In brief: US bombs Nusra in key city on Turkey-Syria border

ISTANBUL – The U.S. Air Force confirmed Monday that its aircraft had bombed and destroyed a complex of buildings belonging to al-Qaida’s Nusra Front affiliate, bringing to at least three the number of American airstrikes that have targeted the terrorist group since bombing in Syria began last year.

Local and humanitarian sources said Sunday’s strike killed at least five Nusra militants. A 15-year-old boy, who apparently was working at the site, possibly tending livestock, also was killed, a resident of the nearby Atma camp for displaced Syrians told medical personnel in Turkey.

The U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in Syria and Iraq, said U.S. fighters and bombers destroyed four terrorist compounds and three tents at what it described as a staging area for the Khorasan group, a designation the United States has given to a Nusra unit that it says is “plotting external attacks against the United States and our allies.”

Centcom described the complex as 26 miles west of Aleppo. But local residents said the buildings were located in the town of Bab al Hawa across from the Turkish border town of Reyhanli and in fact housed the local headquarters for Nusra.

Islamic State beheads eight Libyan guards

TRIPOLI, Libya – Militants from Libya’s Islamic State affiliate beheaded eight Libyan guards in an attack on a central oil field last week during which the extremists abducted nine foreigners, a Libyan spokesman said Monday.

In the Philippines, authorities said Monday that four of their nationals were among the nine abducted from the oil field. An Austrian, a Czech, a Bangladeshi and a Ghana national were also taken while one hostage remains unidentified.

Obama levies sanctions on Venezuelan officials

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama slapped sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials Monday, accusing them of perpetrating human rights violations and public corruption in the socialist-governed South American nation.

The individuals all come from the top echelon of the state security apparatus that was responsible for cracking down on anti-government protests that rocked Venezuela last year and for pursuing charges against leading opponents.

“Corrupt actions by Venezuelan government officials deprive Venezuela of needed economic resources that could be invested in the Venezuelan people and used to spur economic growth,” Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement. “These actions also undermine the public trust in democratic institutions and the human rights to which Venezuelan citizens are entitled.”

The sanctions come after the U.S. Congress passed legislation late last year authorizing penalties that would freeze the assets and ban visas for anyone accused of carrying out acts of violence or violating the human rights of those opposing Venezuela’s government.

President Nicolas Maduro railed against the sanctions Tuesday night in a speech that all Venezuelan radio and television stations were required to carry.

He vowed that U.S. meddling would have no effect on his government.

8 French, 2 Argentines, die in helicopter crash

BUENOS AIRES – Two helicopters carrying passengers filming a European reality show crashed Monday in northwest Argentina, killing eight French citizens and two Argentines, authorities said.

The helicopters crashed while flying near Villa Castelli in La Rioja province, about 730 miles northwest of Buenos Aires. All 10 people on both aircraft died.