President Trump on Friday announced that he has approved military strikes in Syria against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The announcement follows a suspected chemical gas attack from the Assad regime on a rebel-held town near the Syrian capital last weekend.

Trump said a combined operation with France and Britain was underway and that they were prepared to sustain the response until Syria stopped its use of chemical weapons.

“A short time ago, I ordered the United States Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad,” Trump said in a televised address from the White House.

A US official said the strikes were aimed at multiple targets and involved Tomahawk cruise missiles.

“These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,” Trump said referring to Assad and his suspected role in the chemical weapons attacks.

“The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons,” Trump said.

The US president had sharply critical words for both Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad’s government.

“To Iran and to Russia, I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” Trump said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said she had authorized British armed forces “to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability.”

The military action is not about intervening in Syria’s civil war or changing its government, she said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Trump said a combined operation with France and Britain was underway.

President Trump on Friday announced that he has approved military strikes in Syria against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement follows a suspected chemical gas attack from the Assad regime on a rebel-held town near the Syrian capital last weekend. Trump said a combined operation with France and Britain was underway and that they were prepared to sustain the response until Syria stopped its use of chemical weapons. “A short time ago, I ordered the United States Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad,” Trump said in a televised address from the White House. A US official said the strikes were aimed at multiple targets and involved Tomahawk cruise missiles. “These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster instead,” Trump said referring to Assad and his suspected role in the chemical weapons attacks. “The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons,” Trump said. The US president had sharply critical words for both Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad’s government. “To Iran and to Russia, I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?” Trump said. British Prime Minister Theresa May said she had authorized British armed forces “to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability.” The military action is not about intervening in Syria’s civil war or changing its government, she said. (With inputs from Reuters)

US, UK and France launch combined strikes on Syria chemical sites

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384">Strikes on Syria are an 'act of aggression', says Russia's Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the strikes launched by the US, Britain and France on Syria an "act of aggression".&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2018-manika-batra-becomes-first-indian-woman-to-win-gold-in-womens-singles-in-tt-130393">Commonwealth Games: Manika Batra becomes first Indian woman to win TT single's gold</a>

Manika Batra continued her prolific run at Commonwealth Games as she clinched her their gold medal after she battled her way to claim her maiden singles title in Gold Coast.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-gang-rape-i-have-faith-in-judiciary-says-accused-bjp-mlakuldeep-singh-sengar-130395">Unnao gang rape: 'I have faith in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-gang-rape-i-have-faith-in-judiciary-says-accused-bjp-mlakuldeep-singh-sengar-130395">judiciary</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-gang-rape-i-have-faith-in-judiciary-says-accused-bjp-mlakuldeep-singh-sengar-130395">,' says accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar</a>

BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, main accused in the Unnao gang rape, was produced before a Lucknow court earlier today. Outside court, Sengar said he has faith in the Indian judicial system.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pak-army-chief-kayani-accused-of-corruption-130412">Ex-Pak Army chief Kayani accused of corruption</a>

A petition has been filed at the Pakistan Supreme Court against former chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani alleging him of absolving a legally established armed forces Medical store depot and manufacturing, supplying and procuring degraded medicines.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-backs-air-strikes-on-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate-130386">Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate'</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

Strikes on Syria are an 'act of aggression', says Russia's Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the strikes launched by the US, Britain and France on Syria an "act of aggression". Commonwealth Games: Manika Batra becomes first Indian woman to win TT single's gold Manika Batra continued her prolific run at Commonwealth Games as she clinched her their gold medal after she battled her way to claim her maiden singles title in Gold Coast. Unnao gang rape: 'I have faith in judiciary,' says accused MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, main accused in the Unnao gang rape, was produced before a Lucknow court earlier today. Outside court, Sengar said he has faith in the Indian judicial system. Ex-Pak Army chief Kayani accused of corruption A petition has been filed at the Pakistan Supreme Court against former chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani alleging him of absolving a legally established armed forces Medical store depot and manufacturing, supplying and procuring degraded medicines. Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate' German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Trump said the purpose of a campaign of airstrikes in Syria is to "establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons."

Watch: US president Donald Trump orders strike on Syria in response to alleged chemical attack

Egypt said on Saturday it was deeply concerned over a military escalation in Syria which could affect the safety of Syrian people and threaten agreements to curb tension.

US, British and French forces struck Syria with more than 100 missiles on Saturday, targeting what they called chemical weapons sites in retaliation for a poison gas attack.&nbsp

The White House has accused Syria of being behind the toxic gas assault on April 7 that killed dozens of people in Douma, near Damascus.

Without specifically mentioning Saturday's missile strikes, Egypt's foreign ministry said it was deeply concerned "at the current military escalation in Syria". It also rejected the use of internationally banned weapons on Syrian territory and demanded a transparent international investigation.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its solidarity with the brotherly Syrian people in their aspirations to live in security and stability," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp

It called for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis and efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those affected by the conflict.&nbsp

The White House has accused Syria of being behind the toxic gas assault on April 7 that killed dozens of people in Douma, near Damascus

Egypt said on Saturday it was deeply concerned over a military escalation in Syria which could affect the safety of Syrian people and threaten agreements to curb tension. US, British and French forces struck Syria with more than 100 missiles on Saturday, targeting what they called chemical weapons sites in retaliation for a poison gas attack. The White House has accused Syria of being behind the toxic gas assault on April 7 that killed dozens of people in Douma, near Damascus. Without specifically mentioning Saturday's missile strikes, Egypt's foreign ministry said it was deeply concerned "at the current military escalation in Syria". It also rejected the use of internationally banned weapons on Syrian territory and demanded a transparent international investigation. "The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its solidarity with the brotherly Syrian people in their aspirations to live in security and stability," the ministry said in a statement. It called for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis and efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those affected by the conflict.

Egypt says deeply concerned over military escalation in Syria

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

"We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council," Merkel said.

Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria.

Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons. "We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council," Merkel said. Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria.

Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate'

French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were involved in the air strikes on Syria together with four frigate warships, a presidency source said on Saturday.

The source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites.

The attack arsenal included an air defence frigate, three multi-mission frigates, Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and support and supply assistance, the source said.

Air strikes are over but the military is ready to act upon request, added the source. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

A presidency source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites

French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were involved in the air strikes on Syria together with four frigate warships, a presidency source said on Saturday. The source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites. The attack arsenal included an air defence frigate, three multi-mission frigates, Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and support and supply assistance, the source said. Air strikes are over but the military is ready to act upon request, added the source. (With inputs from Reuters)

French Mirage, Rafale jets and frigates involved in Syria strikes: Source

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent.

International chemical weapons experts were travelling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago US President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack.

The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets.

“We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum.

Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month.

Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia.

“The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.”

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with Washington but the atmosphere was alarming. “God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,” he told a news conference.

Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening ...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.”

US allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged.

British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria.

Some national leaders appeared anxious to avert a US-Russian showdown.

Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered.

But on Friday he appeared conciliatory. Macron’s office said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about the deterioration of the situation in Syria and calling for more dialogue with Moscow.

NATO members Germany and the Netherlands have said they will not take part in any military action.

Tayyip Erdogan, president of Syria’s neighbour Turkey, said on Friday he had spoken by phone with Trump and Putin and told both that increasing tensions in the region was not right.

Assad tightens grip

Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!”

He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement.

“We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said.

Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fuelled by Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy issues.

A team of experts from global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said.

The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war.

He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders.

They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while US-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain.

But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent

The prospect of Western military action in Syria that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East on Friday but there was no clear sign that a US-led attack was imminent. International chemical weapons experts were travelling to Syria to investigate an alleged gas attack by government forces on the town of Douma which killed dozens of people. Two days ago US President Donald Trump warned that missiles “will be coming” in response to that attack. The allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were eager on Friday to lay blame for the crisis not with him but with Trump. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said international relations should not depend on one person’s morning mood, in apparent reference to Trump’s tweets. “We cannot depend on what someone on the other side of the ocean takes into his head in the morning. We cannot take such risks,” said Dvorkovich, speaking at a forum. Russia has warned the West against attacking Assad, who is also supported by Iran, and says there is no evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, a town near Damascus which had been held by rebels until this month. Vassily Nebenzia, Moscow’s ambassador to the United Nations, said he “cannot exclude” war between the United States and Russia. “The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war,” he told reporters. “We hope there will be no point of no return.” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was in contact with Washington but the atmosphere was alarming. “God forbid anything adventurous will be done in Syria following the Libyan and Iraqi experience,” he told a news conference. Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, told Lebanese daily al-Joumhouria: “The conditions do not point to a total war happening ...unless Trump and (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu completely lose their minds.” US allies have offered strong words of support for Washington but no clear military plans have yet emerged. British Prime Minister Theresa May won backing from her senior ministers on Thursday to take unspecified action with the United States and France to deter further use of chemical weapons by Syria. Some national leaders appeared anxious to avert a US-Russian showdown. Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France had proof the Syrian government carried out the Douma attack and would decide whether to strike back when all necessary information had been gathered. But on Friday he appeared conciliatory. Macron’s office said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about the deterioration of the situation in Syria and calling for more dialogue with Moscow. NATO members Germany and the Netherlands have said they will not take part in any military action. Tayyip Erdogan, president of Syria’s neighbour Turkey, said on Friday he had spoken by phone with Trump and Putin and told both that increasing tensions in the region was not right. Assad tightens grip Trump himself appeared on Thursday to cast doubt on at least the timing of any US-led military action, tweeting: “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!” He met his national security team on the situation in Syria later in the day and “no final decision has been made,” the White House said in a statement. “We are continuing to assess intelligence and are engaged in conversations with our partners and allies,” it said. Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fuelled by Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy issues. A team of experts from global watchdog the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was travelling to Syria and will start its investigations into the Douma incident on Saturday, the Netherlands-based agency said. The capture of Douma has clinched a major victory for Assad, crushing what was once a centre of the insurgency near Damascus, and underlines his unassailable position in the war. He has cemented his control over most of the western, more heavily populated, part of the country, with rebels and jihadist insurgents largely contained to two areas on Syria’s northern and southern borders. They still control the northwestern province of Idlib, near Turkey, and a southern region around Deraa, on the border with Jordan. Turkish forces and rebel allies control territory in northern Syria, while US-backed Kurdish forces hold wide areas of the northeast, and pockets of Islamic State fighters remain. But none of those any longer directly threaten Assad’s grip on power, which has been reinforced by Russian air power and Iran-backed fighters on the ground.

Threat of US-Russia clash hangs over Syria

United Nations war crimes investigators on Friday condemned the suspected use of chemical weapons in the Syrian town of Douma in eastern Ghouta last weekend and called for evidence to be preserved with a view to future prosecutions.

"Perpetrators of such attacks must be identified and held accountable," the UN's International Commission of Inquiry on Syria said in a statement issued in Geneva.

"We stress the imperative need to preserve evidence, and call upon all relevant authorities to ensure no party tampers with suspected sites, objects, witnesses, or victims before independent monitors and investigators are able to access the area," it said, noting that inspectors from the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons were due to visit shortly.

United Nations war crimes investigators on Friday condemned the suspected use of chemical weapons in the Syrian town of Douma in eastern Ghouta last weekend and called for evidence to be preserved with a view to future prosecutions

United Nations war crimes investigators on Friday condemned the suspected use of chemical weapons in the Syrian town of Douma in eastern Ghouta last weekend and called for evidence to be preserved with a view to future prosecutions. "Perpetrators of such attacks must be identified and held accountable," the UN's International Commission of Inquiry on Syria said in a statement issued in Geneva. "We stress the imperative need to preserve evidence, and call upon all relevant authorities to ensure no party tampers with suspected sites, objects, witnesses, or victims before independent monitors and investigators are able to access the area," it said, noting that inspectors from the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons were due to visit shortly.

Syria chemical attack evidence must be preserved: UN

The White House said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has not laid out a timetable for action in response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria, despite his note on Twitter that missiles "will be coming" and Russia should "get ready."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump had a number of options, not just military, that all options were still on the table and he was assessing how to respond.

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Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She said Trump held Russia and Syria responsible for the chemical attack and denied that his Twitter comments had created any problem.

White House spokesperson said Trump held Russia and Syria responsible for the chemical attack and denied that his Twitter comments had created any problem.

The White House said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has not laid out a timetable for action in response to a suspected chemical attack in Syria, despite his note on Twitter that missiles "will be coming" and Russia should "get ready." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump had a number of options, not just military, that all options were still on the table and he was assessing how to respond. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 × She said Trump held Russia and Syria responsible for the chemical attack and denied that his Twitter comments had created any problem.

After Trump missile threats, White House says no timetable for action on Syria

Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.&nbsp;

He said that he has "proof" that Bashar Assad's government has attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons last weekend.

He further added that he was closely working with US officials and will decide on the steps to take when need arises.

He also said that he would intervene once all the necessary information were received.

Macron had said&nbsp;in February that "France will strike" if chemical weapons are used against the civilians.

He said that he has 'proof' that Bashar Assad's government has attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons last weekend

Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians. He said that he has "proof" that Bashar Assad's government has attacked the town of Douma with chemical weapons last weekend. He further added that he was closely working with US officials and will decide on the steps to take when need arises. He also said that he would intervene once all the necessary information were received. Macron had said in February that "France will strike" if chemical weapons are used against the civilians.

Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack

US President Donald Trump amended on Thursday an earlier warning of a swift military strike against Syria in retaliation for a suspected chemical weapons attack on civilians, saying it "could be very soon or not so soon at all".

"Never said when an attack on Syria would take place," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Trump had vowed to take swift and decisive action against Syria since reports of a suspected poison gas attack that killed dozens of people. Damascus has denied responsibility for the incident that has widened a rift between the West and Moscow, which backs Syria's government.

On Wednesday, even though Trump had previously said he would not "broadcast" his moves in Syria, he said in a post on Twitter that missiles "will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!'"

However, US Defense Secretary James Mattis struck a more cautious tone later on Wednesday, saying that Washington was still assessing intelligence on the suspected toxic gas attack.

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Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984374422587965440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place,'Trump wrote on Twitter

US President Donald Trump amended on Thursday an earlier warning of a swift military strike against Syria in retaliation for a suspected chemical weapons attack on civilians, saying it "could be very soon or not so soon at all". "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place," Trump wrote on Twitter. Trump had vowed to take swift and decisive action against Syria since reports of a suspected poison gas attack that killed dozens of people. Damascus has denied responsibility for the incident that has widened a rift between the West and Moscow, which backs Syria's government. On Wednesday, even though Trump had previously said he would not "broadcast" his moves in Syria, he said in a post on Twitter that missiles "will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!'" However, US Defense Secretary James Mattis struck a more cautious tone later on Wednesday, saying that Washington was still assessing intelligence on the suspected toxic gas attack. Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018 ×

Trump says Syria attack 'could be very soon or not so soon at all'

The Russian defence ministry said today the Syrian government forces have taken full control of Douma with the Syrian regime's flag flying over the town.

Russian news agency reported that the last rebel stronghold in eastern Ghouta enclave outside Damascus was under Syrian government control.

"The raised state flag over a building in the town of Douma has heralded the control over this location and therefore over the whole of eastern Ghouta," Russian news agencies quoted Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian peace and reconciliation centre in Syria.

Russian TV reported red, white and black flag with two green stars hanging over the unidentified buildings in eastern Ghouta.&nbsp;

"From today, units of the Russian armed forces' military police are working in the town of Douma. They are a guarantee of the observance of law and order in the town," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

The Russian military said the situation in Douma was normalising and a total of 166,644 people had been evacuated from the city through a humanitarian corridor.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the remaining rebels in Syria's eastern Ghouta have surrendered heavy weapons as they fled the enclave to the north.

"Jaish al-Islam fighters handed over their heavy weapons to Russian military police in the town of Douma on Wednesday," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

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Russian news agency reported that the last rebel stronghold in eastern Ghouta enclave outside Damascus was under Syrian government control.

The Russian defence ministry said today the Syrian government forces have taken full control of Douma with the Syrian regime's flag flying over the town. Russian news agency reported that the last rebel stronghold in eastern Ghouta enclave outside Damascus was under Syrian government control. "The raised state flag over a building in the town of Douma has heralded the control over this location and therefore over the whole of eastern Ghouta," Russian news agencies quoted Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian peace and reconciliation centre in Syria. Russian TV reported red, white and black flag with two green stars hanging over the unidentified buildings in eastern Ghouta. "From today, units of the Russian armed forces' military police are working in the town of Douma. They are a guarantee of the observance of law and order in the town," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. The Russian military said the situation in Douma was normalising and a total of 166,644 people had been evacuated from the city through a humanitarian corridor. Meanwhile, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the remaining rebels in Syria's eastern Ghouta have surrendered heavy weapons as they fled the enclave to the north. "Jaish al-Islam fighters handed over their heavy weapons to Russian military police in the town of Douma on Wednesday," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Syrian government forces have taken full control of Douma: Russia

Russia and the United States have reportedly agreed to disagree over a probe into the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

According to several media reports, representatives of both nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) blocked each other over a move to allow international investigations into chemical attacks in Syria, where a civil war has been on since 2011.

The media reports said that three draft resolutions on the chemical weapons attacks in Syria failed to get passed in a UNSC meeting.

Russia vetoed a US&nbsptext, while two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum nine votes required for approval.

Moscow opposes any Western strike on Syria.

It vetoed UNSC action on Syria on twelve previous occasions.

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UNSC that adopting her country's resolution was the least member nations could do.

"History will record that, on this day, Russia chose protecting a monster over the lives of the Syrian people," Haley was quoted, as saying, while referring to Syrian President Assad.

Russia's UN&nbspAmbassador Vassily Nebenzia said Washington's decision to put forward its resolution could be a prelude to a Western strike on Syria.

Meanwhile, international chemical weapons experts are expected to go to Douma to investigate a suspected poison gas attack.

The Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Syria had been asked to make the necessary arrangements for the deployment of an investigation team.

"The team is preparing to deploy to Syria shortly," it said in a statement.

The mission will aim to determine whether banned munitions were used but will not assign blame.

European governments said they will wait for the results of the OPCW investigation and for more solid forensic evidence before taking the next step on the matter.&nbsp

Representatives of both nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) blocked each other over a move to allow international investigations into chemical attacks in Syria, where a civil war has been on since 2011

Russia and the United States have reportedly agreed to disagree over a probe into the use of chemical weapons in Syria. According to several media reports, representatives of both nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) blocked each other over a move to allow international investigations into chemical attacks in Syria, where a civil war has been on since 2011. The media reports said that three draft resolutions on the chemical weapons attacks in Syria failed to get passed in a UNSC meeting. Russia vetoed a US&nbsptext, while two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum nine votes required for approval. Moscow opposes any Western strike on Syria. It vetoed UNSC action on Syria on twelve previous occasions. United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UNSC that adopting her country's resolution was the least member nations could do. "History will record that, on this day, Russia chose protecting a monster over the lives of the Syrian people," Haley was quoted, as saying, while referring to Syrian President Assad. Russia's UN&nbspAmbassador Vassily Nebenzia said Washington's decision to put forward its resolution could be a prelude to a Western strike on Syria. Meanwhile, international chemical weapons experts are expected to go to Douma to investigate a suspected poison gas attack. The Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Syria had been asked to make the necessary arrangements for the deployment of an investigation team. "The team is preparing to deploy to Syria shortly," it said in a statement. The mission will aim to determine whether banned munitions were used but will not assign blame. European governments said they will wait for the results of the OPCW investigation and for more solid forensic evidence before taking the next step on the matter.

US, Russia clash at UNSC over probing chemical attacks in Syria

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that U.S. "smart missiles" should be aimed at terrorists, and not at the Syrian government, as it commented on U.S. President Donald Trump`s warning of a missile strike in Syria.&nbsp;

"Smart missiles should fly towards terrorists, and not towards the lawful government which has been fighting international terrorism on its territory for several years," Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Facebook.&nbsp;

Trump on Wednesday warned of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, declaring that "smart" missiles will be coming and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Zakharova said that a possible U.S. missile strike could be an attempt to destroy evidence of an alleged chemical weapon attack in the Syrian town of Douma.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Russia of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical attack in Syria, declaring that missiles "will be coming" and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar Assad.

"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

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Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another tweet, Trump said that the US relationship with Russia is worse than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War.&nbsp;

Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash, reports said.

Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that U.S. "smart missiles" should be aimed at terrorists, and not at the Syrian government, as it commented on U.S. President Donald Trump`s warning of a missile strike in Syria. "Smart missiles should fly towards terrorists, and not towards the lawful government which has been fighting international terrorism on its territory for several years," Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Facebook. Trump on Wednesday warned of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, declaring that "smart" missiles will be coming and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Zakharova said that a possible U.S. missile strike could be an attempt to destroy evidence of an alleged chemical weapon attack in the Syrian town of Douma. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Russia of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical attack in Syria, declaring that missiles "will be coming" and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar Assad. "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 × In another tweet, Trump said that the US relationship with Russia is worse than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash, reports said.

US 'smart missiles' should target 'terrorists', not 'legitimate' Syrian government: Russia

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Russia of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical attack in Syria, declaring that missiles "will be coming" and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar Assad.

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Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984022625440747520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

In another tweet, Trump said that the US relationship with Russia is worse than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War.&nbsp;

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Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984032798821568513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash, reports said.

Trump didn’t say whether he was referring to a U.S. military strike. But he has threatened military action in response to Syria’s suspected chemical attack, which activists and rescuers say killed at least 40 people. The Syrian government and its ally Russia have denied that such an attack ever happened

'Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!' Trump wrote on Twitter

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Russia of a forthcoming response to suspected chemical attack in Syria, declaring that missiles "will be coming" and blasting Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar Assad. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 × "Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter. In another tweet, Trump said that the US relationship with Russia is worse than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 × Russian lawmakers have warned the United States that Moscow would view an airstrike on Syria as a war crime, saying it could trigger a direct military clash, reports said. Trump didn’t say whether he was referring to a U.S. military strike. But he has threatened military action in response to Syria’s suspected chemical attack, which activists and rescuers say killed at least 40 people. The Syrian government and its ally Russia have denied that such an attack ever happened

Missiles 'will be coming' at Syria: Trump warns Russia

China on Tuesday warned against military action in Syria after US President Donald Trump vowed to respond "forcefully" to the latest alleged chemical atrocity in the country's bloody civil war.

As he opened a cabinet meeting at the White House on Monday, Trump pledged "major decisions" to come within the "next 24-48 hours" after what he called a "heinous attack on innocent" Syrians in the rebel-held town of Douma that killed at least 40 people.&nbsp;

The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have rejected claims of a chemical attack, with President Vladimir Putin warning against any "provocation and speculation on this matter".

Trump -- who last year launched a missile strike on a Syrian regime air base after another alleged chemical attack -- warned Sunday that there would be a "big price to pay".

The crisis was discussed Monday at an urgent UN Security Council meeting, while the US also circulated a draft resolution for a new independent inquiry of chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

At a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country was "opposed to the wanton use of force or threat of force".&nbsp;

Before a "comprehensive, impartial and objective investigation" had been conducted into the incident, no party should "prejudge the results and come to conclusions randomly," he said.&nbsp;

"Military means will lead us nowhere."&nbsp;

China depends on the Middle East for its oil supplies but has long taken a back seat in the region's disputes, only recently beginning to expand its role, hosting high-level delegations from both the Syrian government and the opposition.&nbsp;

It consistently says the crisis needs a "political solution" but has numerous times vetoed UN Security Council measures aimed at addressing the conflict -- including an investigation of war crimes in the country.

The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have rejected claims of a chemical attack

China on Tuesday warned against military action in Syria after US President Donald Trump vowed to respond "forcefully" to the latest alleged chemical atrocity in the country's bloody civil war. As he opened a cabinet meeting at the White House on Monday, Trump pledged "major decisions" to come within the "next 24-48 hours" after what he called a "heinous attack on innocent" Syrians in the rebel-held town of Douma that killed at least 40 people. The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have rejected claims of a chemical attack, with President Vladimir Putin warning against any "provocation and speculation on this matter". Trump -- who last year launched a missile strike on a Syrian regime air base after another alleged chemical attack -- warned Sunday that there would be a "big price to pay". The crisis was discussed Monday at an urgent UN Security Council meeting, while the US also circulated a draft resolution for a new independent inquiry of chemical weapons attacks in Syria. At a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country was "opposed to the wanton use of force or threat of force". Before a "comprehensive, impartial and objective investigation" had been conducted into the incident, no party should "prejudge the results and come to conclusions randomly," he said. "Military means will lead us nowhere." China depends on the Middle East for its oil supplies but has long taken a back seat in the region's disputes, only recently beginning to expand its role, hosting high-level delegations from both the Syrian government and the opposition. It consistently says the crisis needs a "political solution" but has numerous times vetoed UN Security Council measures aimed at addressing the conflict -- including an investigation of war crimes in the country.

China warns against military action in Syria

A day after France President Emmanuel Macron and the US president Donald Trump vow quick and forceful action in response to Syria over the chemical leak attack the government spokesperson Benjamin Griveaux said, France to retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

"France will retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad if evidence emerges that it was behind a recent suspected chlorine gas attack in a rebel-held enclave", Griveaux said on Tuesday.

Griveaux said to a Europe 1 radio station that, "If the red line has been crossed, there will be a response," he told Europe 1 radio while also adding that intelligence shared by President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump "in theory confirms the use of chemical weapons."

France has repeatedly warned that evidence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria is a "red line" that would prompt French strikes on Syrian government forces.

While condemning the use of chemical weapons against civilians&nbsp;in Douma, Emmanuel Macron discussed the attack with US president on call Monday.

Speaking at a meeting with military leaders and national security advisers, Trump also said that he would make a decision by Monday night "or very shortly thereafter" on a response, adding that the United States had "a lot of options militarily" on Syria.

At least 60 people&nbsp;were killed in the suspected chemical attack carried out on the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta near the capital, Damascus. Over 1,000 people reportedly were injured.

In earlier reports rebel groups of Syria accused Damascus of carrying out the attack however, Syrian state media denied such reports saying that eastern Ghouta of Douma is in a state of collapse and spreading false news.

US State Department who is also monitoring the situation closely has so far been unable to determine conclusively what materials were used. However, Trump said that Washington is getting more clarity on who was responsible for the attack.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-big-price-to-pay-for-syria-chemical-attack-129188">Also read: Trump says 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical attack</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-quick-action-in-response-to-suspected-chemical-attack-in-syria-129464">Trump vows quick action in response to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-quick-action-in-response-to-suspected-chemical-attack-in-syria-129464">suspected</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-quick-action-in-response-to-suspected-chemical-attack-in-syria-129464"> chemical attack in Syria</a>

A day after France President Emmanuel Macron and the US president Donald Trump vow quick and forceful action in response to Syria over the chemical leak attack

A day after France President Emmanuel Macron and the US president Donald Trump vow quick and forceful action in response to Syria over the chemical leak attack the government spokesperson Benjamin Griveaux said, France to retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. "France will retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad if evidence emerges that it was behind a recent suspected chlorine gas attack in a rebel-held enclave", Griveaux said on Tuesday. Griveaux said to a Europe 1 radio station that, "If the red line has been crossed, there will be a response," he told Europe 1 radio while also adding that intelligence shared by President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump "in theory confirms the use of chemical weapons." France has repeatedly warned that evidence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria is a "red line" that would prompt French strikes on Syrian government forces. While condemning the use of chemical weapons against civilians in Douma, Emmanuel Macron discussed the attack with US president on call Monday. Speaking at a meeting with military leaders and national security advisers, Trump also said that he would make a decision by Monday night "or very shortly thereafter" on a response, adding that the United States had "a lot of options militarily" on Syria. At least 60 people were killed in the suspected chemical attack carried out on the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta near the capital, Damascus. Over 1,000 people reportedly were injured. In earlier reports rebel groups of Syria accused Damascus of carrying out the attack however, Syrian state media denied such reports saying that eastern Ghouta of Douma is in a state of collapse and spreading false news. US State Department who is also monitoring the situation closely has so far been unable to determine conclusively what materials were used. However, Trump said that Washington is getting more clarity on who was responsible for the attack. Also read: Trump says 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical attack Also read: Trump vows quick action in response to suspected chemical attack in Syria

France targets Assad over Syria chemical attack

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups.&nbsp

After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

"Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday.&nbsp

Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable." a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles.

Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved.&nbsp 
However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack.

As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus".

Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an &nbsp"an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups. After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning. "Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday. Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable." a Pentagon spokesman said. Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles. Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved. However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack. As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus". Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an "an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

Chemical attack row: 14 killed in Syria air base attack

Syria and its main ally Russia blamed Israel for carrying out an attack on a Syrian air base near Homs on Monday which followed reports of a poison gas attack by President Bashar al-Assad's forces on a rebel-held town.

Israel, which has struck Syrian army locations many times in the course of its neighbour's seven-year-old civil war, has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid.&nbsp

But Israeli officials said the Tiyas, or T-4, air base was being used by troops from Iran and that Israel would not accept such a presence in Syria by its arch foe.

The strike took place after a suspected chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma which, according to one Syrian aid organisation, killed at least 60 people.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump warned of a "big price to pay" after the initial reports of the poison gas attack, although the Syrian government and its main ally Russia have denied involvement.

Trump referred in a Tweet to "Animal Assad" and criticised Russia and Iran for backing the Syrian leader, directly naming Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons international watchdog said it had opened an investigation to determine what exactly had happened in Douma.

US&nbspDefence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday raised the possibility of military action against Syria if it was proved to have carried out a chemical weapons attack.

British Prime Minister Theresa May called it "reprehensible" and said if the Assad government was found to be responsible, it would be held to account.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said such allegations were false and a provocation. Lavrov said the strike on the T-4 base was a dangerous development.

The latest incidents in Douma and Tiyas demonstrated the complex and volatile nature of the Syria war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising and now involves a number of countries and a myriad of insurgent groups.

Red lines

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said at least 14 people were killed in Monday's air strike on the T-4 base, including foreign fighters - a reference to Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia members, mostly from Iraq, Lebanon and Iran fighting alongside the Syrian army.

Iran's Fars news agency said three Iranians were killed.

Syrian state TV initially said the United States was suspected of carrying out the attack on T-4. Washington denied this, and France, which in February had said it would strike in the event of a chemical weapons attack on civilians by Syrian government forces, said its forces were not involved.

The Russian military, whose support for Assad turned the war in his favour, said two Israeli F-15 war-planes carried out the strike. Interfax news agency cited the Russian Defence Ministry as saying Syrian air defence systems had shot down five of eight missiles fired.

Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a military source, carried a similar report. "The Israeli aggression on the T4 airport was carried out with F-15 planes that fired several missiles from above Lebanese land," it said.&nbsp

The Israeli government had no immediate comment.

Israel has accused Damascus of allowing Iran to set up a complex at the T-4 base to supply arms to its ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and in the past its forces have hit convoys and bases of Iranian-backed militias that fight alongside Assad's troops.

Defence analysts say a number of Russian troops are also based there and jets fly regular sorties from T-4.

Israeli opposition lawmaker Yair Lapid told Army Radio: "Israel will not accept an Iranian military presence in Syria and will not accept Iran's creeping entrenchment in Syria and this has costs."

Housing Minister Yoav Galant, while also not confirming that Israel had carried out the attack, said: "We have clear interests in Syria. We laid down red lines there, which said that we would not allow Syrian land to be a springboard for game-changing weaponry to Lebanon, we would not allow the building of an Iranian army in Syria and we would not allow the opening of another front on the Golan Heights.

"In this context we are taking action with all means, over time."

Foam at the month

As international officials worked to try to confirm the suspected chemical attack on Douma, a Syria medical relief group said at least 60 people had been killed there and more than 1,000 injured in several sites.

"The numbers keep rising as relief workers struggle to gain access to the subterranean areas where gas has entered and hundreds of families had sought refuge," said the Union of Medical Care Organizations (UOSSM).

The Syrian opposition blamed the suspected attack on government forces, who launched an air and ground assault on Douma, the last rebel-held town in the eastern Ghouta district, on Friday.

One video shared by activists showed bodies of about a dozen children, women and men, some with foam at the mouth. Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

The United States fired missiles on a Syrian air base a year ago in response to the killing of dozens of civilians in a sarin gas attack in an opposition-held town in northwest Syria, blamed on Assad.

US&nbspgovernment sources said Washington's assessment of Saturday's attack was that chemical weapons were used. The European Union also said evidence pointed to the use of chemical weapons by Assad's forces.

The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday following rival requests by Russia and the United States.

UN&nbspwar crimes investigators had previously documented 33 chemical attacks in Syria, attributing 27 to the Assad government, which has repeatedly denied using the weapons.

UOSSM said doctors could not determine the origin of Saturday's suspected chemical attack. Dr. Muhammad, a doctor in Ghouta, said patients were coughing blood, a symptom not seen in previous chemical attacks.&nbsp

Despite the potential reprisals, the attack appears to have brought Assad closer to victory in the military campaign for eastern Ghouta launched by his Russian-backed army in February.

The rebel group Jaish al-Islam has given way to a Syrian government demand that it accept safe passage out to rebel-held areas at the Turkish border.

In Washington, Republican US&nbspSenator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged Trump and his administration to destroy Assad's air capabilities, enforce safe zones inside Syria, and target Assad directly.

"This president has the chance to do exactly the opposite of (former US&nbspPresident Barack) Obama - send a strong signal that there's a new sheriff in town and America's back," Graham told Fox News in an interview.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid

Syria and its main ally Russia blamed Israel for carrying out an attack on a Syrian air base near Homs on Monday which followed reports of a poison gas attack by President Bashar al-Assad's forces on a rebel-held town. Israel, which has struck Syrian army locations many times in the course of its neighbour's seven-year-old civil war, has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid. But Israeli officials said the Tiyas, or T-4, air base was being used by troops from Iran and that Israel would not accept such a presence in Syria by its arch foe. The strike took place after a suspected chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma which, according to one Syrian aid organisation, killed at least 60 people. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump warned of a "big price to pay" after the initial reports of the poison gas attack, although the Syrian government and its main ally Russia have denied involvement. Trump referred in a Tweet to "Animal Assad" and criticised Russia and Iran for backing the Syrian leader, directly naming Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons international watchdog said it had opened an investigation to determine what exactly had happened in Douma. US&nbspDefence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday raised the possibility of military action against Syria if it was proved to have carried out a chemical weapons attack. British Prime Minister Theresa May called it "reprehensible" and said if the Assad government was found to be responsible, it would be held to account. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said such allegations were false and a provocation. Lavrov said the strike on the T-4 base was a dangerous development. The latest incidents in Douma and Tiyas demonstrated the complex and volatile nature of the Syria war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising and now involves a number of countries and a myriad of insurgent groups. Red lines The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said at least 14 people were killed in Monday's air strike on the T-4 base, including foreign fighters - a reference to Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia members, mostly from Iraq, Lebanon and Iran fighting alongside the Syrian army. Iran's Fars news agency said three Iranians were killed. Syrian state TV initially said the United States was suspected of carrying out the attack on T-4. Washington denied this, and France, which in February had said it would strike in the event of a chemical weapons attack on civilians by Syrian government forces, said its forces were not involved. The Russian military, whose support for Assad turned the war in his favour, said two Israeli F-15 war-planes carried out the strike. Interfax news agency cited the Russian Defence Ministry as saying Syrian air defence systems had shot down five of eight missiles fired. Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a military source, carried a similar report. "The Israeli aggression on the T4 airport was carried out with F-15 planes that fired several missiles from above Lebanese land," it said. The Israeli government had no immediate comment. Israel has accused Damascus of allowing Iran to set up a complex at the T-4 base to supply arms to its ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and in the past its forces have hit convoys and bases of Iranian-backed militias that fight alongside Assad's troops. Defence analysts say a number of Russian troops are also based there and jets fly regular sorties from T-4. Israeli opposition lawmaker Yair Lapid told Army Radio: "Israel will not accept an Iranian military presence in Syria and will not accept Iran's creeping entrenchment in Syria and this has costs." Housing Minister Yoav Galant, while also not confirming that Israel had carried out the attack, said: "We have clear interests in Syria. We laid down red lines there, which said that we would not allow Syrian land to be a springboard for game-changing weaponry to Lebanon, we would not allow the building of an Iranian army in Syria and we would not allow the opening of another front on the Golan Heights. "In this context we are taking action with all means, over time." Foam at the month As international officials worked to try to confirm the suspected chemical attack on Douma, a Syria medical relief group said at least 60 people had been killed there and more than 1,000 injured in several sites. "The numbers keep rising as relief workers struggle to gain access to the subterranean areas where gas has entered and hundreds of families had sought refuge," said the Union of Medical Care Organizations (UOSSM). The Syrian opposition blamed the suspected attack on government forces, who launched an air and ground assault on Douma, the last rebel-held town in the eastern Ghouta district, on Friday. One video shared by activists showed bodies of about a dozen children, women and men, some with foam at the mouth. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. The United States fired missiles on a Syrian air base a year ago in response to the killing of dozens of civilians in a sarin gas attack in an opposition-held town in northwest Syria, blamed on Assad. US&nbspgovernment sources said Washington's assessment of Saturday's attack was that chemical weapons were used. The European Union also said evidence pointed to the use of chemical weapons by Assad's forces. The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday following rival requests by Russia and the United States. UN&nbspwar crimes investigators had previously documented 33 chemical attacks in Syria, attributing 27 to the Assad government, which has repeatedly denied using the weapons. UOSSM said doctors could not determine the origin of Saturday's suspected chemical attack. Dr. Muhammad, a doctor in Ghouta, said patients were coughing blood, a symptom not seen in previous chemical attacks. Despite the potential reprisals, the attack appears to have brought Assad closer to victory in the military campaign for eastern Ghouta launched by his Russian-backed army in February. The rebel group Jaish al-Islam has given way to a Syrian government demand that it accept safe passage out to rebel-held areas at the Turkish border. In Washington, Republican US&nbspSenator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged Trump and his administration to destroy Assad's air capabilities, enforce safe zones inside Syria, and target Assad directly. "This president has the chance to do exactly the opposite of (former US&nbspPresident Barack) Obama - send a strong signal that there's a new sheriff in town and America's back," Graham told Fox News in an interview.

Syria, Russia accuse Israel over air strike, deny chemical attack

After Trump said<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-condemns-syria-chemical-attacks-129229"> Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay"</a> over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

"Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday.&nbsp;

Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp;

"However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable," the spokesman added.

As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned&nbsp;worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack.&nbsp;Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus".

Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an &nbsp;"an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

"Such claims and allegations by the Americans and some Western countries point to a new plot against the Syrian government and people, and are an excuse to take military action against them," Iran news agency IRNA reported foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.

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Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack.

After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning. "Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday. Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said. "However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable," the spokesman added. As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus". Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an "an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus. "Such claims and allegations by the Americans and some Western countries point to a new plot against the Syrian government and people, and are an excuse to take military action against them," Iran news agency IRNA reported foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.

Chemical attack row: Missiles hit Syrian military airport, Pentagon denies conducting air strikes

Pope Francis issued a warning to Catholics who criticise his calls to welcome migrants with open arms, in a much-awaited text published Monday.

The Argentine pontiff has put the plight of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at the heart of his five-year papacy, putting him at odds with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in many parts of the world.&nbsp

In the third apostolic exhortation of his pontificate -- a guideline on how Catholics can strive for "holiness" -- the 81-year-old unexpectedly hit out at his critics.

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"Some Catholics consider the situation of migrants to be a secondary issue," he wrote.

"That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children."

Citing a passage from the Old Testament urging the welcoming of foreigners, Francis remarked sharply that the issue was not "a notion invented by some pope, or a momentary fad".

In April 2016, he flew to a Greek island on the frontline of the migrant crisis, Lesbos, and returned to Rome with three families of Syrian Muslims.

The pontiff also took the opportunity to reiterate his staunch opposition to abortion in the text entitled "Gaudete et exsultate" (Rejoice and be glad). &nbsp

"Our defence of the innocent unborn needs to be clear, firm and passionate," he said, adding that the "lives of the poor" were "equally sacred."

The first years of Francis' papacy were peppered with strong words against governments, which he has accused of not doing enough to welcome the millions of refugees and migrants fleeing their home countries.

But over the years, he has moderated his discourse, suggesting that host countries had the right to regulate the number of arrivals according to their capacity to accommodate and integrate foreigners.

"There are those who feel encouraged by the pope's stance on migrants and it is still a majority," Christophe Dufour, archbishop of the French city of Aix-en-Provence, told AFP.&nbsp

"And there is a small number who say: 'he is naive, let him come and live among migrants, it is not so simple'." &nbsp

The Argentine pontiff has put the plight of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at the heart of his five-year papacy, putting him at odds with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in many parts of the world

Pope Francis issued a warning to Catholics who criticise his calls to welcome migrants with open arms, in a much-awaited text published Monday. The Argentine pontiff has put the plight of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at the heart of his five-year papacy, putting him at odds with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in many parts of the world. In the third apostolic exhortation of his pontificate -- a guideline on how Catholics can strive for "holiness" -- the 81-year-old unexpectedly hit out at his critics. In April 2016, Francis flew to a Greek island on the frontline of the migrant crisis, Lesbos, and returned to Rome with three families of Syrian Muslims × "Some Catholics consider the situation of migrants to be a secondary issue," he wrote. "That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children." Citing a passage from the Old Testament urging the welcoming of foreigners, Francis remarked sharply that the issue was not "a notion invented by some pope, or a momentary fad". In April 2016, he flew to a Greek island on the frontline of the migrant crisis, Lesbos, and returned to Rome with three families of Syrian Muslims. The pontiff also took the opportunity to reiterate his staunch opposition to abortion in the text entitled "Gaudete et exsultate" (Rejoice and be glad). "Our defence of the innocent unborn needs to be clear, firm and passionate," he said, adding that the "lives of the poor" were "equally sacred." The first years of Francis' papacy were peppered with strong words against governments, which he has accused of not doing enough to welcome the millions of refugees and migrants fleeing their home countries. But over the years, he has moderated his discourse, suggesting that host countries had the right to regulate the number of arrivals according to their capacity to accommodate and integrate foreigners. "There are those who feel encouraged by the pope's stance on migrants and it is still a majority," Christophe Dufour, archbishop of the French city of Aix-en-Provence, told AFP. "And there is a small number who say: 'he is naive, let him come and live among migrants, it is not so simple'."

Pope hits out at critics of his pro-migrant policy

After reports <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chemical-attack-row-14-killed-in-syria-air-base-attack--129303">emerged of attacks on Syrian military base</a>, the Russian army accused Israel of carrying out the strikes.

The Russian media quoting the Russian defence ministry said: "Two F-15 planes of the Israeli army hit the airbase between 03:25 am and 03:53 am Moscow time (0025 GMT and 0053 GMT) with the help of eight missiles controlled remotely from Lebanese territory, without entering Syrian air space."

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles.

Earlier, Syrian state media had said the US was responsible for the air strike on Tayfur airport but it was swiftly denied by Pentagon.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp;

Tensions in Syria have risen over the weekend after reports of chemical attack being carried by the Assad regime in a&nbsp;rebel-held town called Douma.

French president Macron condemned the incident and later called President Trump to discuss the alleged attack.

Trump said the Assad regime had a "big price to pay" over the attack.&nbsp;

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Syrian state media had said the US was responsible for the air strike on Tayfur airport but it was swiftly denied by Pentagon.

After reports emerged of attacks on Syrian military base, the Russian army accused Israel of carrying out the strikes. The Russian media quoting the Russian defence ministry said: "Two F-15 planes of the Israeli army hit the airbase between 03:25 am and 03:53 am Moscow time (0025 GMT and 0053 GMT) with the help of eight missiles controlled remotely from Lebanese territory, without entering Syrian air space." Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles. Earlier, Syrian state media had said the US was responsible for the air strike on Tayfur airport but it was swiftly denied by Pentagon. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Pentagon spokesman said. Tensions in Syria have risen over the weekend after reports of chemical attack being carried by the Assad regime in a rebel-held town called Douma. French president Macron condemned the incident and later called President Trump to discuss the alleged attack. Trump said the Assad regime had a "big price to pay" over the attack.

Israeli Air Force planes carried out strikes on Syrian air base: Russian defence ministry

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said there would be a "big price to pay" for a chemical attack against a besieged rebel-held town in Syria where medical aid groups reported dozens of people were killed by poison gas.&nbsp;

The Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, called the reports bogus.

A joint statement by the medical relief organisation Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil defence service, which operates in rebel-held areas, said 49 people had died in the attack late on Saturday in the town of Douma. Others put the toll even higher.

"Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay," Trump wrote on Twitter.

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned against any military action on the basis of "invented and fabricated excuses", saying this could lead to severe consequences.

The United States launched a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base last year in response to a sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria blamed on Assad.

One of Trump's top homeland security advisers said on Sunday the United States would not rule out launching another missile attack. "I wouldn't take anything off the table," White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Adviser Thomas Bossert said in an interview on ABC's "This Week."

"We are looking into the attack at this point," he said, adding that the photos of the incident are "horrible."&nbsp;

In one video shared by activists, the lifeless bodies of around a dozen children, women and men, some of them with foam at the mouth, were seen. "Douma city, April 7 ... there is a strong smell here," a voice can be heard saying.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports.&nbsp;

Douma is in the eastern Ghouta region near Damascus. Assad has won back control of nearly all of eastern Ghouta in a Russian-backed military campaign that began in February, leaving just Douma in rebel hands.

The Ghouta offensive has been one of the deadliest in Syria's seven-year-long war, killing more than 1,600 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Facing military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta have taken safe passage to other opposition-held areas at the Turkish border. Until now, Jaish al-Islam has rejected that option, demanding it be allowed to stay in Douma.

Syrian state media said on Sunday a deal had been struck under which Jaish al-Islam would finally leave for the town of Jarablus after saying the group had asked for negotiations.

There was no immediate comment from Jaish al-Islam, which has been one of the most prominent insurgent groups in the war.

A pro-Syrian opposition TV station, Orient, said earlier talks were under way between Jaish al-Islam and Russia to reach a final settlement for Douma.

Taking Douma would seal Assad's biggest victory since 2016, and underline his unassailable position in the war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people since it mushroomed from protests against his rule in 2011.

Sheltering in basement&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory monitoring group said it could not confirm whether chemical weapons had been used in the attack on Saturday. Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by heavy bombardment.

Medical relief organisation SAMS said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with "mixed agents", including nerve agents, had hit a nearby building.

Basel Termanini, the US-based vice president of SAMS, which operates medical facilities and supports medics in Syria, told Reuters another 35 people had been killed at a nearby apartment building, most of them women and children.

The joint statement from SAMS and the civil defence said medical centres had taken in more than 500 people suffering breathing difficulties, frothing from the mouth and smelling of chlorine.

One of the victims was dead on arrival and six died later, it said. Civil defence volunteers reported more than 42 cases of people dead at their homes showing the same symptoms, it said.

Tawfik Chamaa, a Geneva-based Syrian doctor with the Syria-focused Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), a network of Syrian doctors, said 150 people were confirmed dead and the number was growing. "The majority were civilians, women and children trapped in underground shelters," he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Syrian state news agency SANA said Jaish al-Islam was making "chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab Army," citing an official source.

The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons during the conflict.

"We have received reports of many people killed and injured in Duma in the past 24 hours. We continue to be extremely concerned for people who remain in Douma who are being subjected to escalating hostilities," UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman Linda Tom said.

The United States launched a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base last year in response to a sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria blamed on Assad

US President Donald Trump said there would be a "big price to pay" for a chemical attack against a besieged rebel-held town in Syria where medical aid groups reported dozens of people were killed by poison gas. The Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack and Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, called the reports bogus. A joint statement by the medical relief organisation Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil defence service, which operates in rebel-held areas, said 49 people had died in the attack late on Saturday in the town of Douma. Others put the toll even higher. "Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay," Trump wrote on Twitter. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned against any military action on the basis of "invented and fabricated excuses", saying this could lead to severe consequences. The United States launched a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base last year in response to a sarin gas attack in northwestern Syria blamed on Assad. One of Trump's top homeland security advisers said on Sunday the United States would not rule out launching another missile attack. "I wouldn't take anything off the table," White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Adviser Thomas Bossert said in an interview on ABC's "This Week." "We are looking into the attack at this point," he said, adding that the photos of the incident are "horrible." In one video shared by activists, the lifeless bodies of around a dozen children, women and men, some of them with foam at the mouth, were seen. "Douma city, April 7 ... there is a strong smell here," a voice can be heard saying. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Douma is in the eastern Ghouta region near Damascus. Assad has won back control of nearly all of eastern Ghouta in a Russian-backed military campaign that began in February, leaving just Douma in rebel hands. The Ghouta offensive has been one of the deadliest in Syria's seven-year-long war, killing more than 1,600 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Facing military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta have taken safe passage to other opposition-held areas at the Turkish border. Until now, Jaish al-Islam has rejected that option, demanding it be allowed to stay in Douma. Syrian state media said on Sunday a deal had been struck under which Jaish al-Islam would finally leave for the town of Jarablus after saying the group had asked for negotiations. There was no immediate comment from Jaish al-Islam, which has been one of the most prominent insurgent groups in the war. A pro-Syrian opposition TV station, Orient, said earlier talks were under way between Jaish al-Islam and Russia to reach a final settlement for Douma. Taking Douma would seal Assad's biggest victory since 2016, and underline his unassailable position in the war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people since it mushroomed from protests against his rule in 2011. Sheltering in basement The Syrian Observatory monitoring group said it could not confirm whether chemical weapons had been used in the attack on Saturday. Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 people had died in Douma as a result of suffocation caused by heavy bombardment. Medical relief organisation SAMS said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hospital, killing six people, and a second attack with "mixed agents", including nerve agents, had hit a nearby building. Basel Termanini, the US-based vice president of SAMS, which operates medical facilities and supports medics in Syria, told Reuters another 35 people had been killed at a nearby apartment building, most of them women and children. The joint statement from SAMS and the civil defence said medical centres had taken in more than 500 people suffering breathing difficulties, frothing from the mouth and smelling of chlorine. One of the victims was dead on arrival and six died later, it said. Civil defence volunteers reported more than 42 cases of people dead at their homes showing the same symptoms, it said. Tawfik Chamaa, a Geneva-based Syrian doctor with the Syria-focused Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), a network of Syrian doctors, said 150 people were confirmed dead and the number was growing. "The majority were civilians, women and children trapped in underground shelters," he told Reuters. Syrian state news agency SANA said Jaish al-Islam was making "chemical attack fabrications in an exposed and failed attempt to obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab Army," citing an official source. The Syrian government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons during the conflict. "We have received reports of many people killed and injured in Duma in the past 24 hours. We continue to be extremely concerned for people who remain in Douma who are being subjected to escalating hostilities," UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman Linda Tom said.

Trump says 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical attack

Turkish foreign ministry has condemned the use of chemical weapons in a rebel-held Syrian town, Douma.

"We strongly condemn the attack, which there is strong suspicion was carried out by the regime, whose record on the use of chemical weapons is known by the international community," the ministry said.

Dozens of people were killed in the chemical attack carried out on the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta.

Turkey has been working with allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a political resolution to the crisis in Syria. Tayyip Erdogan-led government has also pressed for international action against the attacks in Douma.

"The Syrian regime must give an account for the attacks in various regions of the country at different times," President Erdogan's spokesman noted.

"The entire international community, primarily countries that have an influence on the Syrian regime, has a responsibility to take the necessary steps in order to prevent similar war crimes and crimes against humanity," noted the official statement.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Turkey has been working with allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a political resolution to the crisis in Syria

Turkish foreign ministry has condemned the use of chemical weapons in a rebel-held Syrian town, Douma. "We strongly condemn the attack, which there is strong suspicion was carried out by the regime, whose record on the use of chemical weapons is known by the international community," the ministry said. Dozens of people were killed in the chemical attack carried out on the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta. Turkey has been working with allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a political resolution to the crisis in Syria. Tayyip Erdogan-led government has also pressed for international action against the attacks in Douma. "The Syrian regime must give an account for the attacks in various regions of the country at different times," President Erdogan's spokesman noted. "The entire international community, primarily countries that have an influence on the Syrian regime, has a responsibility to take the necessary steps in order to prevent similar war crimes and crimes against humanity," noted the official statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey condemns use of chemical weapons in Douma, Syria

The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that it will give Lebanon`s armed forces $200 million (162.5 million euros) in aid to help "stabilise" the country.

The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders war-torn Syria.

The oil-rich Gulf country said its support was a "continuation of efforts made for the stability and prosperity of (Lebanon`s) people."

The "resilience and strength" of Lebanon`s military and security institutions was a priority given the region`s "delicate circumstances", the statement said.

At a mid-March meeting in Rome, the international community pledged to help strengthen the Lebanese army.

France, in particular, said it would release a credit line of 400 million euros ($492 million).

On Friday, the international community announced it would provide more than $11 billion to modernise Lebanon`s economy and strengthen its stability, threatened by regional crises, particularly the war in neighbouring Syria.

The loans and donations, announced at a conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese economy, are intended to help finance investment projects over the next five years.

Fears of an economic crisis have hovered over the small Middle Eastern country since the crisis in Syria began more than seven years ago, pushing more than one million refugees to flee across the border into Lebanon.

The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders war-torn Syria

The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that it will give Lebanon`s armed forces $200 million (162.5 million euros) in aid to help "stabilise" the country. The foreign ministry said that $100 million would go to the army and $100 million to other state security services in Lebanon, which borders war-torn Syria. The oil-rich Gulf country said its support was a "continuation of efforts made for the stability and prosperity of (Lebanon`s) people." The "resilience and strength" of Lebanon`s military and security institutions was a priority given the region`s "delicate circumstances", the statement said. At a mid-March meeting in Rome, the international community pledged to help strengthen the Lebanese army. France, in particular, said it would release a credit line of 400 million euros ($492 million). On Friday, the international community announced it would provide more than $11 billion to modernise Lebanon`s economy and strengthen its stability, threatened by regional crises, particularly the war in neighbouring Syria. The loans and donations, announced at a conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese economy, are intended to help finance investment projects over the next five years. Fears of an economic crisis have hovered over the small Middle Eastern country since the crisis in Syria began more than seven years ago, pushing more than one million refugees to flee across the border into Lebanon.

UAE pledges $200 million to support Lebanon armed forces

Three foreign powers who have shaped Syria's civil war - Iran, Russia and Turkey - will discuss ways to wind down the fighting on Wednesday despite their involvement in rival military campaigns on the ground.

The leaders of the three countries will meet in Ankara for talks on a new constitution for Syria and increasing security in "de-escalation" zones across the country, Turkish officials say.

The Syria summit brings together two powers which have been President Bashar al-Assad's most forceful supporters, Iran and Russia, with one of his strongest opponents, Turkey.

Cooperation between the rival camps raised hopes of stabilising Syria after seven years of conflict in which 500,000 people have been killed and half the population displaced.

But the violence has raged on, highlighting strategic rifts between the three countries who, in the absence of decisive Western intervention, hold Syria's fate largely in their hands.

Syria's army and Iran-backed militias, with Russian air power, have crushed insurgents near Damascus in eastern Ghouta - one of the four mooted "de-escalation zones".

Turkey, which sharply criticised the Ghouta offensive, waged its own military operation to drive Kurdish YPG fighters from the northwestern Syrian region of Afrin. It has pledged to take the town of Tel Rifaat and push further east, angering Iran.

"Whatever the intentions are, Turkey's moves in Syria, whether in Afrin, Tel Rifaat or any other part of Syria, should be halted as soon as possible," a senior Iranian official said.

Iran has been Assad's most supportive ally throughout the conflict. Iran-backed militias first helped his army stem rebel advances and, following Russia's entry into the war in 2015, turn the tide decisively in Assad's favour.

A Turkish official said Ankara will ask Moscow to press Assad to grant more humanitarian access in Ghouta and to rein in air strikes on rebel-held areas. "We expect ... Russia to control the regime more," the official told reporters this week.

Ankara's relations with Moscow collapsed in 2015 when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane but have recovered since then - to the concern of Turkey's Western allies.

Turkey was one of the few NATO partners not to expel Russian diplomats in response to a nerve agent attack on a former Russian agent which Britain blamed on Moscow - an allegation which Turkey said was not proven.

Improved political ties have been reflected in Turkey's agreement to buy a Russian missile defence system and plans for Russia's ROSATOM to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant.

Turkey has also expanded relations with Iran, exchanging visits by military chiefs of staff, although its deepening ties with Tehran and Moscow have not translated into a broader agreement on Syria's future.

Iran remains determined that Assad stays in power, while Russia is less committed to keeping him in office, a regional diplomat said. Turkey says Assad has lost legitimacy, although it no longer demands his immediate departure.

At a meeting in Russia two months ago, boycotted by the leadership of Syria's opposition, delegates agreed to set up a committee to rewrite Syria's constitution and called for democratic elections.

Turkey says Wednesday's meeting will discuss setting up the constitutional committee, humanitarian issues and developments in Syria's northern Idlib region, which is under the control of rival rebel factions and jihadi groups, and where Turkey has set up seven military observation posts.

"There are issues where all three countries have different policies in Syria," another Turkish official said. "In this regard, an aim is to find middle ground and create policies to improve the current situation."

The leaders of the three countries will meet in Ankara for talks on a new constitution for Syria and increasing security in "de-escalation" zones across the country, Turkish officials say

Three foreign powers who have shaped Syria's civil war - Iran, Russia and Turkey - will discuss ways to wind down the fighting on Wednesday despite their involvement in rival military campaigns on the ground. The leaders of the three countries will meet in Ankara for talks on a new constitution for Syria and increasing security in "de-escalation" zones across the country, Turkish officials say. The Syria summit brings together two powers which have been President Bashar al-Assad's most forceful supporters, Iran and Russia, with one of his strongest opponents, Turkey. Cooperation between the rival camps raised hopes of stabilising Syria after seven years of conflict in which 500,000 people have been killed and half the population displaced. But the violence has raged on, highlighting strategic rifts between the three countries who, in the absence of decisive Western intervention, hold Syria's fate largely in their hands. Syria's army and Iran-backed militias, with Russian air power, have crushed insurgents near Damascus in eastern Ghouta - one of the four mooted "de-escalation zones". Turkey, which sharply criticised the Ghouta offensive, waged its own military operation to drive Kurdish YPG fighters from the northwestern Syrian region of Afrin. It has pledged to take the town of Tel Rifaat and push further east, angering Iran. "Whatever the intentions are, Turkey's moves in Syria, whether in Afrin, Tel Rifaat or any other part of Syria, should be halted as soon as possible," a senior Iranian official said. Iran has been Assad's most supportive ally throughout the conflict. Iran-backed militias first helped his army stem rebel advances and, following Russia's entry into the war in 2015, turn the tide decisively in Assad's favour. A Turkish official said Ankara will ask Moscow to press Assad to grant more humanitarian access in Ghouta and to rein in air strikes on rebel-held areas. "We expect ... Russia to control the regime more," the official told reporters this week. Ankara's relations with Moscow collapsed in 2015 when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane but have recovered since then - to the concern of Turkey's Western allies. Turkey was one of the few NATO partners not to expel Russian diplomats in response to a nerve agent attack on a former Russian agent which Britain blamed on Moscow - an allegation which Turkey said was not proven. Improved political ties have been reflected in Turkey's agreement to buy a Russian missile defence system and plans for Russia's ROSATOM to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant. Turkey has also expanded relations with Iran, exchanging visits by military chiefs of staff, although its deepening ties with Tehran and Moscow have not translated into a broader agreement on Syria's future. Iran remains determined that Assad stays in power, while Russia is less committed to keeping him in office, a regional diplomat said. Turkey says Assad has lost legitimacy, although it no longer demands his immediate departure. At a meeting in Russia two months ago, boycotted by the leadership of Syria's opposition, delegates agreed to set up a committee to rewrite Syria's constitution and called for democratic elections. Turkey says Wednesday's meeting will discuss setting up the constitutional committee, humanitarian issues and developments in Syria's northern Idlib region, which is under the control of rival rebel factions and jihadi groups, and where Turkey has set up seven military observation posts. "There are issues where all three countries have different policies in Syria," another Turkish official said. "In this regard, an aim is to find middle ground and create policies to improve the current situation."

Russia, Iran and Turkey struggle to find common ground on Syria

The group in control of the last rebel bastion near Damascus appeared on Sunday to have agreed to a deal for its fighters to make peace with the government or quit the eastern Ghouta enclave, Syrian state media said.

Jaish al Islam, most of whose members are drawn from the area, has been defending the city of Douma against a months-long onslaught by government forces.&nbsp

If confirmed, its surrender or departure for rebel-held areas in northwest Syria would herald an end to the large-scale conflict in the enclave.

State television and Syrian newspapers said information indicated that, under the deal, the group would hand over heavy and mid-sized weapons and acknowledge the restoration of state sovereignty over Douma.

A Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday an agreement had been reached after several days of negotiations to spare bloodshed in Douma.

The unit of the powerful Lebanese Shi'ite militia that has been fighting with the Syrian army said among the terms of the deal was set up a Syrian government-approved local council to run the city`s affairs after rebels withdraw.

It also said a Russian-led committee with representatives from Turkey, Iran and Russia, the three guarantors of the Astana peace talks who set up "de-escalation" zones across Syria, would be responsible for handing over prisoners of war jailed by the rebels.

Jaish al Islam had no immediate comment on the reports but responded to earlier claims by the Syrian government that it was negotiating a deal to stay and not to pull out of the city.

The government lost control of Douma, the largest urban centre in the eastern suburbs of Damascus in insurgent hands, in the early phase of Syria`s civil war, now in its eighth year.

If confirmed, the agreement with Jaish al Islam would mirror others reached by insurgents following heavy bombing of areas under their control by government forces and Russian jets that has killed hundreds of civilians.

Late on Saturday, negotiators reached a deal to evacuate wounded Jaish al Islam civilians and fighters to Idlib in the northwest.&nbsp

A group of stranded fighters from another insurgent group, Failaq al Rahman, who had fled to Douma from advancing army troops at the start of the latest campaign, left the city on Sunday, state media said.&nbsp

Syria's state news agency SANA said 24 buses carrying around 1,200 fighters from Failaq al Rahman and their families left Douma on Sunday in the first such pullout of fighters.

On Saturday the rebel group concluded a week-long evacuation of thousands of its fighters from areas it had controlled in other parts of the enclave.

A political official in Jaish al Islam denied they had agreed to evacuate Douma and said the government-inspired reports were stepped up psychological warfare aimed at forcing them to capitulate.

"Jaish al Islam has taken the decision to remain steadfast and the idea of leaving is not on the table," said the official.

Opposition sources say Jaish al Islam officials have been desperately trying to strike a deal that would bring Russian military police into Douma, and let the group keep a role in maintaining internal security but under the state`s overall jurisdiction.

Russian military officers negotiating with Jaish al Islam told the group it accepted such an arrangement but the Syrian government remained against it, a senior opposition source familiar with the talks said.

Russia, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, was behind the main battle plan, directing elite forces and militias on the ground and calling in air strikes from Syrian and Russian warplanes, two Western intelligence sources based in the region told Reuters this week.

The Syrian army last week warned the insurgents to surrender or face a military assault to drive them out.

The Syrian army command said on Saturday it had regained most of the towns and villages in eastern Ghouta and was pressing its military operations in Douma.

The city's fall would seal the rebels' worst defeat since 2016. 
The once bustling commercial hub on the outskirts of the capital was the main centre of street protests in the Damascus suburbs against Assad's one-party rule that ignited the conflict more than seven years ago.&nbsp

A resident reached by phone described a sense of foreboding among those still in the besieged city.

"The fear is of the unknown and not bombardment or hunger ... what the coming days will bring we cannot predict," said the resident, Bilal Bwaidani.

Defence analysts say a major goal of the government's campaign was to complete a security belt around the capital, where for years rebels dug into a network of tunnels and well-fortified positions resisted countless offensives to seize the enclave.

Many of the predominantly Sunni Muslim inhabitants of eastern Ghouta say they fear their displacement was part of a deliberate attempt to bring demographic changes in strategic areas that dilute their presence in favour of Assad`s Alawite sect and other minorities.

Jaish al Islam, most of whose members are drawn from the area, has been defending the city of Douma against a months-long onslaught by government forces

The group in control of the last rebel bastion near Damascus appeared on Sunday to have agreed to a deal for its fighters to make peace with the government or quit the eastern Ghouta enclave, Syrian state media said. Jaish al Islam, most of whose members are drawn from the area, has been defending the city of Douma against a months-long onslaught by government forces. If confirmed, its surrender or departure for rebel-held areas in northwest Syria would herald an end to the large-scale conflict in the enclave. State television and Syrian newspapers said information indicated that, under the deal, the group would hand over heavy and mid-sized weapons and acknowledge the restoration of state sovereignty over Douma. A Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday an agreement had been reached after several days of negotiations to spare bloodshed in Douma. The unit of the powerful Lebanese Shi'ite militia that has been fighting with the Syrian army said among the terms of the deal was set up a Syrian government-approved local council to run the city`s affairs after rebels withdraw. It also said a Russian-led committee with representatives from Turkey, Iran and Russia, the three guarantors of the Astana peace talks who set up "de-escalation" zones across Syria, would be responsible for handing over prisoners of war jailed by the rebels. Jaish al Islam had no immediate comment on the reports but responded to earlier claims by the Syrian government that it was negotiating a deal to stay and not to pull out of the city. The government lost control of Douma, the largest urban centre in the eastern suburbs of Damascus in insurgent hands, in the early phase of Syria`s civil war, now in its eighth year. If confirmed, the agreement with Jaish al Islam would mirror others reached by insurgents following heavy bombing of areas under their control by government forces and Russian jets that has killed hundreds of civilians. Late on Saturday, negotiators reached a deal to evacuate wounded Jaish al Islam civilians and fighters to Idlib in the northwest. A group of stranded fighters from another insurgent group, Failaq al Rahman, who had fled to Douma from advancing army troops at the start of the latest campaign, left the city on Sunday, state media said. Syria's state news agency SANA said 24 buses carrying around 1,200 fighters from Failaq al Rahman and their families left Douma on Sunday in the first such pullout of fighters. On Saturday the rebel group concluded a week-long evacuation of thousands of its fighters from areas it had controlled in other parts of the enclave. A political official in Jaish al Islam denied they had agreed to evacuate Douma and said the government-inspired reports were stepped up psychological warfare aimed at forcing them to capitulate. "Jaish al Islam has taken the decision to remain steadfast and the idea of leaving is not on the table," said the official. Opposition sources say Jaish al Islam officials have been desperately trying to strike a deal that would bring Russian military police into Douma, and let the group keep a role in maintaining internal security but under the state`s overall jurisdiction. Russian military officers negotiating with Jaish al Islam told the group it accepted such an arrangement but the Syrian government remained against it, a senior opposition source familiar with the talks said. Russia, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, was behind the main battle plan, directing elite forces and militias on the ground and calling in air strikes from Syrian and Russian warplanes, two Western intelligence sources based in the region told Reuters this week. The Syrian army last week warned the insurgents to surrender or face a military assault to drive them out. The Syrian army command said on Saturday it had regained most of the towns and villages in eastern Ghouta and was pressing its military operations in Douma. The city's fall would seal the rebels' worst defeat since 2016. The once bustling commercial hub on the outskirts of the capital was the main centre of street protests in the Damascus suburbs against Assad's one-party rule that ignited the conflict more than seven years ago. A resident reached by phone described a sense of foreboding among those still in the besieged city. "The fear is of the unknown and not bombardment or hunger ... what the coming days will bring we cannot predict," said the resident, Bilal Bwaidani. Defence analysts say a major goal of the government's campaign was to complete a security belt around the capital, where for years rebels dug into a network of tunnels and well-fortified positions resisted countless offensives to seize the enclave. Many of the predominantly Sunni Muslim inhabitants of eastern Ghouta say they fear their displacement was part of a deliberate attempt to bring demographic changes in strategic areas that dilute their presence in favour of Assad`s Alawite sect and other minorities.

Last eastern Ghouta rebels poised to surrender: Syrian state media

France urged Israel on Sunday to show restraint following its military response to Palestinian demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border that killed at least 15.

"France reminds the Israeli authorities of their duty to protect civilians and urges them to show the greatest restraint," a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said in a statement.

"France also highlights the Palestinians'&nbspright to peacefully demonstrate," she added.

Israel's defence minister rejected calls for an independent investigation by UN&nbspSecretary-General Antonio Guterres, Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, and other leaders.

Israel's defence minister rejected calls for an independent investigation by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

France urged Israel on Sunday to show restraint following its military response to Palestinian demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border that killed at least 15. "France reminds the Israeli authorities of their duty to protect civilians and urges them to show the greatest restraint," a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said in a statement. "France also highlights the Palestinians'&nbspright to peacefully demonstrate," she added. Israel's defence minister rejected calls for an independent investigation by UN&nbspSecretary-General Antonio Guterres, Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, and other leaders.

France urges Israeli restraint after Gaza deaths

Syria's regime drew closer to taking full control of Eastern Ghouta on Monday as state media reported that fighters began evacuating from the last rebel-held pocket of the former opposition stronghold near Damascus.

A Russian-brokered deal had been reported on Sunday for fighters with Jaish al-Islam, the largest rebel group still in Ghouta, to leave the enclave's main town of Douma.

But the rebels have not yet confirmed the agreement, amid reports of divisions in the group as hardline fighters refuse to abandon their posts.

The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria's seven-year civil war.

Assad's forces have retaken 95 per cent of Eastern Ghouta since launching a blistering air and ground assault on the besieged enclave on February 18, killing 1,600 civilians and displacing tens of thousands more.

State media on Monday said Jaish al-Islam fighters and their families had started leaving Douma, in preparation for them heading to a rebel-held town in northern Syria.

"A group of buses carrying a number of Jaish al-Islam terrorists and their families leave Douma in preparation of them being transported to Jarabulus," state news agency SANA said, using the government's term for all rebel fighters.

State television said six buses had left Douma, the only opposition holdout six weeks after the start of the offensive.

The rebels have been negotiating with Russia, a key ally of Assad, for days on an agreement to evacuate Douma.&nbsp

Late on Sunday, Russian news agency Interfax quoted General Yuri Yevtushenko saying a "preliminary deal" had been reached to evacuate Jaish al-Islam fighters from Eastern Ghouta.

Jaish al-Islam has previously said it would not leave Douma and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported divisions within its ranks.

"There are attempts to convince the hardline wing of Jaish al-Islam not to obstruct the agreement with the Russians," the head of the Britain-based monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman, said on Monday.

In video footage published by Jaish al-Islam online on Sunday, the group's leader told a group of men in a mosque he would stay.

"We will stay in this town and will not leave. Those who want to leave should leave," Essam al-Buidani says.

It was not immediately possible to verify when the video was filmed.

Backed by Russia, Assad's forces have scored a series of victories over rebel forces in recent years, often through campaigns of siege, aerial bombardment and ground offensives that have drawn widespread international condemnation.

Before February 18, some 400,000 people in Eastern Ghouta had lived under regime siege for five years, facing severe food and medicine shortages.

After pounding it with air strikes, regime forces have taken back most of the enclave through a combination of ground assaults and Russia-brokered evacuation deals.

In the past few weeks, these deals have seen more than 46,000 people - fighters and civilians - board buses with scant belongings to be driven to the northwestern province of Idlib, which is largely outside government control.

These include more than 1,000 people - fighters from another faction, Faylaq al-Rahman, and family members - who left Douma late Sunday, according to state media.

On Monday before dawn, an AFP correspondent saw men, women and children step off buses in the area of Qalaat al-Madiq in central Hama province, a common way station on the road to Idlib.

An old woman dressed head-to-toe in black stood by a pile of suitcases and a blanket, a child wearing a winter coat and colourful backpack by her side.

A man slung a gun over his shoulder as he picked up a travel bag, while a young boy, who appeared weak and unable to move his limbs, was carried into an ambulance.

A man in a long white robe walked on crutches, his weight on one leg only and a light weapon visible under his khaki jacket.

Syria's war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-regime protests.

A Russian-brokered deal had been reported on Sunday for fighters with Jaish al-Islam to leave the enclave's main town of Douma

Syria's regime drew closer to taking full control of Eastern Ghouta on Monday as state media reported that fighters began evacuating from the last rebel-held pocket of the former opposition stronghold near Damascus. A Russian-brokered deal had been reported on Sunday for fighters with Jaish al-Islam, the largest rebel group still in Ghouta, to leave the enclave's main town of Douma. But the rebels have not yet confirmed the agreement, amid reports of divisions in the group as hardline fighters refuse to abandon their posts. The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria's seven-year civil war. Assad's forces have retaken 95 per cent of Eastern Ghouta since launching a blistering air and ground assault on the besieged enclave on February 18, killing 1,600 civilians and displacing tens of thousands more. State media on Monday said Jaish al-Islam fighters and their families had started leaving Douma, in preparation for them heading to a rebel-held town in northern Syria. "A group of buses carrying a number of Jaish al-Islam terrorists and their families leave Douma in preparation of them being transported to Jarabulus," state news agency SANA said, using the government's term for all rebel fighters. State television said six buses had left Douma, the only opposition holdout six weeks after the start of the offensive. The rebels have been negotiating with Russia, a key ally of Assad, for days on an agreement to evacuate Douma. Late on Sunday, Russian news agency Interfax quoted General Yuri Yevtushenko saying a "preliminary deal" had been reached to evacuate Jaish al-Islam fighters from Eastern Ghouta. Jaish al-Islam has previously said it would not leave Douma and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported divisions within its ranks. "There are attempts to convince the hardline wing of Jaish al-Islam not to obstruct the agreement with the Russians," the head of the Britain-based monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman, said on Monday. In video footage published by Jaish al-Islam online on Sunday, the group's leader told a group of men in a mosque he would stay. "We will stay in this town and will not leave. Those who want to leave should leave," Essam al-Buidani says. It was not immediately possible to verify when the video was filmed. Backed by Russia, Assad's forces have scored a series of victories over rebel forces in recent years, often through campaigns of siege, aerial bombardment and ground offensives that have drawn widespread international condemnation. Before February 18, some 400,000 people in Eastern Ghouta had lived under regime siege for five years, facing severe food and medicine shortages. After pounding it with air strikes, regime forces have taken back most of the enclave through a combination of ground assaults and Russia-brokered evacuation deals. In the past few weeks, these deals have seen more than 46,000 people - fighters and civilians - board buses with scant belongings to be driven to the northwestern province of Idlib, which is largely outside government control. These include more than 1,000 people - fighters from another faction, Faylaq al-Rahman, and family members - who left Douma late Sunday, according to state media. On Monday before dawn, an AFP correspondent saw men, women and children step off buses in the area of Qalaat al-Madiq in central Hama province, a common way station on the road to Idlib. An old woman dressed head-to-toe in black stood by a pile of suitcases and a blanket, a child wearing a winter coat and colourful backpack by her side. A man slung a gun over his shoulder as he picked up a travel bag, while a young boy, who appeared weak and unable to move his limbs, was carried into an ambulance. A man in a long white robe walked on crutches, his weight on one leg only and a light weapon visible under his khaki jacket. Syria's war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-regime protests.

Fighters begin leaving last rebel pocket of Syria's Ghouta

The Syrian regime on Sunday drew closer to taking full control of rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta after a deal appeared to be reached for fighters and civilians to leave the enclave's last opposition pocket.&nbsp

The agreement brokered by government ally Moscow would see fighters with the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction leave Ghouta's main town of Douma for opposition territory in northern Syria, state media and a monitoring group.

There was no immediate confirmation from the rebels, but Russia's military said it had "reached a preliminary agreement for the withdrawal" of the group from Eastern Ghouta near Damascus.&nbsp

No date was given for the pullout and Moscow said rebels were expected to demine buildings and clear roadblocks before leaving.&nbsp

The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria's seven-year civil war.

Backed by Russia, Assad's forces have scored a series of victories over rebel forces in recent years, often through campaigns of siege, aerial bombardment and ground offensives that have drawn widespread international condemnation.&nbsp

State agency SANA reported that Jaish al-Islam will head to Jarabulus in the northern province of Aleppo, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they would also go to Al-Bab, both towns held by pro-Turkey rebels.

The deal will see Russian military police enter Douma and government institutions return to the town, the monitor said.Regime forces have already retaken more than 95 percent of Eastern Ghouta in a six-week air and ground blitz that has killed hundreds of civilians and forced tens of thousands from their homes.

The assault since February 18 has killed more than 1,600 civilians, the Observatory says, and devastated entire neighbourhoods.

Successive evacuation deals for other parts of Ghouta have seen more than 46,000 fighters and civilians bussed out in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally of figures provided by SANA.&nbsp

In the latest agreed departures some 24 buses carrying 1,146 fighters from the Faylaq al-Rahman rebel faction and their families left Douma in the direction of Idlib on Sunday, Syrian state television reported.&nbsp

That added to the 41,000 already evacuated from a southern pocket including the town of Arbin this week under an earlier deal with Faylaq al-Rahman.

More than 4,000 people also left the devastated town of Harasta last week under a deal with the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group.

Tens of thousands of other civilians have fled to regime-held territory.Talks with Jaish al-Islam for the evacuation of Douma have dragged on for several days, with residents growing nervous.

"Of course I would rather leave. There are no more homes here, not a single place to settle," said Abu Rateb, 30.

"But I won't go to regime-held areas to join ranks with the Syrian army," he said, adding he would prefer to go to Idlib.

Haitham, 38, a media activist who did not give his surname, said he would rather stay in his hometown.

"To abandon your home is to abandon your soul," he said. "But if they give us the choice of dying or leaving, it will be another matter."

Syria's conflict has killed more than 350,000 people since 2011, and spiralled into a complex war involving world powers.

On Sunday, Pope Francis called for an end to the "carnage" in Syria in his Easter message.

"Today we implore fruits of peace upon the entire world, beginning with the beloved and long-suffering land of Syria," the pontiff said.

To mark Easter Day, Syria's presidency said that Assad and his wife Asma visited the home of a Christian girl injured in rebel shelling of her neighbourhood in Damascus.

The agreement brokered by government ally Moscow would see fighters with the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction leave Ghouta's main town of Douma

The Syrian regime on Sunday drew closer to taking full control of rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta after a deal appeared to be reached for fighters and civilians to leave the enclave's last opposition pocket. The agreement brokered by government ally Moscow would see fighters with the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction leave Ghouta's main town of Douma for opposition territory in northern Syria, state media and a monitoring group. There was no immediate confirmation from the rebels, but Russia's military said it had "reached a preliminary agreement for the withdrawal" of the group from Eastern Ghouta near Damascus. No date was given for the pullout and Moscow said rebels were expected to demine buildings and clear roadblocks before leaving. The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria's seven-year civil war. Backed by Russia, Assad's forces have scored a series of victories over rebel forces in recent years, often through campaigns of siege, aerial bombardment and ground offensives that have drawn widespread international condemnation. State agency SANA reported that Jaish al-Islam will head to Jarabulus in the northern province of Aleppo, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they would also go to Al-Bab, both towns held by pro-Turkey rebels. The deal will see Russian military police enter Douma and government institutions return to the town, the monitor said.Regime forces have already retaken more than 95 percent of Eastern Ghouta in a six-week air and ground blitz that has killed hundreds of civilians and forced tens of thousands from their homes. The assault since February 18 has killed more than 1,600 civilians, the Observatory says, and devastated entire neighbourhoods. Successive evacuation deals for other parts of Ghouta have seen more than 46,000 fighters and civilians bussed out in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally of figures provided by SANA. In the latest agreed departures some 24 buses carrying 1,146 fighters from the Faylaq al-Rahman rebel faction and their families left Douma in the direction of Idlib on Sunday, Syrian state television reported. That added to the 41,000 already evacuated from a southern pocket including the town of Arbin this week under an earlier deal with Faylaq al-Rahman. More than 4,000 people also left the devastated town of Harasta last week under a deal with the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group. Tens of thousands of other civilians have fled to regime-held territory.Talks with Jaish al-Islam for the evacuation of Douma have dragged on for several days, with residents growing nervous. "Of course I would rather leave. There are no more homes here, not a single place to settle," said Abu Rateb, 30. "But I won't go to regime-held areas to join ranks with the Syrian army," he said, adding he would prefer to go to Idlib. Haitham, 38, a media activist who did not give his surname, said he would rather stay in his hometown. "To abandon your home is to abandon your soul," he said. "But if they give us the choice of dying or leaving, it will be another matter." Syria's conflict has killed more than 350,000 people since 2011, and spiralled into a complex war involving world powers. On Sunday, Pope Francis called for an end to the "carnage" in Syria in his Easter message. "Today we implore fruits of peace upon the entire world, beginning with the beloved and long-suffering land of Syria," the pontiff said. To mark Easter Day, Syria's presidency said that Assad and his wife Asma visited the home of a Christian girl injured in rebel shelling of her neighbourhood in Damascus.

'Deal reached' for Syria rebels to quit last Ghouta holdout

An agreement had been reached to evacuate Jaish al Islam rebel fighters from the last insurgent bastion in the eastern suburbs of Damascus to the city of Jarablus in northern Syria near the border with Turkey, a Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday.

The deal comes after several days of negotiations to spare bloodshed in the city of Douma and will include setting up a Syrian government-approved local council in the city that will run its affairs after rebels withdraw, the media unit said on social media.

&nbsp

An agreement had been reached to evacuate Jaish al Islam rebel fighters from the last insurgent bastion in the eastern suburbs of Damascus to the city of Jarablus in northern Syria near the border with Turkey, a Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday

An agreement had been reached to evacuate Jaish al Islam rebel fighters from the last insurgent bastion in the eastern suburbs of Damascus to the city of Jarablus in northern Syria near the border with Turkey, a Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday. The deal comes after several days of negotiations to spare bloodshed in the city of Douma and will include setting up a Syrian government-approved local council in the city that will run its affairs after rebels withdraw, the media unit said on social media.

Deal sealed to evacuate Douma rebels to northern Syria: Hezbollah media unit

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