Syrian foreign minister denies the use of chemical weapons

Syrian foreign minister denies the use of chemical weapons

Syrias Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem held a press conference on 6 April in the countrys capital Damascus to deny accusations of the use of chemical weapons. Concerns have mounted in the international community after at least 70 people were killed and a large number of others wounded in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in Syrias northwestern province of Idlib on Tuesday.Al-Moallem said two statements have been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government forces that firmly denied the use of chemical weapons.If the international community could form objective, neutral and fair investigative teams which would not be affected by pressure from other countries, al-Moallem said the Syrian government is willing to allow such teams to investigate the incident in Idlib.However, it is very difficult to be totally neutral, the minister pointed out. Apr 7, 2017
Isis claims it shot down an Iraqi helicopter in Mosul

Isis claims it shot down an Iraqi helicopter in Mosul

The Islamic State claims it shot down an Iraqi helicopter in Mosul claiming it shows the chopper shot down. Newsweek has not been able to verify independently that this video shows the crash, but the Iraqi military confirmed ISIS downed the chopper, killing two pilots . The helicopter was supporting elite Iraqi police forces fighting ISIS in Western Mosul. Its the first time that ISIS has shot down an aircraft over Mosul since Iraq launched an assault to retake the city in October 2016. Apr 7, 2017
Isis claims it shot down an Iraqi helicopter in Mosul

Isis claims it shot down an Iraqi helicopter in Mosul

The Islamic State claims it shot down an Iraqi helicopter in Mosul claiming it shows the chopper shot down. Newsweek has not been able to verify independently that this video shows the crash, but the Iraqi military confirmed ISIS downed the chopper, killing two pilots . The helicopter was supporting elite Iraqi police forces fighting ISIS in Western Mosul. Its the first time that ISIS has shot down an aircraft over Mosul since Iraq launched an assault to retake the city in October 2016. Apr 7, 2017
US launches cruise missile strike on Syrian air base

US launches cruise missile strike on Syrian air base

President Donald Trump ordered military action against the Assad regime in Syria in response to the horrific Khan Sheikhoun chemical attack believed to have been carried out by government forces. Up to 60 Tomahawk missiles were fired at an air base in Homs where aircraft that carried out the attack, possibly with sarin gas, are thought to have been based. The missile strike was not announced earlier, but strong rhetoric had come out of the administration before the action was taken. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said: I call on all civilised nations in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria. Apr 7, 2017
Anti-Maduro protesters clash with Venezuela police after government blocks opposition march

Anti-Maduro protesters clash with Venezuela police after government blocks opposition march

Venezuelan security forces clashed with rock-throwing protesters in the capital city Caracas after an opposition march against unpopular President Nicolas Maduro was blocked on Tuesday (4 April). Pro-government authorities reportedly closed subway stations and set up checkpoints, besides cordoning off a venue where Maduros opponents planned to meet for their latest demonstration. Tensions have been running high in the oil-producing country, especially after the pro-Maduro Supreme Court stripped the opposition-dominated National Assembly of its powers on 29 March. Apr 5, 2017