But the hurricane's sheer size meant it could batter the US East Coast with hurricane-force winds for nearly a full day, according to weather forecasters.

What impact will the governing coalition’s choice of a new chief have on the probes against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

The intelligence source confirmed that Erkocoglu also targeted a Catholic church in Frankfurt -- the financial center of Germany.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recover "every inch" of Syria.

Authorities said nothing to indicate any foul play was suspected. Local media reports cited the possible rupture of a gas line. The first explosion was triggered by an overpressurized gas line.

Israel has no stake in the battle for Idlib. The Syrian regime is a murderous and implacable foe of Israel, and supporters of the Syrian regime in the West almost all tend to be radical.

Reporters recognized as military correspondents and members of the MCA have clearance to receive briefings from senior officers, as well as information related to breaking news and ongoing incidents before foreign press.

The coasts of North and South Carolina are braced for a catastrophic storm surge as Florence, a Category 2 hurricane, comes ashore.