World News Briefs -- December 26, 2018

Times of Israel: Israel fires at missile from Syria; IDF jets said to pound Damascus arms depots

No injuries or damage in Israel; Israeli planes said to be behind attack near Syrian capital against Hezbollah or Iranian depot; Damascus claims to shoot down ‘enemy targets’

Israel said Tuesday night it had deployed its air defenses against a missile shot from Syria as Damascus attempted to repel an alleged Israeli airstrike against Hezbollah or Iranian targets near the capital.

The Israel Defense Forces said there was no damage or injuries from the surface-to-air missile fired from Syria at Israel.

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MIDDLE EAST

Report: Israeli attack near Syrian capital wounds 3 soldiers.

Syrian army sends reinforcements towards Kurdish-controlled Manbij.

Arab League set to readmit Syria eight years after expulsion.

Pro-Turkish rebels reinforce near city in northern Syria.

Turkey's Erdogan eyes Putin meeting to discuss US Syria withdrawal.

Russia's Putin has no immediate plan to meet Turkey's Erdogan: Kremlin.

Trump agrees to visit Turkey after invitation from Turkish president, official says.

Yemeni army opens new front in Houthi stronghold of Saada.

Clashes erupt in Hodeidah as UN-led monitors prepare to meet.

Facing potential indictment, Netanyahu opts for snap polls.

ASIA

Afghanistan postpones presidential election.

Iran held talks with Afghan Taliban amid peace push.

Tsunami death toll soars over 400 as rescuers scramble to deliver supplies amid warnings ANOTHER huge wave could hit.

Campaign attacks heighten fears for Bangladesh election.

Diplomatic rift grows between South Korea and Japan.

North, South Korea hold ceremony for future road and rail links. Two Koreas pledge to restore road, rail links.

Japan to allow commercial whaling for first time since 1986.

Japan's birthrate at lowest level since 1899, figures show.

AFRICA

Nigeria says 14 military, police killed in Boko Haram ambush.

Libya's foreign ministry attacked by three suicide bombers, killing several.

Sudan police fire live ammunition to block Khartoum protest march. Sudan protesters march on presidential palace.

Sudan Islamist party urges probe into killing of protesters.

France drops probe into attack that triggered Rwanda genocide.

DR Congo election board delays vote in three cities. Congo opposition areas excluded from presidential election. ongo delays Sunday’s election for months in Ebola zone.

Tunisia: Violent protests after journalist sets himself on fire. Tunisia clashes spread over tough living conditions.

Egypt's Mubarak asks Sisi for 'permission' to testify in Morsi trial.

Senegal's Museum of Black Civilisations is open, asking the West to return stolen treasures.

EUROPE

Martial laws comes to an end in Ukraine after 30 days. Ukraine's Petro Poroshenko announces end of martial law.

Putin crows as he oversees Russian hypersonic weapons test.

Russia asks West to try to calm its Kerch Strait tensions with Ukraine.

Russian blogger critical of authorities jailed for six years: lawyer.

Pope Francis urges peace in conflict zones in Christmas address.

Germany mulls introducing 'mosque tax' for Muslims.

Volcanic eruption triggers multiple earthquakes in Sicily.

AMERICAS

Trump says he has confidence in Mnuchin but hits Fed.

U.S. holiday shopping season best in six years: report.

Merry Christmas: US Federal debt up $1.37 trillion since last Dec. 25; $10,743 per household.

US border chief urges health funding as second child migrant dies.

No explosives detected at site of helicopter crash that killed Mexican politicians.

Venezuelan women refugees are 'forced to prostitute themselves for just $7 and sell locks of their hair to Colombians'.

Wave of sexual abuse allegations shakes Argentina.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State claims attack on Libya's Foreign Ministry in Tripoli.

Belgian judge orders repatriation of six children of Islamic State militants: Belga.

'Resurgent' al Qaeda looking to target planes in Europe, UK security minister warns.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks rebound as traders return from Christmas holiday.

Global trade 2019: Fasten your seat belts!.

Economic growth slowing around the world.