World News Briefs -- April 10, 2018



Al Jazeera: Syria puts forces 'on alert' amid threat of US military action

Tensions mount as US president warns of 'forceful' response after suspected chemical attack in rebel-held town of Douma.

The Syrian government has put its forces on "high-alert" amid a looming threat of a US military response following Saturday's suspected chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held town near Damascus.

US President Donald Trump has described the apparent chlorine barrel bomb attack on Douma as "atrocious" and pledged to respond "forcefully".

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MIDDLE EAST

Russian officials warn of possible military clash with US over Syria.

Russia warns of 'grave repercussions' if US retaliates against Syria over gas attack.

Russia calls for UN inquiry into chemical attack as Trump skips summit.

Iran vows to respond to 'Israeli crime' referring to airbase targeting - reports.

Emirati official expresses confidence in Gulf bloc of states.

Israeli officials defend snipers rejoicing at shooting on video.

Iran scrambles to halt rial's slide amid threat of US sanctions.

ASIA

US-China trade: Xi warns against 'Cold War mentality'.

Kim Jong Un briefs party leaders on future dialogue with US.

US: North Korea is open to 'discuss denuclearization'.

Russia’s foreign minister to visit North Korea.

Abe to ask Trump to press North Korea on short- and medium range missiles as well as ICBMs.

Shinzo Abe: Past Korea summits did not lead to denuclearization.

Pashtuns rise up against war, Taliban and Pakistani military.

AFRICA

Armed groups control Libyan prisons, torture rampant: UN report.

Sudan's Bashir orders release of all political prisoners.

Six Virunga park rangers killed in DRC wildlife sanctuary.

U.N. says aid worker killed in South Sudan, demands release of others.

UAE denounces seizure of cash and plane in Somalia.

Comoros ex-presidents embroiled in passport sale scandal.

Kenyan election body sends top official on compulsory leave.

EUROPE

The ruble plummets for a second straight day after US sanctions cause a market collapse in Moscow.

Moscow biding its time to respond to Washington’s latest sanctions.

Russian spy poisoning: Yulia Skripal discharged from hospital.

Greek border guards fire warning shots at Turkish helicopter - source.

Ukraine's Poroshenko visits Berlin to discuss ceasefire and Nordstream 2.

Ukraine's Petro Poroshenko pursues new energy partnership during Turkey visit.

Lufthansa and Air France flights grounded by strikes.

Past haunts Northern Ireland 20 years after the 'troubles'.

Trump, May not invited to royal wedding.

AMERICAS

Senators disagree over military response to Syria -- and Trump's legal authority to wage it.

Syria 'chemical attack': Trump cancels Latin America trip.

White House: 'Good relationship' with Putin still possible after Syrian attack.

US annual budget deficit forecast to hit $1 trillion.

Trump: Raid on his lawyer abuses attorney-client privilege.

National Guard members begin arriving at US-Mexico border.

Colombia: ex-FARC politician arrested for drug trafficking.

Brazil's Temer officially nominates new slate of ministers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Russia's FSB foils six terror plots in 2018. Russia has foiled six terror attacks in 2018, security chief says.

US, Afghan forces target Taliban narcotics-production facilities in western Afghanistan.

Trump's top homeland security advisor resigns.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Trade war threats hosed down by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese investment in the US falls sharply in 2017.

Zuckerberg testifies: Seven things to look out for.

Natural disasters in 2017 cost record $144 bn: Swiss report.

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