Syria downs Israeli missiles over Damascus: state media Syrian anti-aircraft defences on Wednesday intercepted a "heavy attack" by Israeli warplanes over the capital Damascus, state media said.

Lebanese protest again as army works to open blocked roads Lebanese demonstrators hit the streets again on Tuesday evening to demand a new government, facing off in some areas with security forces attempting to re-open blockaded roads.

Abe meets with S. Korean prime minister amid frosty ties Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks with his South Korean counterpart Lee Nak Yon on Thursday, a meeting closely watched for signs the neighbouring countries can put aside a heated dispute over wartime history that has led to a tit-for-tat trade spat.

Turkey launches assault on Syrian Kurds Turkey launched an assault on Kurdish positions in northern Syria on Wednesday with airstrikes and explosions reported near the border.

IndiGo to start two direct routes from India to Việt Nam India low cost airlines IndiGo will launch the first ever direct flights between India and Việt Nam next month.

Japanese FM stresses need of upholding law in East Sea The minister made the statement in response to a request for comment from a Vietnam News Agency correspondent on escalating tensions in the East Sea due to unilateral activities by China.

Korean scholar says states should not resort to force

President of the Geopolitics Institute of Korea, Professor-Doctor Lee Woong-Hyeon, talks to Vietnam News Agency correspondent Mạnh Hùng in Seoul about the recent activities by China in the East Sea.

Kyrgyzstan special forces seize ex-president in raid Kyrgyzstan's former president was detained in a major security operation Thursday, police said, a day after clashes between his supporters and law enforcement left one dead and dozens injured.

Chinese-run online gambling ring worth $435m busted in Hải Phòng The Ministry of Public Security has busted a major gambling ring involving 400 Chinese nationals in Our City urban area on Phạm Văn Đồng Street, Dương Kinh District in the northeastern city of Hải Phòng.

Talking Shop: Ministry helps steel exporters minimise negative impacts of US decision Earlier this month the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced preliminary rulings on the circumvention inquiries into Vietnamese cold-rolled steel and corrosion-resistant steel exports made from raw materials imported from Taiwan and South of Korea. Việt Nam News correspondent Thu Ngân asks Lê Triệu Dũng, director general of the Trade Remedies Authority, about it.