WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, February 24, 2017.

Damascus shelling

Militants in the Eastern Ghouta region launch a fresh volley of mortar shells at the Syrian capital Damascus and its surrounding areas. In a fresh wave of attacks at least one civilian was killed and six wounded as terrorists fired 54 shells at the Jaramana district south of the capital. Earlier, rocket attacks caused damages across the capital and left some casualties. The attacks come only one day after the terrorists launched scores of mortars and rockets at residential neighborhoods across Damascus. The Syrian capital has seen a dramatic rise in deadly attacks over the past days. The escalating violence comes amid international efforts to end clashes between government forces and militants holed up in Eastern Ghouta.

Somalia bombings

The death toll from Friday’s twin car bombings in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu has risen to 45. Dozens others were injured in the attacks claimed by Takfiri terrorists. One of the attacks targeted the presidential palace while the other bomb went off near a hotel. According to officials, five of the attackers were shot and killed. The al-Shabab terror group was forced out of the capital by the African Union’s troops in 2011. However, the group still controls parts of the countryside and carries out attacks against the government, military and civilian targets.

Italy anti-fascist protest

Italian police have scuffled with protesters in several cities across the country as anti-fascist activists and students once again hit the streets to voice their opposition with far-right movements. In the city of Pisa, police violently clashed with demonstrators using baton and rubber bullets to confront them. In the city of Milan, the protesters, chanting pro-refugee slogans scuffled with police forces who tried to remove them from the scene of gathering. In the capital Rome people also marched in the streets slamming anti-refugee sentiments. The marches are in response to a planned far-right rally in the city of Palermo. These are the latest rallies following last month's shooting of refugees by a man with neo-Nazi and neo-fascist ties.

Anger at US embassy move

The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas has strongly slammed the official US announcement about its embassy relocation plan in Israel from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem al-Quds. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the US move is a “declaration of war” against the Palestinians, stressing that Washington has to reconsider its decision. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Palestinian president has called the US measure an unacceptable step. Nabil Abu Rdainah warned that any unilateral move will be an obstacle to creating peace in the region. The reactions followed the US State Department’s announcement that it would open a new embassy in Jerusalem al-Quds on May 14. This comes amid escalating tensions over US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize al-Quds as the Israeli capital back in December. Nearly 30 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli forces since then.

Afghanistan violence

Nearly two dozen Afghan security forces have been killed and many more injured in multiple terror attacks across the country, including the capital Kabul. At least 18 security personnel were killed after Taliban militants stormed a checkpoint in the Bala Buluk district of western Farah province. Several others were wounded in the attack. In Kabul, an assailant detonated his explosives near the headquarters of NATO forces and the US embassy, killing at least two security forces and injuring several others. The Daesh terror group has claimed responsibility for the incident. And, in the southern Helmand province, three police officers were killed in two separate attacks. There is a sharp spike in terror attacks by both Daesh and Taliban against Afghan civilians and security forces.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir