide bombers who targeted Brussels' airport and a metro station.

During the trial, Abrini claimed that he had decided at the last minute not to carry out the suicide bombing at the airport, a statement corroborated by another defendant, Osama Krayem, a Swedish national of Syrian descent.

The court also found Krayem guilty of murder, along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi.

<h2>Verdicts and acquittals</h2>

The court handed down life sentences to those found guilty of murder in Belgium. However, sentencing was deferred until after the summer recess, scheduled to end in September.

While Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini were convicted of murder, two other suspects, Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa, were acquitted of murder charges but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group. Smail and Ibrahim Farisi, two brothers, were acquitted of the charges they faced.

Also watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post | 2020 Beirut blast: Fight for justice continues

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The trial, which commenced at the end of the previous year, took place under strict security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance in Brussels.

The proceedings sought to ensure a fair trial while maintaining utmost safety and protection.

The verdicts against key suspects Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families affected by the 2016 Brussels attacks.

The trial serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals responsible for acts of terrorism and providing closure to those impacted by such heinous acts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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In a significant ruling, a Brussels court delivered convictions for French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini and found them guilty of “terrorist murder” for their roles in the 2016 bombings in the Belgian capital which resulted in the death of 32 people.

In a significant ruling, a Brussels court delivered convictions for French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini and found them guilty of “terrorist murder” for their roles in the 2016 bombings in the Belgian capital which resulted in the death of 32 people. This judgement comes after the largest-ever criminal trial in Belgium and adds to the life sentences both Abdeslam and Abrini had already received in France for their involvement in the 2015 Paris massacre. Alongside them, four others were also found guilty of "murder linked to terrorism" in connection with the devastating attacks on March 22, 2016, at Brussels' main airport and metro system, which were claimed by the Islamic State group, as reported by AFP. The trauma and aftermath of the 2016 attacks The bombings caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of travellers and transport staff severely injured. Even seven years after the attacks, many victims, their families, and rescuers continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted on that day. The trial proceedings aimed to bring justice to those affected and hold the perpetrators accountable. Also read | Gilgo Beach serial killings: Walk-in vault with big iron door found inside Rex Heuermann’s home Salah Abdeslam's connection to the Paris and Brussels attacks Salah Abdeslam, now 33 years old, was the lone surviving perpetrator of the infamous 2015 Paris attack that resulted in the death of 130 people. After participating in the Paris attacks, he fled to Brussels and hid in an apartment where members of the local terrorist cell resided. Authorities arrested him a few days before the Brussels attacks took place. During the trial, Abdeslam denied any involvement in planning the violence, but the jury ultimately rejected his defence. The role of Mohamed Abrini and others in the attacks Mohamed Abrini faced charges for being part of the team of suicide bombers who targeted Brussels' airport and a metro station. During the trial, Abrini claimed that he had decided at the last minute not to carry out the suicide bombing at the airport, a statement corroborated by another defendant, Osama Krayem, a Swedish national of Syrian descent. The court also found Krayem guilty of murder, along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi. Verdicts and acquittals The court handed down life sentences to those found guilty of murder in Belgium. However, sentencing was deferred until after the summer recess, scheduled to end in September. While Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini were convicted of murder, two other suspects, Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa, were acquitted of murder charges but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group. Smail and Ibrahim Farisi, two brothers, were acquitted of the charges they faced. Also watch | The West Asia Post | 2020 Beirut blast: Fight for justice continues The trial, which commenced at the end of the previous year, took place under strict security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance in Brussels. The proceedings sought to ensure a fair trial while maintaining utmost safety and protection. The verdicts against key suspects Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families affected by the 2016 Brussels attacks. The trial serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals responsible for acts of terrorism and providing closure to those impacted by such heinous acts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brussels 2016 attack trial: Six found guilty of murder in terrorist act that killed 32

An attack by suspected jihadists on a village in western Niger's troubled "three-border" region has killed 17 people, a local elected official reported Saturday.

The attack happened in the village of Theim in the Tillaberi region, at around 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) on Friday, the official told AFP.&nbsp;

"The toll is 17 dead and five wounded," he said.

A resident in regional capital Tillaberi said around 10 people had been killed.

Thiem is around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from three other villages where a series of attacks in May by jihadists linked to the Islamic State forced more than 11,000 inhabitants to flee.

MPs from the region called Friday for increased security measures for the area, saying that jihadists behind the wave of attacks in the vast Tillaberi region are able to operate freely in spite of strict government controls.

In one month, 98 civilians and 19 gendarmes have been killed in just three departments of the region, they said.&nbsp;

To combat rising attacks, Niger has declared a state of emergency, banned the movement of motorbikes, regulated the sale of fuel and closed markets suspected of supplying armed groups, they said.&nbsp;

The "three-borders" region is a huge territory straddling the frontiers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso that has long been troubled by land feuds, trafficking, desertification and fragile state presence.

The vast arid region, along with central Mali, has become the worst-hit area in the jihadists' nine-year-old campaign in the Sahel.&nbsp;

Thousands of people have died and tens of thousands have fled their homes.

An attack by suspected jihadists on a village in western Niger's troubled "three-border" region has killed 17 people, a local elected official reported Saturday.

An attack by suspected jihadists on a village in western Niger's troubled "three-border" region has killed 17 people, a local elected official reported Saturday. The attack happened in the village of Theim in the Tillaberi region, at around 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) on Friday, the official told AFP. "The toll is 17 dead and five wounded," he said. A resident in regional capital Tillaberi said around 10 people had been killed. Thiem is around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from three other villages where a series of attacks in May by jihadists linked to the Islamic State forced more than 11,000 inhabitants to flee. MPs from the region called Friday for increased security measures for the area, saying that jihadists behind the wave of attacks in the vast Tillaberi region are able to operate freely in spite of strict government controls. In one month, 98 civilians and 19 gendarmes have been killed in just three departments of the region, they said. To combat rising attacks, Niger has declared a state of emergency, banned the movement of motorbikes, regulated the sale of fuel and closed markets suspected of supplying armed groups, they said. The "three-borders" region is a huge territory straddling the frontiers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso that has long been troubled by land feuds, trafficking, desertification and fragile state presence. The vast arid region, along with central Mali, has become the worst-hit area in the jihadists' nine-year-old campaign in the Sahel. Thousands of people have died and tens of thousands have fled their homes.

Villagers killed in western Niger attack: Local official

Jihadists on Wednesday killed a policeman before blowing up two oil wells in Kirkuk, a northern province claimed by both&nbsp;Iraq's federal government and the Kurds, officials said.&nbsp;

A security official told AFP that "Islamic State group assailants" killed a policeman and "wounded two others".

The attackers then "blew up wells 177 and 183 at the Bay Hassan field," the oil ministry said in a statement.

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The first fire was "brought under control in record time", but "firemen are still active at the second" well several hours after the attack, the ministry added.

Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces took control of Kirkuk, home to key oilfields including Bay Hassan, in June 2014 after federal forces withdrew in the face of an IS offensive.

In late 2017, Baghdad officially claimed victory against IS, after a grinding military campaign supported by a US-led coalition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-bans-terror-prank-television-shows-382730">Iraq bans terror prank television shows</a>&nbsp;

But the Kurds,&nbsp;who run an autonomous government in Arbil, and the federal government dispute ownership of Kirkuk's lucrative oilfields.&nbsp;

IS maintain an ability to perpetrate hit-and-run attacks, operating mainly at night and often exploiting the discord between Baghdad and Arbil. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Iraq&nbsp;is the second-biggest producer in the OPEC cartel of oil-producing nations.

Last month the oil ministry said it exported 88.4 million barrels for $5.5 billion.

Jihadists on Wednesday killed a policeman before blowing up two oil wells in Kirkuk, a northern province claimed by both Iraq's federal government and the Kurds, officials said.

Jihadists on Wednesday killed a policeman before blowing up two oil wells in Kirkuk, a northern province claimed by both Iraq's federal government and the Kurds, officials said. A security official told AFP that "Islamic State group assailants" killed a policeman and "wounded two others". The attackers then "blew up wells 177 and 183 at the Bay Hassan field," the oil ministry said in a statement. Also read | Iraqi army fires rockets at base hosting Americans amid delegation visit The first fire was "brought under control in record time", but "firemen are still active at the second" well several hours after the attack, the ministry added. Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces took control of Kirkuk, home to key oilfields including Bay Hassan, in June 2014 after federal forces withdrew in the face of an IS offensive. In late 2017, Baghdad officially claimed victory against IS, after a grinding military campaign supported by a US-led coalition. Also read | Iraq bans terror prank television shows But the Kurds, who run an autonomous government in Arbil, and the federal government dispute ownership of Kirkuk's lucrative oilfields. IS maintain an ability to perpetrate hit-and-run attacks, operating mainly at night and often exploiting the discord between Baghdad and Arbil. Iraq is the second-biggest producer in the OPEC cartel of oil-producing nations. Last month the oil ministry said it exported 88.4 million barrels for $5.5 billion.

IS 'blows up' Iraq oil wells, kills policeman: Officials

al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden once operated in Sudan. The terror network had planned an attack on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

In 1998, the terror group blew up American embassies in Nairobi and Dar-e-Salaam.

Africa has now become the new jihadist battleground and has been attracting jihadists like never before. In 2010, Boko Haram declared jihad. In the last few years, the Islamic State has moved its operations from Syria and Iraq to the west and east Africa.

al Qaeda has reportedly moved base again from Afghanistan back to Africa.

The jihadist battleground has moved from West Asia to Africa with the battle in Africa quite complex because jihadist groups aren't just fighting each other, they have also been fighting African governments and waging war on the people of Africa which means terror, radicalisation and poverty.

In the last few months, there have been fatal attacks in Dr Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Mozambique and Niger. There is still no information about the schoolgirls who were kidnapped in 2014 and now 300 schoolboys have been taken recently in Nigeria.

As far as radicalisation is concerned, be it the Islamic State, or al Qaeda or Boko Haram, they will all be looking to recruit young people to radicalise the youth and train new jihadists while the Islamic State's graphic beheading videos have become a nightmare.

Jihadist groups have also been looking to recruit youth who have lost hope in their governments and administration and this is where Africa has become the ideal hunting ground.

The continent is laden with poverty, corruption and under-employment with one in three Africans living below the global poverty line which is 422 million people. The youth make up 60 per cent of Africa's unemployed population.

The people of Africa are extremely vulnerable and terror groups have been looking to exploit this vulnerability. Almost 20,000 youth from Tunisia had joined the Islamic State in Syria.&nbsp;Now the ISIS is in Africa.

Terror groups target foreigners namely Europeans and Americans and execute some of them while releasing others. The ransom amount being $120 million according to a report even as Africa stands to lose out on development.

UN peacekeeping forces are already stationed in Africa, however, increased militarisation means added restrictions - Afghanistan is proof that this story doesn't have a happy ending.

It's a vicious cycle - terror, militarisation, human rights problems, radicalisation and back to terror. Africa will have to make a concerted effort to avoid this fate.

al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden once operated in Sudan. The terror network had planned an attack on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In 1998, the terror group blew up American embassies in Nairobi and Dar-e-Salaam.

al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden once operated in Sudan. The terror network had planned an attack on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In 1998, the terror group blew up American embassies in Nairobi and Dar-e-Salaam. Africa has now become the new jihadist battleground and has been attracting jihadists like never before. In 2010, Boko Haram declared jihad. In the last few years, the Islamic State has moved its operations from Syria and Iraq to the west and east Africa. al Qaeda has reportedly moved base again from Afghanistan back to Africa. The jihadist battleground has moved from West Asia to Africa with the battle in Africa quite complex because jihadist groups aren't just fighting each other, they have also been fighting African governments and waging war on the people of Africa which means terror, radicalisation and poverty. In the last few months, there have been fatal attacks in Dr Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Mozambique and Niger. There is still no information about the schoolgirls who were kidnapped in 2014 and now 300 schoolboys have been taken recently in Nigeria. As far as radicalisation is concerned, be it the Islamic State, or al Qaeda or Boko Haram, they will all be looking to recruit young people to radicalise the youth and train new jihadists while the Islamic State's graphic beheading videos have become a nightmare. Jihadist groups have also been looking to recruit youth who have lost hope in their governments and administration and this is where Africa has become the ideal hunting ground. The continent is laden with poverty, corruption and under-employment with one in three Africans living below the global poverty line which is 422 million people. The youth make up 60 per cent of Africa's unemployed population. The people of Africa are extremely vulnerable and terror groups have been looking to exploit this vulnerability. Almost 20,000 youth from Tunisia had joined the Islamic State in Syria. Now the ISIS is in Africa. Terror groups target foreigners namely Europeans and Americans and execute some of them while releasing others. The ransom amount being $120 million according to a report even as Africa stands to lose out on development. UN peacekeeping forces are already stationed in Africa, however, increased militarisation means added restrictions - Afghanistan is proof that this story doesn't have a happy ending. It's a vicious cycle - terror, militarisation, human rights problems, radicalisation and back to terror. Africa will have to make a concerted effort to avoid this fate.

Why Africa has become the new jihadist battleground

The US army said Thursday it carried out a drone strike against Al-Qaeda leaders in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, killing 17 jihadists, according to a war monitor.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five civilians were also among those killed.

"US Forces conducted a strike against a group of Al-Qaeda in Syria (AQ-S) senior leaders meeting near Idlib, Syria," the spokeswoman for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

"The removal of these AQ-S leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening US citizens, our partners and innocent civilians."

But the Britain-based Observatory said the operation, which targeted a dinner meeting of jihadists in the village of Jakara in the Salqin area, killed at least 17 jihadists including 11 leaders.&nbsp;

The village lies in Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib, which is dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and its rebel allies.

But other jihadist groups, including the rival Al-Qaeda-linked Hurras al-Deen faction, are also present in the area.

Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said that five non-Syrian jihadists were among those killed, but their nationalities were not immediately known.

A March agreement between rebel backer Ankara and government ally Moscow halted a deadly offensive by government forces against the region of some three million people.

A US-led coalition is present in the east of the country, where its airstrikes have backed Kurdish-led forces battling remnants of the Islamic State group.

Thursday's strike came after it emerged that the 18-year-old who killed a school teacher in France last week for showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class had been in contact with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria.

A source close to the case said the identity of the Russian-speaking jihadist was not yet known, but French newspaper Le Parisien claimed the person's IP address was traced to Idlib.

After a string of military victories backed by key ally Russia, the Syrian government has regained control of around 70 percent of the country, the Observatory says.

The war, which broke out after the bloody suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions from their homes.

The US army said Thursday it carried out a drone strike against Al-Qaeda leaders in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, killing 17 jihadists, according to a war monitor.

The US army said Thursday it carried out a drone strike against Al-Qaeda leaders in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, killing 17 jihadists, according to a war monitor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five civilians were also among those killed. "US Forces conducted a strike against a group of Al-Qaeda in Syria (AQ-S) senior leaders meeting near Idlib, Syria," the spokeswoman for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said. "The removal of these AQ-S leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening US citizens, our partners and innocent civilians." But the Britain-based Observatory said the operation, which targeted a dinner meeting of jihadists in the village of Jakara in the Salqin area, killed at least 17 jihadists including 11 leaders. The village lies in Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib, which is dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and its rebel allies. But other jihadist groups, including the rival Al-Qaeda-linked Hurras al-Deen faction, are also present in the area. Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said that five non-Syrian jihadists were among those killed, but their nationalities were not immediately known. A March agreement between rebel backer Ankara and government ally Moscow halted a deadly offensive by government forces against the region of some three million people. A US-led coalition is present in the east of the country, where its airstrikes have backed Kurdish-led forces battling remnants of the Islamic State group. Thursday's strike came after it emerged that the 18-year-old who killed a school teacher in France last week for showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class had been in contact with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria. A source close to the case said the identity of the Russian-speaking jihadist was not yet known, but French newspaper Le Parisien claimed the person's IP address was traced to Idlib. After a string of military victories backed by key ally Russia, the Syrian government has regained control of around 70 percent of the country, the Observatory says. The war, which broke out after the bloody suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions from their homes.

US drone strike kills 17 jihadists in NW Syria

Tanzanian police have said that about 300 jihadists launched a cross-border attack from Mozambique last week, confirming an earlier claim by the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

"It's true that about 300 terrorists from Mozambique attacked our station at Kitaya in (southern) Mtwara last week and killed some people," said police chief Simon Sirro in a videotaped press conference viewed by AFP Thursday.

Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), affiliated with the Islamic State group, last week claimed it had mounted an attack in Mtwara, near the Mozambican border, on October 14.

The group has carried out a wave of attacks in Mozambique since 2017, killing more than 1,500 people and displacing 250,000, according to conflict data provider ACLED.&nbsp;

Tanzania is set to hold a presidential election on October 28.

Tanzanian police have said that about 300 jihadists launched a cross-border attack from Mozambique last week, confirming an earlier claim by the Islamic State group.

Tanzanian police have said that about 300 jihadists launched a cross-border attack from Mozambique last week, confirming an earlier claim by the Islamic State group. "It's true that about 300 terrorists from Mozambique attacked our station at Kitaya in (southern) Mtwara last week and killed some people," said police chief Simon Sirro in a videotaped press conference viewed by AFP Thursday. Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), affiliated with the Islamic State group, last week claimed it had mounted an attack in Mtwara, near the Mozambican border, on October 14. The group has carried out a wave of attacks in Mozambique since 2017, killing more than 1,500 people and displacing 250,000, according to conflict data provider ACLED. Tanzania is set to hold a presidential election on October 28.

Tanzania hit by recent IS attack near Mozambique border: police

Attacks by two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-attacks-kill-17-syria-pro-regime-fighters-monitor-213864">jihadist groups</a> killed at least 22 Syrian government troops and militiamen in the northern province of Aleppo early on Saturday, a war monitor said.

Thirty others were wounded in the assaults by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and its ally Hurras al-Deen, which remains affiliated to the global jihadist network, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The attacks in the southern and southwestern countryside of Aleppo province were launched shortly after midnight and triggered clashes that continued until dawn, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

He said the fighting subsided after Russian aircraft struck jihadist positions in the area, prompting the fighters to pull back.

Eight jihadists were killed, he added.

Russia aircraft also carried out strikes in neighbouring Hama province early on Saturday, killing five civilians, the Observatory said.

On Friday, Russian strikes killed 10 civilians in Idlib province, the hub of territory held by the jihadists of HTS in northwestern Syria.

Russia and rebel-backer Turkey in September inked a buffer zone deal to avert a massive government offensive on the Idlib region, but the deal has never been implemented.

The region of some three million people has come under increasing bombardment since HTS took full control of it in January.

The latest Russian air raids came after two days of talks on the Syrian conflict between Turkey, Russia and fellow government backer Iran in Kazakhstan earlier this week.

The three governments expressed concern over the growing power of HTS in Idlib and parts of adjacent provinces, and determination to cooperate to eliminate the jihadist group.

The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with the bloody repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Attacks by two jihadist groups killed at least 22 Syrian government troops and militiamen in the northern province of Aleppo early on Saturday, a war monitor said.

Attacks by two jihadist groups killed at least 22 Syrian government troops and militiamen in the northern province of Aleppo early on Saturday, a war monitor said. Thirty others were wounded in the assaults by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and its ally Hurras al-Deen, which remains affiliated to the global jihadist network, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The attacks in the southern and southwestern countryside of Aleppo province were launched shortly after midnight and triggered clashes that continued until dawn, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said. He said the fighting subsided after Russian aircraft struck jihadist positions in the area, prompting the fighters to pull back. Eight jihadists were killed, he added. Russia aircraft also carried out strikes in neighbouring Hama province early on Saturday, killing five civilians, the Observatory said. On Friday, Russian strikes killed 10 civilians in Idlib province, the hub of territory held by the jihadists of HTS in northwestern Syria. Russia and rebel-backer Turkey in September inked a buffer zone deal to avert a massive government offensive on the Idlib region, but the deal has never been implemented. The region of some three million people has come under increasing bombardment since HTS took full control of it in January. The latest Russian air raids came after two days of talks on the Syrian conflict between Turkey, Russia and fellow government backer Iran in Kazakhstan earlier this week. The three governments expressed concern over the growing power of HTS in Idlib and parts of adjacent provinces, and determination to cooperate to eliminate the jihadist group. The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with the bloody repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Jihadist attacks kill 22 Syria pro-regime fighters: Report

Hundreds of mourners packed a church in a rural French town rocked by a deadly Islamist attack for a Sunday service in tribute to the victims, who included a policeman hailed as a hero for offering himself in place of a hostage.

Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 44, was shot and stabbed after taking the place of a woman whom Radouane Lakdim had been using as a human shield during his attack Friday at a supermarket in the town of Trebes.

The sleepy town of 6,000, located on the picturesque Canal du Midi, is just eight kilometres (five miles) from the famed medieval walled city of Carcassonne, where a silent march is planned next Saturday, the eve of Easter Day.

The bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne celebrated the mass in Trebes&#39; Saint-Etienne Church to honour the four killed and three wounded in the attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

Representatives from the Muslim community attended the mass.

&quot;Your presence tells us that the creators of hatred will not win,&quot; Bishop Alain Planet told them in his homily.

&quot;Now is the time only for prayer and compassion,&quot; he said. &quot;May such events help us find the strength to build a society in which they will no longer be possible.&quot;

Leaving the 14th-century church, Carcassonne imam Mohamed Belmihoub told reporters: &quot;The (Muslim) community has been stabbed, Islam itself has been stabbed... by people who use symbols that are dear to our hearts.&quot;

All of France is unhappy&#39;

After the mass, which had an overflow crowd listening through loudspeakers outside, pensioner Emile Acco said: &quot;I am very sad. All of France is unhappy. We want this to end.&quot;

A national tribute will be held at a later date for Beltrame, who President Emmanuel Macron said had &quot;died a hero&quot; and deserved &quot;the respect and admiration of the whole nation&quot;.

Following the worst jihadist attack of his presidency, Macron has called a meeting later this week of the security services monitoring individuals suspected of radicalisation.

General Richard Lizurey, chief of staff of France&#39;s gendarmes, on Sunday addressed the region&#39;s force, of which Beltrame was the third in command.

&quot;We... are proud to have counted Arnaud Beltrame in our ranks. His example must inspire us in our everyday duty,&quot; Lizurey told reporters afterward.

Lakdim, 25, a petty criminal, was on a watchlist, but authorities had concluded the Moroccan-born French national did not pose a threat.

Horrible attack

Investigators found notes referring to IS at Lakdim&#39;s home in Carcassonne, a legal source said, including a hand-written letter in which he claimed allegiance to the jihadist group.&nbsp;

Lakdim, who was armed with a gun, knife and homemade explosive devices according to a security source, was shot dead as police moved in to end his siege of the Super U supermarket where he had holed up after a shooting spree in Carcassonne.

He had hijacked a car in Carcassonne and shot the two people inside, killing the passenger and leaving the Portuguese driver in a critical condition.

He also shot and wounded a police officer out jogging.

Lakdim had already shot dead the supermarket&#39;s butcher and a customer when Beltrame offered to take the place of a woman he had taken hostage.

Lakdim shot and stabbed the policeman before anti-terror officers killed him.

Beltrame died of his wounds early Saturday, becoming the fourth victim in the shooting spree.

World leaders paid homage to the slain officer, with British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeting that his &quot;sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten&quot;, while US President Donald Trump denounced the &quot;horrible attack&quot;.&nbsp;

Petty criminal 

Lakdim fit a familiar profile as a petty criminal who had turned to extremism.&nbsp;

A small-time drug-dealer, his rap sheet included convictions for carrying a banned weapon and for drug use. He spent a month in jail in 2016.

His girlfriend and a 17-year-old friend were in custody.

According to a source close to the investigation, Lakdim had hinted at travelling to Syria in 2014, but did not go.

France, part of the US-led coalition fighting IS, remains on high alert following a string of deadly attacks that have killed more than 240 people since 2015.

During the attacks, he demanded the release of certain prisoners -- notably, according to a security source, Salah Abdeslam, the prime suspect in the November 2015 Paris terror attacks. &nbsp;

IS claimed Friday&#39;s attack was in response to its call to target Western enemies, as is customary when the assailant has pledged allegiance to the jihadists.

Hundreds of mourners packed a church in a rural French town rocked by a deadly Islamist attack for a Sunday service in tribute to the victims, who included a policeman hailed as a hero for offering himself in place of a hostage

Hundreds of mourners packed a church in a rural French town rocked by a deadly Islamist attack for a Sunday service in tribute to the victims, who included a policeman hailed as a hero for offering himself in place of a hostage. Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 44, was shot and stabbed after taking the place of a woman whom Radouane Lakdim had been using as a human shield during his attack Friday at a supermarket in the town of Trebes. The sleepy town of 6,000, located on the picturesque Canal du Midi, is just eight kilometres (five miles) from the famed medieval walled city of Carcassonne, where a silent march is planned next Saturday, the eve of Easter Day. The bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne celebrated the mass in Trebes' Saint-Etienne Church to honour the four killed and three wounded in the attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Representatives from the Muslim community attended the mass. "Your presence tells us that the creators of hatred will not win," Bishop Alain Planet told them in his homily. "Now is the time only for prayer and compassion," he said. "May such events help us find the strength to build a society in which they will no longer be possible." Leaving the 14th-century church, Carcassonne imam Mohamed Belmihoub told reporters: "The (Muslim) community has been stabbed, Islam itself has been stabbed... by people who use symbols that are dear to our hearts." All of France is unhappy' After the mass, which had an overflow crowd listening through loudspeakers outside, pensioner Emile Acco said: "I am very sad. All of France is unhappy. We want this to end." A national tribute will be held at a later date for Beltrame, who President Emmanuel Macron said had "died a hero" and deserved "the respect and admiration of the whole nation". Following the worst jihadist attack of his presidency, Macron has called a meeting later this week of the security services monitoring individuals suspected of radicalisation. General Richard Lizurey, chief of staff of France's gendarmes, on Sunday addressed the region's force, of which Beltrame was the third in command. "We... are proud to have counted Arnaud Beltrame in our ranks. His example must inspire us in our everyday duty," Lizurey told reporters afterward. Lakdim, 25, a petty criminal, was on a watchlist, but authorities had concluded the Moroccan-born French national did not pose a threat. Horrible attack Investigators found notes referring to IS at Lakdim's home in Carcassonne, a legal source said, including a hand-written letter in which he claimed allegiance to the jihadist group. Lakdim, who was armed with a gun, knife and homemade explosive devices according to a security source, was shot dead as police moved in to end his siege of the Super U supermarket where he had holed up after a shooting spree in Carcassonne. He had hijacked a car in Carcassonne and shot the two people inside, killing the passenger and leaving the Portuguese driver in a critical condition. He also shot and wounded a police officer out jogging. Lakdim had already shot dead the supermarket's butcher and a customer when Beltrame offered to take the place of a woman he had taken hostage. Lakdim shot and stabbed the policeman before anti-terror officers killed him. Beltrame died of his wounds early Saturday, becoming the fourth victim in the shooting spree. World leaders paid homage to the slain officer, with British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeting that his "sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten", while US President Donald Trump denounced the "horrible attack". Petty criminal Lakdim fit a familiar profile as a petty criminal who had turned to extremism. A small-time drug-dealer, his rap sheet included convictions for carrying a banned weapon and for drug use. He spent a month in jail in 2016. His girlfriend and a 17-year-old friend were in custody. According to a source close to the investigation, Lakdim had hinted at travelling to Syria in 2014, but did not go. France, part of the US-led coalition fighting IS, remains on high alert following a string of deadly attacks that have killed more than 240 people since 2015. During the attacks, he demanded the release of certain prisoners -- notably, according to a security source, Salah Abdeslam, the prime suspect in the November 2015 Paris terror attacks. IS claimed Friday's attack was in response to its call to target Western enemies, as is customary when the assailant has pledged allegiance to the jihadists.

France pays tribute to victims of jihadist attack

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