World News Briefs -- April 7, 2017 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Russia warns of serious consequences from U.S. strike in Syria

Russia warned on Friday that U.S. cruise missile strikes on a Syrian air base could have "extremely serious" consequences, as President Donald Trump's first major foray into a foreign conflict opened up a rift between Moscow and Washington.

The U.S. military launched dozens of Tomahawk missiles from the USS Porter and USS Ross warships in the Mediterranean Sea that hit the airstrip, aircraft and fuel stations of the Shayrat air base, which the Pentagon says was used to store chemical weapons.

It was Trump's biggest foreign policy decision since taking office in January and the kind of direct intervention in Syria's six-year-old civil war that his predecessor Barack Obama avoided.

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MIDDLE EAST

UN Security Council opens emergency meeting on US strikes in Syria.

Russia ups ante by freezing communications with US in Syria.

US strike on Syria is widely hailed, but angers Russia.

Jets launch raids from Syria base hit by US: monitor.

ISIS used US missile strike to launch new offensive near Palmyra, Homs governor tells RT. Russian Defense Ministry: Militants launch massive attack on Syrian troops after US missile strike.

Syria calls U.S. a partner of terrorism, says 6 dead in airfield strikes.

US-backed fighters lay siege to Islamic State-held town.

UN Syria envoy tells AP his office is in 'crisis mode' after US strike, calls emergency meeting in Geneva.

Trump strikes Syria but no plan yet to oust Assad.

Islamic State kills dozens of civilians trying to flee Mosul: witnesses.

Pride and pain as Mosul doctors treat their own.

Israel backs 'strong message' sent by US Syria strike.

ASIA

Trump lauds 'outstanding' relationship with Chinese leader. Donald Trump hails friendship with China's Xi as missiles head to Syria. Trump welcomes 'friend' China's Xi for talks.

China warns of deterioration in Syria with Xi in US.

U.S. Vice president Pence to make trip to Asia-Pacific amid Korean tensions.

Philippines to upgrade facilities, not occupy new areas in disputed sea: military. Philippine military to upgrade island facilities.

Avalanches kill three Indian soldiers in Kashmir.

Maldives arrests key opposition figure in crackdown.

Wave of attacks strike restive Thai south.

Myanmar govt staff sentenced to jail for criticising army.

AFRICA

Mali, France rule out talks with jihadists after attacks.

Rights group slams opposition arrests in Djibouti.

Al-Shabab dismisses Somali president war declaration.

Boko Haram kills Nigerian troops after deadly raid on farmers.

UN blocked from South Sudan town amid reports of killings.

Large street protests in South Africa against Zuma. South Africans protest against Zuma; violence hits Johannesburg.

UN summons South Africa to defend itself at the ICC. S.Africa denies breaking rules by not arresting Sudan's Bashir.

Fitch cuts South Africa's credit rating to 'junk'.

Gambia's long-time opposition UDP wins absolute majority.

EUROPE

Trump's Syria strike poses challenge for Kremlin.

Syria war: Russia condemns US missile strike on 'chemical weapons' base.

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven says everything indicates truck crashing into department store is "a terror attack".

Greece secures second bailout tranche.

Kosovo bows to U.S., NATO pressure, puts off plan to create army.

Eta: Basque separatists plan to unilaterally disarm on Saturday.

Germany investigating 20 alleged Turkish spies.

Fifth Westminster attack victim dies from fall into Thames.

Police, demonstrators prepare for G20 summit in Hamburg.

AMERICAS

Venezuela opposition leader Capriles says barred from office.

Senate confirms Trump pick Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court.

CIA knew in summer of Russian effort to back Trump: report.

Exclusive: Trump eyes new chief of staff; House Leader on short list.

US unemployment rate falls to 10-year low.

Paraguay president’s re-election bid unsettles his corporate allies.

Protesters clash with security forces in Caracas.

Uruguay to become first country to fully legalize marijuana.

More Americans 50 years and over are cohabiting, research shows.

California governor declares end to drought emergency.

Exclusive: Mexico opens up its heroin fight to U.S., U.N. observers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

4 killed in Stockholm truck attack described as terrorism.

Yemen officials: US strike kills 3 al-Qaida fighters.

US cites progress against Islamic State in Afghanistan.

Stockholm terror attack: Truck plows into Swedish shopping center killing at least 2.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street dips on weak payrolls, Syria concern.

Twitter withdraws lawsuit against Trump administration.

Markets nervous, but not hectic after airstrike.

Oil price jumps after US strike on Syria.

UN: Record amount of renewable energy capacity added in 2016.

YouTube will no longer allow creators to make money until they reach 10,000 views.