WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, June 17, 2018 to 0800 GMT, June 18, 2018.

US strikes on Syria

The US-led coalition has reportedly bombarded a Syrian military position in the country’s eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr. Syrian media reported unspecified number of casualties in the strike which took place in al-Harra, southeast of Bukamal city. A commander of pro-government fighters, however, said US drones bombed several positions of Iraqi factions between Bukamal and Tanf and Syrian military positions. Damascus says it considers the United States an occupying force in Syria and supports any resistance against US forces.

US refugee policy

The US first lady and lawmakers from both spectrums of the Congress have called for an end to the separation of refugee children from their parents at border areas. In a rare political plea, Melania Trump condemned the controversial practice and urged US lawmakers to reconcile on bipartisan immigration reform. Republican senator, Susan Collins, decried the hardline policy as traumatizing to the innocent children. Democrats also warned that the approach would cause irreparable harm. Democratic Congressman, David Cicilline, called the practice a shameful disgrace for the kids. The U-S government has reportedly separated nearly 2,000 refugee kids from their parents during a recent 6-week period. The policy has stirred outcry from international rights groups as well. The UN says the policy constitutes a child rights violation.

Colombia election

Colombia’s center-right candidate Ivan Duque has emerged victorious in the country’s presidential runoff election. Duque has won 54 percent of the votes while his leftist rival Gustavo Petro has received less than 42 percent. He will replace President Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for ending the five-decade-old conflict with FARC rebels through a peace deal. Duque who also comfortably won the first round last month wants to overhaul the accord.

Israel attacks Gaza

Israel has carried out overnight air raids against the Gaza Strip with no immediate reports of casualties. Israeli warplanes hit a number of targets across the coastal strip. Videos and pictures showed large fireballs and plumes of smoke on the Gaza skyline. The Israeli military says the attack was in response to burning kites and balloons landing inside Israel as well as several rockets fired from Gaza. Israeli media, however, say the Palestinian rocket fire appeared to come in response to the air raids. The Israeli forces often carry out unprovoked aerial and ground strikes on the besieged sliver. Recently, they have also resorted to live fire on Gazans protesting near the so-called buffer zone against the Israeli occupation. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops since March 30.

Japan earthquake

Three people have been killed in a major earthquake that hit Japan’s western city of Osaka. Officials say the quake hit the city before 8 a.m. local time, causing disruption in train stations. More than two hundred people were injured, many suffering from cardio-pulmonary arrest. Japan’s Meteorological Agency said the earthquake was 6-point-one in magnitude, while the USGS put it at 5.3. No tsunami warning was issued following the quake. Officials say more than 170,000 households are without power in Osaka and neighboring Hyogo prefecture.

Paris pro-refugee rally

Thousands of people stage a demonstration in the French capital in solidarity with the world refugees. The protesters slammed the government for its policies on asylum seekers and not doing enough for welcoming them. They said the government must abide by international law regarding the rights of the refugees, particularly the Geneva Convention. Some other protesters addressed their fellow countrymen, saying the anti-refugee sentiment among them is based on a false phobia.

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