WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, April 8, 2018 to 08:00 GMT, April 9, 2018.

Syria reunions

The implementation of an evacuation deal reached between the Syrian government and terrorists in Syria’s Douma is finally taking place. The first bus carrying prisoners held by terrorists arrived in Damascus through al-Wafedin humanitarian corridor. Those released had a very dramatic reunion with their loved ones. Terrorists and their families also began exiting Douma aboard several buses. Scores of buses are still waiting to evacuate the remainder of militants from the war-stricken city. Under the deal, militants will depart to northern Syria within 48 hours in return for the release of all prisoners they have been keeping. With the recent deal being implemented, the terrorists’ last stronghold in Damascus suburb will fall.

Saudi atrocities

Twelve people, including women and children, have been killed in a fresh Saudi airstrike in southern Yemen. The deaths occurred when Saudi fighter jets pounded an area in the province of Ta’izz. The strike followed air raids which left four people dead in the northwestern province of Sa’ada and in Hudaydah province, in the country’s west. Riyadh continues its deadly campaign against Yemen despite an international outcry over the devastating humanitarian situation in the war-torn country. Over 14,300 people have been killed since Riyadh started the war on its neighbor in March 2015.

Hungary elections

Partial results from Hungary’s parliamentary elections suggest that Prime Minister Victor Orban’s anti-immigration ruling party has won a third consecutive term. The National Election Office says with 93 percent of votes counted, the premier’s Fidesz party is projected to win 133 seats in the 199-seat parliament. The far-right opposition party of Jobbik is estimated to win 26 seats and the Socialists in third place are expected to have 20 lawmakers. Addressing the supporters after the announcement, Orban said the election results will give him a strong mandate to lead the country. Interim data showed that voter turnout has reached around 70 percent exceeding the past three elections.

Syria airbase attack

Syrian media say a military airbase in Homs province has come under missile attack. A number of casualties have been reported in the attack on the airbase, known as T4, located in the countryside of the western city of Homs. Initial reports by Syrian media suggested that the US had launched the attack. But the Pentagon has denied conducting the airstrikes, saying it continues to closely watch the situation. Several American officials have also denied any US involvement. Damascus says its air defenses responded to the attack and shot down eight missiles. The missiles reportedly flew over the Lebanese airspace before reaching Syria.

US, France threat

The United States and France have vowed a strong joint response to an alleged chemical attack in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta. The White House says the US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have agreed to hold the Syrian government accountable for what happened in the city of Douma. Trump has also threatened Syria, saying Damascus will pay a big price. Meanwhile, Russia, Iran and Syria have strongly condemned reports linking the attack to the government in Damascus. The UN Security Council is set to hold a meeting over the issue on Monday following requests by Russia and the United States.

Israel attacks on Gaza

The Israeli air force has carried out a number of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip amid rising tensions between Palestine and Israel. According to Palestinian media, Israeli jets targeted positions belonging to Hamas resistance movement in northern Gaza. The air raids caused intense damage to the sites and their surrounding buildings, but no casualties were reported. Tensions have been running high in the Gaza Strip since over two weeks ago when Palestinians started anti-occupation protests on March 30. Some 32 Palestinians have been killed and thousands more injured since then.

Iran nuclear achievements

Iran has unveiled its latest products in the nuclear energy sector, including a project to deliver yellow cake produced in the central city of Yazd to the Uranium Conversion Facility in Isfahan. President Rouhani also unveiled other projects and products during a ceremony held to mark Iran’s National Nuclear Technology Day. He announced the opening of a new processing unit at Natanz nuclear facility, as well as a research center at Fordow fuel enrichment plant. Rouhani also unveiled the first process control simulator and a new type of centrifuge known as D-Canter. The Iranian president addressed the ceremony as well. He strongly criticized the US for trying to crush Iran’s nuclear deal, saying Washington would regret any such attempt.

Iran nuclear deal

President Rouhani also said that any country that pulls out of the nuclear deal will pay the price. He said Iran has made all preparations, in case of a possible U-S withdrawal. Rouhani stressed that Iran will continue to develop its nuclear technology because the country needs it for the development of other sectors. The Nuclear Technology Day in Iran marks the day when the country achieved uranium enrichment technology for the first time twelve years ago. The landmark achievement was made despite restrictions enforced by international sanctions over the Iranian nuclear energy program.

Syria airbase attack

Damascus has accused Israel of being behind an attack on an airbase in central Syria that left a number of casualties. A Syrian military source said Israel used the Lebanese airspace to carry out the attack. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said two Israeli F-15 war planes carried out the strike, firing eight missiles on T-4 airbase in the province of Homs. It said the Syrian air defense system intercepted and shot down five of the missiles. Earlier, a monitoring group observing the situation in the Arab country said the assault left at least 14 people dead. Initial reports suggested that the US or France could be behind the attack, but Washington and Paris have both denied any role.

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