After the departure of the last rebel fighters from the city of Douma towards the north of the country, Syria's army command on Saturday (April 14) announced that the eastern Ghouta region was free of militants, state media reported, citing a statement by the Syrian army general command.

The Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which had controlled the city, on Sunday reached an agreement with the government and its Russian military allies to leave the city shortly after an alleged chemical attack on April 7 that killed dozens of civilians.

The attack prompted a joint military operation by the United States, Britain and France on Saturday targetting various Syrian facilities near Damascus and the city of Homs.

Buses carrying rebels and their families and civilians who did not wish to stay in Douma under President Bashar al-Assad's rule have left the city in batches over the past few days to travel to opposition-held areas in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey.

Backed by Russian firepower, the government forces launched their offensive against eastern Ghouta in February.

British-based war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights says the campaign killed more than 1,600 civilians.

The conquest of Douma underlines how Russia's entry into the fray in 2015 on Assad's side has now helped him to an unassailable position in a conflict that mushroomed out of protests against his rule seven years ago.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which had controlled the city, on Sunday reached an agreement with the government and its Russian military allies to leave the city shortly after an alleged chemical attack on April 7 that killed dozens of civilians

After the departure of the last rebel fighters from the city of Douma towards the north of the country, Syria's army command on Saturday (April 14) announced that the eastern Ghouta region was free of militants, state media reported, citing a statement by the Syrian army general command. The Jaish al-Islam rebel group, which had controlled the city, on Sunday reached an agreement with the government and its Russian military allies to leave the city shortly after an alleged chemical attack on April 7 that killed dozens of civilians. The attack prompted a joint military operation by the United States, Britain and France on Saturday targetting various Syrian facilities near Damascus and the city of Homs. Buses carrying rebels and their families and civilians who did not wish to stay in Douma under President Bashar al-Assad's rule have left the city in batches over the past few days to travel to opposition-held areas in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey. Backed by Russian firepower, the government forces launched their offensive against eastern Ghouta in February. British-based war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights says the campaign killed more than 1,600 civilians. The conquest of Douma underlines how Russia's entry into the fray in 2015 on Assad's side has now helped him to an unassailable position in a conflict that mushroomed out of protests against his rule seven years ago. (With inputs from Reuters)

Syrian army declares eastern Ghouta free of rebel fighters

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday that the United States will not pull its troops out of Syria until its goals were accomplished.

It is our goal "to see American troops come home, but we are not going to leave until we know we have accomplished those things," Haley said.

In an interview to an American news channel, Haley listed out three aims for the United States. Haley noted that the Trump administration aims to ensure that chemical weapons are not used in any way that poses a risk to the US, that Islamic State is defeated and that there is a good vantage point to watch what Iran is doing.

US joined France and Britain on Friday to carry out missile strikes against Syrian targets.

Trump had previously expressed his intention to withdraw nearly 2,000 US troops deployed in Syria involved in the anti-Islamic State campaign. However, Trump's recent statement on Saturday appeared to contradict that message when he said that Western allies were prepared to "sustain" the military response if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does not stop using prohibited chemical weapons.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

US joined France and Britain on Friday and carried out missile strikes against Syrian targets

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday that the United States will not pull its troops out of Syria until its goals were accomplished. It is our goal "to see American troops come home, but we are not going to leave until we know we have accomplished those things," Haley said. In an interview to an American news channel, Haley listed out three aims for the United States. Haley noted that the Trump administration aims to ensure that chemical weapons are not used in any way that poses a risk to the US, that Islamic State is defeated and that there is a good vantage point to watch what Iran is doing. US joined France and Britain on Friday to carry out missile strikes against Syrian targets. Trump had previously expressed his intention to withdraw nearly 2,000 US troops deployed in Syria involved in the anti-Islamic State campaign. However, Trump's recent statement on Saturday appeared to contradict that message when he said that Western allies were prepared to "sustain" the military response if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does not stop using prohibited chemical weapons. (With inputs from Reuters)

US troops not leaving Syria until goals accomplished: Nikki Haley

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-envoy-to-pakistan-not-allowed-to-meet-sikh-pilgrims-india-lodges-protests-130568">Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests</a>

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-cm-mehbooba-mufti-accepts-resignation-of-bjp-state-ministers-130581">J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-attack-at-afghanistan-border-130604">Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border</a>

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-deeply-disturbed-by-lack-of-efforts-to-bring-peace-to-syria-130584">Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria</a>

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gunmen-open-fire-at-home-of-supreme-court-judge-130560">Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge</a>

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh. Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday. Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Western powers will study "options" if Syria's government again uses chemical weapons, but nothing is planned as yet, Britain's foreign minister said on Sunday, after raids on Syrian targets triggered heated debate over their legality and effectiveness.

US, French and British missile attacks struck at the heart of Syria's chemical weapons programme on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack a week ago, although the restrained assault appeared unlikely to halt Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's progress in the seven-year-old civil war.

The bombing, denounced by Damascus and its allies as an illegal act of aggression, was the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and his powerful ally Russia.

But the three countries said the strikes were limited to Syria's chemical weapons capabilities and not aimed at toppling Assad or intervening in the civil war.

Speaking on British television, British Foreign Secretary (Minister) Boris Johnson threw his weight behind Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to take part in the attack, saying it was the right thing to do to deter further use of chemical weapons.

"There is no proposal on the table at the moment for further attacks because so far thank heavens the Assad regime has not been so foolish as to launch another chemical weapons attack," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr show.

"If and when such a thing were to happen, then clearly with allies we would study what the options were."&nbsp;

His comments appeared in line with those of US&nbsp;ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, who said at an emergency meeting of the UN&nbsp;Security Council that Trump told her that if Syria uses poisonous gas again, "The United States is locked and loaded."&nbsp;

The Western countries said the strikes were aimed at preventing more Syrian chemical weapons attacks after a suspected poison gas attack in Douma on April 7 killed up to 75 people. They blame Assad's government for the attack.

But British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the legal basis used to support the British role was debatable, adding that he would only support action backed by the United Nations Security Council.

Good mood

"I say to the foreign secretary, I say to the prime minister, where is the legal basis for this?" Corbyn said.

"The legal basis ... would have to be self-defence or the authority of the UN&nbsp;Security Council. The humanitarian intervention is a legally debatable concept at the present time," he said in an interview with the BBC on Sunday.

In Damascus, Assad told a group of visiting Russian lawmakers that Western missile strikes on his country were an act of aggression, Russian news agencies reported.

The agencies quoted the lawmakers as saying Assad was in a "good mood" and had praised the Soviet-era air defence systems used by Syria to help to repel the Western attacks.

Assad accepted an invitation to visit the Siberian region of Khanty-Mansi in Russia. It was not clear when the visit would take place.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump called the operation a success.&nbsp;

He proclaimed on Twitter: "Mission accomplished," echoing former President George W. Bush, whose use of the same phrase in 2003 to describe the US&nbsp;invasion of Iraq was widely ridiculed as violence there dragged on for years.

"We believe that by hitting Barzeh, in particular, we`ve attacked the heart of the Syrian chemicals weapon programme," US&nbsp;Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie said at the Pentagon.

Wreckage

However, McKenzie acknowledged elements of the programme remain and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future.

Syria released video of the wreckage of a bombed-out research lab, but also of Assad arriving at work as usual, with the caption "Morning of resilience".

There were no immediate reports of casualties.&nbsp;

Late on Saturday Syria time, a large explosion was heard in a Syrian government-controlled area in a rural region south of Aleppo, according to the Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the cause of the explosion was unknown, as well as its target.

Russian and Iranian military help over the past three years has allowed Assad to crush the rebel threat to topple him.

The United States, Britain and France have all participated in the Syrian conflict for years, arming rebels, bombing Islamic State fighters and deploying troops on the ground to fight that group. But they have refrained from targeting Assad`s government, apart from a volley of US missiles last year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the strikes were "unacceptable and lawless."

Syrian state media called them a "flagrant violation of international law," while Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called it a crime and the Western leaders criminals.&nbsp;

Weapons watchdog&nbsp;

Washington described the strike targets as a centre near Damascus for the research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological weapons a chemical weapons storage site near the city of Homs and another site near Homs that stored chemical weapons equipment and housed a command post.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all Security Council members to exercise restraint and avoid an escalation in Syria, but said allegations of chemical weapons use demand an investigation.

Inspectors from the global chemical weapons watchdog OPCW were due to try to visit Douma to inspect the site of the suspected gas attack. Moscow condemned the Western states for refusing to wait for their findings.

Russia, whose ties with the West have sunk to levels of Cold War-era hostility, denies any gas attack happened in Douma and even said Britain staged it to whip up anti-Russian hysteria.&nbsp;

Syria agreed in 2013 to give up its chemical weapons after a nerve gas attack killed hundreds of people in Douma. Damascus is still permitted to have chlorine for civilian use, although its use as a weapon is banned. Allegations of Assad's chlorine use have been frequent during the war although, unlike nerve agents, chlorine did not produce mass casualties as seen last week.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bombing, denounced by Damascus and its allies as an illegal act of aggression, was the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and his powerful ally Russia

Western powers will study "options" if Syria's government again uses chemical weapons, but nothing is planned as yet, Britain's foreign minister said on Sunday, after raids on Syrian targets triggered heated debate over their legality and effectiveness. US, French and British missile attacks struck at the heart of Syria's chemical weapons programme on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack a week ago, although the restrained assault appeared unlikely to halt Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's progress in the seven-year-old civil war. The bombing, denounced by Damascus and its allies as an illegal act of aggression, was the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and his powerful ally Russia. But the three countries said the strikes were limited to Syria's chemical weapons capabilities and not aimed at toppling Assad or intervening in the civil war. Speaking on British television, British Foreign Secretary (Minister) Boris Johnson threw his weight behind Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to take part in the attack, saying it was the right thing to do to deter further use of chemical weapons. "There is no proposal on the table at the moment for further attacks because so far thank heavens the Assad regime has not been so foolish as to launch another chemical weapons attack," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr show. "If and when such a thing were to happen, then clearly with allies we would study what the options were." His comments appeared in line with those of US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, who said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Trump told her that if Syria uses poisonous gas again, "The United States is locked and loaded." The Western countries said the strikes were aimed at preventing more Syrian chemical weapons attacks after a suspected poison gas attack in Douma on April 7 killed up to 75 people. They blame Assad's government for the attack. But British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the legal basis used to support the British role was debatable, adding that he would only support action backed by the United Nations Security Council. Good mood "I say to the foreign secretary, I say to the prime minister, where is the legal basis for this?" Corbyn said. "The legal basis ... would have to be self-defence or the authority of the UN Security Council. The humanitarian intervention is a legally debatable concept at the present time," he said in an interview with the BBC on Sunday. In Damascus, Assad told a group of visiting Russian lawmakers that Western missile strikes on his country were an act of aggression, Russian news agencies reported. The agencies quoted the lawmakers as saying Assad was in a "good mood" and had praised the Soviet-era air defence systems used by Syria to help to repel the Western attacks. Assad accepted an invitation to visit the Siberian region of Khanty-Mansi in Russia. It was not clear when the visit would take place. US President Donald Trump called the operation a success. He proclaimed on Twitter: "Mission accomplished," echoing former President George W. Bush, whose use of the same phrase in 2003 to describe the US invasion of Iraq was widely ridiculed as violence there dragged on for years. "We believe that by hitting Barzeh, in particular, we`ve attacked the heart of the Syrian chemicals weapon programme," US Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie said at the Pentagon. Wreckage However, McKenzie acknowledged elements of the programme remain and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future. Syria released video of the wreckage of a bombed-out research lab, but also of Assad arriving at work as usual, with the caption "Morning of resilience". There were no immediate reports of casualties. Late on Saturday Syria time, a large explosion was heard in a Syrian government-controlled area in a rural region south of Aleppo, according to the Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the cause of the explosion was unknown, as well as its target. Russian and Iranian military help over the past three years has allowed Assad to crush the rebel threat to topple him. The United States, Britain and France have all participated in the Syrian conflict for years, arming rebels, bombing Islamic State fighters and deploying troops on the ground to fight that group. But they have refrained from targeting Assad`s government, apart from a volley of US missiles last year. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the strikes were "unacceptable and lawless." Syrian state media called them a "flagrant violation of international law," while Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called it a crime and the Western leaders criminals. Weapons watchdog Washington described the strike targets as a centre near Damascus for the research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological weapons a chemical weapons storage site near the city of Homs and another site near Homs that stored chemical weapons equipment and housed a command post. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all Security Council members to exercise restraint and avoid an escalation in Syria, but said allegations of chemical weapons use demand an investigation. Inspectors from the global chemical weapons watchdog OPCW were due to try to visit Douma to inspect the site of the suspected gas attack. Moscow condemned the Western states for refusing to wait for their findings. Russia, whose ties with the West have sunk to levels of Cold War-era hostility, denies any gas attack happened in Douma and even said Britain staged it to whip up anti-Russian hysteria. Syria agreed in 2013 to give up its chemical weapons after a nerve gas attack killed hundreds of people in Douma. Damascus is still permitted to have chlorine for civilian use, although its use as a weapon is banned. Allegations of Assad's chlorine use have been frequent during the war although, unlike nerve agents, chlorine did not produce mass casualties as seen last week.

Western powers to study options if Syria chemical weapons used again: UK

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed.

"I appeal again to all the political leaders, so that justice and peace prevail," he said in his weekly address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"I am deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the tools available to the international community, it is difficult to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world," he said.

Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of "instruments of extermination".

The United States, France and Britain fired dozens of missiles early Saturday to strike at Syria's chemical weapons program -- the biggest intervention yet by Western countries against Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.&nbsp;

Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of 'instruments of extermination'

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. "I appeal again to all the political leaders, so that justice and peace prevail," he said in his weekly address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. "I am deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the tools available to the international community, it is difficult to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world," he said. Last Sunday, the pope denounced a reported gas attack in Syria as an unjustifiable use of "instruments of extermination". The United States, France and Britain fired dozens of missiles early Saturday to strike at Syria's chemical weapons program -- the biggest intervention yet by Western countries against Syria, which is backed by Russia and Iran.

Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria

The United States is "locked and loaded" to strike again if Syria's President Bashar al-Assad's government again uses chemical weapons, US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council on Saturday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/western-strikes-on-syria-unacceptable-and-lawless-sergei-lavrov-130464">Western strikes on Syria 'unacceptable and lawless', says Russian Foreign Minister</a>

"We are confident that we have crippled Syria's chemical weapons program. We are prepared to sustain this pressure, if the Syrian regime is foolish enough to test our will," she said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384">Strikes on Syria were 'highly successful', says Britain; France says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384">more possible</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-were-highly-successful-says-britain-130384"> if red line crossed</a>

"If the Syrian regime uses this poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded," Haley said. 
&nbsp;

'If the Syrian regime uses this poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded,' the US Ambassador to the UN said

The United States is "locked and loaded" to strike again if Syria's President Bashar al-Assad's government again uses chemical weapons, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council on Saturday. Also read: Western strikes on Syria 'unacceptable and lawless', says Russian Foreign Minister "We are confident that we have crippled Syria's chemical weapons program. We are prepared to sustain this pressure, if the Syrian regime is foolish enough to test our will," she said. Also read: Strikes on Syria were 'highly successful', says Britain; France says more possible if red line crossed "If the Syrian regime uses this poison gas again, the United States is locked and loaded," Haley said.

If Syria uses toxic gas again, America is 'locked and loaded': US envoy to UN Nikki Haley

The Syrian opposition said Western strikes on Saturday would not change the course of the seven-year-old war as the army said it would crush remaining rebel parts of the country.

The missiles by the United States, Britain, and France targeted President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons capabilities in response to a deadly poison gas attack near Damascus a week ago, Washington said.

But rebels and opposition politicians said the Western powers should also hit Assad's conventional weapons which have killed many more people during the war.

Some insurgent officials said they feared an onslaught against the rebel bastion of Idlib, which a senior Iranian official has indicated could be the next target.

"Maybe the regime will not use chemical weapons again, but it will not hesitate to use weapons," opposition leader Nasr al-Hariri said.

A rebel fighter said he was bracing for further attacks as "revenge" by the government with its allies on rebel territory in the northwest, including the Idlib region.

"More was expected from the American strike to affect the path of the war and to curb Assad's crimes," he told Reuters from Hama province.

Damascus and its allies have said reports about poison gas in Douma were fabricated as a pretext for Western strikes.

After the suspected gas attack, which medical relief groups said killed dozens, rebels holed up in Douma finally surrendered the town. That clinched a big victory for Assad, wiping out the last insurgent pocket in the eastern Ghouta region near the capital.

The war has been going Assad's way since Russia intervened on his side in 2015. From holding less than a fifth of Syria in 2015, Assad has recovered to control the largest chunk of the country with Russian and Iranian help.

Mohamad Alloush, political chief of the Jaish al-Islam faction that had controlled Douma, said the Western strikes on Saturday would not be enough.

"As long as this regime and its security agencies exist, the chemical (attacks) will continue because there is safety from the consequences that would end it," he said. "And (Assad) is portraying what happened as a victory."

The Syrian presidency posted a video appearing to show Assad arriving for work on Saturday morning a few hours after the U.S.-led attack, dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase.

Though swathes of Syria remain beyond his grasp, the insurgency currently poses no military threat to his rule.

The opposition has praised President Donald Trump for taking action against Assad after criticising former U.S. President Barack Obama for failing to enforce his own red line when Assad was accused of using gas in 2013. But they want more.

"The strike has weakened the regime, but has not strengthened the opposition," said another rebel commander.

Trump last year decided to halt a CIA programme that had funnelled weapons and cash to some Free Syrian Army rebels.

"Liberating Idlib"

Having driven rebels from eastern Ghouta, Assad and his allies are expected to soon retake the last few insurgent pockets around Damascus and nearby.

The bigger challenge will be rebel territory at the frontiers with Turkey, Jordan and Israel, and the swathe of eastern and northern Syria which Kurdish-led militias control with support from the United States.

Ali Akbar Velayati, top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, on a visit to Damascus this week, said he hoped Syria and its allies would soon drive U.S. troops from the country. He also said he hoped the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria would be captured from rebels very soon.

The Syrian army said air defence systems brought down most of the U.S., British and French missiles.

"Such attacks will not deter our armed forces and allied forces from persisting to crush what is left of the armed terrorist groups," the military said.

The foreign ministry said the Western strikes would only "lead to inflaming tensions in the world" and threaten international security.

"The barbaric aggression...will not affect in any way the determination and insistence of the Syrian people and their heroic armed forces," state media said, citing a ministry source. 
&nbsp;

The war has been going Assad's way since Russia intervened on his side in 2015

The Syrian opposition said Western strikes on Saturday would not change the course of the seven-year-old war as the army said it would crush remaining rebel parts of the country. The missiles by the United States, Britain, and France targeted President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons capabilities in response to a deadly poison gas attack near Damascus a week ago, Washington said. But rebels and opposition politicians said the Western powers should also hit Assad's conventional weapons which have killed many more people during the war. Some insurgent officials said they feared an onslaught against the rebel bastion of Idlib, which a senior Iranian official has indicated could be the next target. "Maybe the regime will not use chemical weapons again, but it will not hesitate to use weapons," opposition leader Nasr al-Hariri said. A rebel fighter said he was bracing for further attacks as "revenge" by the government with its allies on rebel territory in the northwest, including the Idlib region. "More was expected from the American strike to affect the path of the war and to curb Assad's crimes," he told Reuters from Hama province. Damascus and its allies have said reports about poison gas in Douma were fabricated as a pretext for Western strikes. After the suspected gas attack, which medical relief groups said killed dozens, rebels holed up in Douma finally surrendered the town. That clinched a big victory for Assad, wiping out the last insurgent pocket in the eastern Ghouta region near the capital. The war has been going Assad's way since Russia intervened on his side in 2015. From holding less than a fifth of Syria in 2015, Assad has recovered to control the largest chunk of the country with Russian and Iranian help. Mohamad Alloush, political chief of the Jaish al-Islam faction that had controlled Douma, said the Western strikes on Saturday would not be enough. "As long as this regime and its security agencies exist, the chemical (attacks) will continue because there is safety from the consequences that would end it," he said. "And (Assad) is portraying what happened as a victory." The Syrian presidency posted a video appearing to show Assad arriving for work on Saturday morning a few hours after the U.S.-led attack, dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase. Though swathes of Syria remain beyond his grasp, the insurgency currently poses no military threat to his rule. The opposition has praised President Donald Trump for taking action against Assad after criticising former U.S. President Barack Obama for failing to enforce his own red line when Assad was accused of using gas in 2013. But they want more. "The strike has weakened the regime, but has not strengthened the opposition," said another rebel commander. Trump last year decided to halt a CIA programme that had funnelled weapons and cash to some Free Syrian Army rebels. "Liberating Idlib" Having driven rebels from eastern Ghouta, Assad and his allies are expected to soon retake the last few insurgent pockets around Damascus and nearby. The bigger challenge will be rebel territory at the frontiers with Turkey, Jordan and Israel, and the swathe of eastern and northern Syria which Kurdish-led militias control with support from the United States. Ali Akbar Velayati, top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, on a visit to Damascus this week, said he hoped Syria and its allies would soon drive U.S. troops from the country. He also said he hoped the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria would be captured from rebels very soon. The Syrian army said air defence systems brought down most of the U.S., British and French missiles. "Such attacks will not deter our armed forces and allied forces from persisting to crush what is left of the armed terrorist groups," the military said. The foreign ministry said the Western strikes would only "lead to inflaming tensions in the world" and threaten international security. "The barbaric aggression...will not affect in any way the determination and insistence of the Syrian people and their heroic armed forces," state media said, citing a ministry source.

Syrian Army vows to crush rebel-held areas, opposition say strikes not enough

US, UK and France-led air strikes on Syria have raked a wave of reactions from political leaders all across the globe. While US President Donald Trump praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/trump-mission-accomplished-on-perfectly-executed-syria-strike-130445">Mission Accomplished</a>", <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-russia-calls-for-emergency-un-meeting-to-discuss-aggressive-actions-of-us-allies-130440">Russia called for an emergency meeting</a> of the United Nations Security Council.

India also reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation. The official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs called the "alleged" use of chemical weapons "deplorable".

"We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts," the MEA noted.

The Ministry urged all Parties to show restraint and to "avoid any further escalation in the situation".&nbsp;

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We urge all Parties to show restraint & to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations & on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law: MEA
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"The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law," the statement read.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d66-1dULfcc" width="560"></iframe>

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-backs-air-strikes-on-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate-130386">necessary and appropriate</a>" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad that "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-welcomes-western-attack-on-syria-130446">its massacres would not be left unanswered</a>".&nbsp;

A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation

US, UK and France-led air strikes on Syria have raked a wave of reactions from political leaders all across the globe. While US President Donald Trump praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished", Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. India also reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation. The official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs called the "alleged" use of chemical weapons "deplorable". "We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts," the MEA noted. The Ministry urged all Parties to show restraint and to "avoid any further escalation in the situation". We urge all Parties to show restraint & to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations & on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law: MEA — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 × "The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law," the statement read. Meanwhile, 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. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad that "its massacres would not be left unanswered". A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus. (With inputs from agencies)

All parties should show restraint, avoid further escalation in situation: India on Syria air strikes

When Emmanuel Macron called Vladimir Putin on Friday, the day before launching his first major military operation with strikes on Syria, the French president knew the credibility of his foreign policy was at stake.

Less than a year ago, in the ornate Gallery of Battles of the palace of Versailles, he warned the Russian leader in their first meeting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line that would result in reprisals.

"I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed," he told Putin in the Friday morning phone call, according to a close advisor at the Elysee palace.

"The tone was very direct, the two presidents were under no illusion about what was going to happen," the advisor told Reuters on Saturday, soon after the overnight air strikes.

The decision to strike Syrian government targets followed a week of hectic diplomacy and coordination with US&nbsp;and British allies.

Last Sunday evening, Macron sat with a small group of advisors at the Elysee palace to watch numerous graphic images and videos of suffering children following an attack the previous day on Douma, which France and allies say was a chemical attack.

"The president immediately realised the seriousness of these attacks," the first advisor said.

Red line&nbsp;'meant to be respected'&nbsp;

After a first phone call with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that night, a series of painstaking daily meetings with defence and foreign affairs officials took place to check the authenticity of images and information coming from Syria.

On Thursday, sitting in a primary school in Normandy where he was giving his first TV interview in months, Macron said France now had proof the Syrian government had been involved.

After another series of calls, with Angela Merkel of Germany and again with Trump and Britain's Theresa May, Macron ordered his military to send Rafale warplanes to strike Syria's chemical weapons facilities.

It was in the "Jupiter" command centre of the Elysee palace in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 40-year-old French leader, surrounded by 10 of his diplomatic and defence officials, followed the operation as it unfolded.

Political opponents had criticised Macron for drawing a red line over chemical attacks after the unfortunate precedent set by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama, who had put himself in a tough spot with a similar ultimatum in 2012.

Obama had to backtrack in the face of congressional opposition, signalling US&nbsp;fatigue in the Middle East and empowering Russia, Western military experts said at the time.

Pointing to the overnight strike, another advisor to Macron said: "This is proof today that the political line he drew at the start of his mandate was meant to be respected."

'I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed,' Macron told Putin in the Friday morning phone call

When Emmanuel Macron called Vladimir Putin on Friday, the day before launching his first major military operation with strikes on Syria, the French president knew the credibility of his foreign policy was at stake. Less than a year ago, in the ornate Gallery of Battles of the palace of Versailles, he warned the Russian leader in their first meeting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line that would result in reprisals. "I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed," he told Putin in the Friday morning phone call, according to a close advisor at the Elysee palace. "The tone was very direct, the two presidents were under no illusion about what was going to happen," the advisor told Reuters on Saturday, soon after the overnight air strikes. The decision to strike Syrian government targets followed a week of hectic diplomacy and coordination with US and British allies. Last Sunday evening, Macron sat with a small group of advisors at the Elysee palace to watch numerous graphic images and videos of suffering children following an attack the previous day on Douma, which France and allies say was a chemical attack. "The president immediately realised the seriousness of these attacks," the first advisor said. Red line 'meant to be respected' After a first phone call with US President Donald Trump that night, a series of painstaking daily meetings with defence and foreign affairs officials took place to check the authenticity of images and information coming from Syria. On Thursday, sitting in a primary school in Normandy where he was giving his first TV interview in months, Macron said France now had proof the Syrian government had been involved. After another series of calls, with Angela Merkel of Germany and again with Trump and Britain's Theresa May, Macron ordered his military to send Rafale warplanes to strike Syria's chemical weapons facilities. It was in the "Jupiter" command centre of the Elysee palace in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 40-year-old French leader, surrounded by 10 of his diplomatic and defence officials, followed the operation as it unfolded. Political opponents had criticised Macron for drawing a red line over chemical attacks after the unfortunate precedent set by former US President Barack Obama, who had put himself in a tough spot with a similar ultimatum in 2012. Obama had to backtrack in the face of congressional opposition, signalling US fatigue in the Middle East and empowering Russia, Western military experts said at the time. Pointing to the overnight strike, another advisor to Macron said: "This is proof today that the political line he drew at the start of his mandate was meant to be respected."

For France's Macron, Syria red lines were credibility test

US, British and French air strikes on Syria are a violation of international law and are likely meant to prevent investigators from the global chemical weapons watchdog from doing their work, a senior Russian lawmaker was quoted by Interfax as saying on Saturday.

The chairman of the international affairs committee of Russia's upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachev, described the air strikes as a groundless attack on a sovereign government, Interfax said.

"It's also highly likely an attempt to create complications for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons mission which was just starting its work in Syria's Douma, or an attempt to completely derail it," Kosachev was quoted as saying.

None of the air strikes hit zones where Russian air defence systems protect the Russian bases of Tartus and Hmeimim, Russian news agencies cited the Ministry of Defence as saying.

None of the air strikes hit zones where Russian air defence systems protect the Russian bases of Tartus and Hmeimim, Russian Defence Ministry said.

US, British and French air strikes on Syria are a violation of international law and are likely meant to prevent investigators from the global chemical weapons watchdog from doing their work, a senior Russian lawmaker was quoted by Interfax as saying on Saturday. The chairman of the international affairs committee of Russia's upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachev, described the air strikes as a groundless attack on a sovereign government, Interfax said. "It's also highly likely an attempt to create complications for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons mission which was just starting its work in Syria's Douma, or an attempt to completely derail it," Kosachev was quoted as saying. None of the air strikes hit zones where Russian air defence systems protect the Russian bases of Tartus and Hmeimim, Russian news agencies cited the Ministry of Defence as saying.

Russian lawmaker: US strikes on Syria violate international law

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned US-led strikes on Syria&nbspcalling them "unacceptable and lawless."

Lavrov was speaking at an assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy where he said he would talk "about how our western partners explain their absolutely lawless and unacceptable actions" in Syria.

Earlier on Saturday Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and said it would consider supplying S-300 missile systems to Syria following US-led strikes.

"Russia convenes an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss aggressive actions of the US and its allies," President Vladimir Putin said in a statement published on the Kremlin website.

"The current escalation of the situation around Syria has a devastating impact on the whole system of international relations," Putin added.

US, British and French forces pounded Syria with more than 100 missiles early on Saturday in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week, in the biggest intervention by Western powers against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

Earlier on Saturday Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned US-led strikes on Syria&nbspcalling them "unacceptable and lawless." Lavrov was speaking at an assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy where he said he would talk "about how our western partners explain their absolutely lawless and unacceptable actions" in Syria. Earlier on Saturday Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and said it would consider supplying S-300 missile systems to Syria following US-led strikes. "Russia convenes an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss aggressive actions of the US and its allies," President Vladimir Putin said in a statement published on the Kremlin website. "The current escalation of the situation around Syria has a devastating impact on the whole system of international relations," Putin added. US, British and French forces pounded Syria with more than 100 missiles early on Saturday in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week, in the biggest intervention by Western powers against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. (With inputs from Reuters)

Western strikes on Syria 'unacceptable and lawless': Sergei Lavrov

US, Britain and France-led airstrikes on Syria have been welcomed by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. He noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan noted that the joint operation on Saturday by US, UK and France gave out a message to the Syrian regime that "its massacres would not be left unanswered".&nbsp;

"With the joint operation by US, UK&nbsp;and France on Saturday, the Syrian regime received the message that its massacres wouldn't be left unanswered," Erdogan told his ruling AK Party supporters in an Istanbul meeting.

"The innocent Syrian people should have been defended long ago," Erdogan added.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Erdogan noted that the joint operation on Saturday led by US, UK and France gave out a strong message to the Syrian regime

US, Britain and France-led airstrikes on Syria have been welcomed by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. He noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan noted that the joint operation on Saturday by US, UK and France gave out a message to the Syrian regime that "its massacres would not be left unanswered". "With the joint operation by US, UK and France on Saturday, the Syrian regime received the message that its massacres wouldn't be left unanswered," Erdogan told his ruling AK Party supporters in an Istanbul meeting. "The innocent Syrian people should have been defended long ago," Erdogan added. (With inputs from Reuters)

Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Western attack on Syria

The United States said on Saturday it overwhelmed and evaded Syrian air defences overnight to strike every target at the heart of Syria's chemical weapons program, in a multi-pronged attack from the air and sea alongside British and French allies.

Although the operation was secretly unfolding for hours before the first impact, it only took minutes from the first to the last detonation from 105 precision-guided missile strikes on three Syrian chemical weapons targets, officials said.

Marine Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, rejected assertions from Russia and Syria that scores of the Western missiles were shot down.&nbsp;

He said Russian air defences did not fire, while Syrian air defences were completely ineffective against an attack from multiple directions involving not just US, British and French aircraft but also US&nbsp;naval destroyers, a cruiser and French frigate and even a US&nbsp;submarine.&nbsp;

The Syrian air defences not only missed the incoming missiles but they kept firing even after the last US, British and French strikes were complete. Some of those more than 40 Syrian missile interceptors, he suggested, might have hit civilian targets.

"When you shoot iron into the sky without guidance, it will inevitably fall to earth," McKenzie told reporters.

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White warned that Russia was actively attempting to sow confusion about the attack.

"The Russian disinformation campaign has already begun. There has been a 2,000 percent increase in Russian trolls in the last 24 hours," White said.

The prime target of the operation was the Barza Research and Development Center in the greater Damascus area, which McKenzie noted was "one of the most heavily defended aerospace areas in the world."

Barza took the brunt of the fire, with 57 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 19 Joint Air to Surface Stand-off missiles.&nbsp;

Though some of Syria's chemical weapons infrastructure was still left, "I think we`ve dealt them a severe blow," McKenzie said, adding it would set the program back for years.

Despite severely damaging the infrastructure with the strikes, McKenzie said the Pentagon would not rule out that the Assad government still had the capability to use such weapons again.

"There's still a residual element of the Syrian program that`s out there," he said.&nbsp;

"I'm not going to say that they're going to be unable to continue to conduct a chemical attack in the future. I suspect, however, they'll think long and hard about it."

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White warned that Russia was actively attempting to sow confusion about the attack

The United States said on Saturday it overwhelmed and evaded Syrian air defences overnight to strike every target at the heart of Syria's chemical weapons program, in a multi-pronged attack from the air and sea alongside British and French allies. Although the operation was secretly unfolding for hours before the first impact, it only took minutes from the first to the last detonation from 105 precision-guided missile strikes on three Syrian chemical weapons targets, officials said. Marine Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Staff, rejected assertions from Russia and Syria that scores of the Western missiles were shot down. He said Russian air defences did not fire, while Syrian air defences were completely ineffective against an attack from multiple directions involving not just US, British and French aircraft but also US naval destroyers, a cruiser and French frigate and even a US submarine. The Syrian air defences not only missed the incoming missiles but they kept firing even after the last US, British and French strikes were complete. Some of those more than 40 Syrian missile interceptors, he suggested, might have hit civilian targets. "When you shoot iron into the sky without guidance, it will inevitably fall to earth," McKenzie told reporters. Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White warned that Russia was actively attempting to sow confusion about the attack. "The Russian disinformation campaign has already begun. There has been a 2,000 percent increase in Russian trolls in the last 24 hours," White said. The prime target of the operation was the Barza Research and Development Center in the greater Damascus area, which McKenzie noted was "one of the most heavily defended aerospace areas in the world." Barza took the brunt of the fire, with 57 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 19 Joint Air to Surface Stand-off missiles. Though some of Syria's chemical weapons infrastructure was still left, "I think we`ve dealt them a severe blow," McKenzie said, adding it would set the program back for years. Despite severely damaging the infrastructure with the strikes, McKenzie said the Pentagon would not rule out that the Assad government still had the capability to use such weapons again. "There's still a residual element of the Syrian program that`s out there," he said. "I'm not going to say that they're going to be unable to continue to conduct a chemical attack in the future. I suspect, however, they'll think long and hard about it."

US strikes crippled Syria's chemical weapons ability: Pentagon

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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'

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