World News Briefs -- April 9, 2018

Reuters: Syria, Russia accuse Israel over strike on Syrian air base

AMMAN (Reuters) - 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 not 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 Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said at least 14 people were killed including some fighters of various nationalities, a reference to Iranian-backed Shi’ite militia members, mostly from Iraq, Lebanon and Iran fighting alongside the Syrian army.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel blamed for missile strike in Syria; 14 reported dead.

Trump warns Russia and Iran there will be a 'big price to pay' for backing 'Animal Assad' as US joins the Pope, EU and Britain in condemning Syrian 'nerve agent' attack that killed more than 70 people. Trump threatens "Animal Assad," Putin over alleged chemical attack in Syria.

Erdogan and Putin discussed need to halt civilian deaths in Syria's eastern Ghouta: source.

Deal reached to surrender last rebel-held town in Eastern Ghouta .

As Baghdad life improves, some still seek refuge in its past.

Nasrallah: US offered money for ending resistance to Israel.

Israel strikes Gaza after explosive devices found on border.

ICC says Israel, Hamas acts on Gaza border may be war crimes.

Iran tells Trump he would regret dropping nuclear deal.

ASIA

Report: North Korean leader wants security guarantee from Washington.

US reportedly confirmed Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss denuclearization. N Korea-US talks: Pyongyang 'ready to discuss' nuclear programme.

South, North Korea to arrange first phone call between leaders, prep for summit.

South Korea's former President Lee Myung-bak to stand trial on corruption charges. South Korean ex-president Lee indicted for corruption.

China demands halt of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

Cambodian election body warns against poll boycott calls.

Pakistan: Thousands protest over extrajudicial arrests, killings.

US Ambassador summoned to explain after diplomatic car kills motorcyclist in Pakistan.

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull loses 30 opinion polls in a row.

100 injured in major student protests in Bangladesh.

More than 50 Indonesians dead in April from bootleg liquor.

AFRICA

Exchanges of gunfire near president's residence in C.Africa.

S.Africa opposition leader re-elected as polls loom.

Somalia seizes $9.6m from UAE plane in Mogadishu.

Nigeria's Buhari wants to run again in 2019 elections: presidency.

Alleged fraud against Angola aimed to take $1.5 billion: Finance Ministry.

Former top judge kidnapped in troubled Cameroon region.

Letter from Africa: The handshake that left millions of Kenyans confused.

Tiny Djibouti aiming to be global military, shipping center.

EUROPE

Hungary's Viktor Orban secures another election victory. European right greets Viktor Orban's Hungary win.

Merkel to work with Orban despite differences on migration: spokesman.

Russia sanctions: Shares in Deripaska-controlled firms crash.

Russian gov’t to support companies targeted by new US sanctions – Deputy PM.

London's Mayor declares intense new 'knife control' policies to stop epidemic of stabbings.

Britons rushed for EU passports in Brexit vote year: data.

French police fire teargas to expel anti-capitalist squatters.

AMERICAS

'Smile and nod': Latin American leaders brace for tense Trump visit.

Brazil ex-leader Lula's supporters camp outside jail.

Mexican leftist leads nearest rival in presidential poll by 11 points.

More Venezuelans are seeking asylum in the U.S. than from any other country.

Colombia begins to register Venezuelan migrants.

'We will find strength in each other': Thousands including PM Justin Trudeau gather at the home of the Humboldt Broncos to honor the 15 victims of the tragic junior hockey team bus crash in Canada.

Americans world's biggest TV addicts watching four hours a day.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

German police foil alleged plot to attack Berlin half-marathon. Germany: 'Complete security impossible' with lone wolf attacks.

Islamic State leader killed in Afghanistan airstrike, officials say.

Report: US intel discloses details of Hezbollah financing in Colombia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global markets rise amid uncertainty over US-China trade.

Trump predicts China will take down its trade barriers because 'it's the right thing to do' amid tariff threats.

Apple co-founder protests Facebook by shutting down account.

Zuckerberg to face angry lawmakers as Facebook firestorm rages.

Facebook: Cambridge Analytica warning sent to users.