Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, April 14

At least 15 were killed and 10 others wounded as army troops loyal to the Shiite Houthi group were hit by bombs in Yemen's southern province of Lahj on Monday evening, a government official told Xinhua.

"Suspected al-Qaida terrorists planted explosive device on a bicycle and the device exploded at a military site manned by pro-Houthi forces in Houta city, Lahj's provincial capital, killing 15 soldiers and injuring 10 others including five civilians," the local government official based in Lahj said on condition of anonymity. (Yemen-Attack)

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MOSCOW -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday justified Moscow's decision to lift a ban on supplying Iran with sophisticated air defense systems, saying it poses no threat to regional security.

"S-300 is a completely defensive weapon. It will not jeopardize security of any country in the region, including Israel," Lavrov said. (Russia-Iran-Security)

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WASHINGTON -- Republican Senator Marco Rubio from the state of Florida announced his decision Monday evening to enter the 2016 U.S. presidential race.

"I announce my candidacy to the presidency," said the 43-year- old Senator from Freedom Tower in Miami, Florida. (US-Rubio-Candidacy)

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WASHINGTON -- The United States on Monday voiced concern about Russia's decision to supply Iran with sophisticated air defense systems, expressing hope for continued cooperation over nuclear talks with the Islamic republic.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Secretary of State John Kerry raised U.S. concerns once again in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Monday morning. (US-Russia-Iran) Endi