Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Dec. 27

ANKARA -- Turkey's Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli on Wednesday confirmed that the S-400 missile deal with Russia had been concluded, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Speaking to journalists in Tunisia, Canikli said the deal between the two countries was completely done with 2.5 billion U.S. dollar. (Turkey-Russia-Missile)

- - - -

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday shot dead two intelligence members affiliated to the Iraqi Defense Ministry in the volatile city of Kirkuk, a local security source told Xinhua.

The attack took place in the afternoon when the gunmen opened fire on a car carrying the two intelligence members while driving on a highway in northern Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity. (Iraq-Kirkuk-Attack)

- - - -

DAMASCUS -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) evacuated four people with tough medical conditions from the rebel-held eastern Ghouta countryside of the capital Damascus, the ICRC spokesperson told Xinhua Wednesday.

The evacuation took place late time Tuesday, right before midnight, and included three children and one grownup, Inji Sidki told Xinhua. (Syria-Evacuation)

- - - -

JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel has the strongest air force against threats, with the ability to reach targets at all distances.

"Israeli Air Force is at the prime of its capabilities, with the very best technological tools, aircraft, pilots, possessing defensive and offensive capabilities, with immense fire capabilities, which can reach near and far targets," said Netanyahu at a graduation ceremony for air force pilots at the Hatzerim Air Base in southern Israel. (Israel-Netanyahu) Enditem