Afghan forces retake Helmand district from Taliban
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan forces drove Taliban militants out of the center of a district in the southern province of Helmand on Friday, as they fought back against insurgents who have threatened a series of districts over recent months.
Central African Republic capital votes yes to new constitution
BANGUI (Reuters) – About 90 percent of voters in the capital of the Central African Republic have said yes to a proposed new constitution, in a referendum that will pave the way for elections this month, authorities said on Friday.
U.S., allies conduct 22 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its allies conducted 22 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Thursday, the coalition leading the operations said in a statement on Friday.
Thai court grants bail to activist detained over Facebook posts: lawyer
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai military court granted bail on Friday to a student activist arrested while in hospital over Facebook posts criticizing the junta and its officials, his lawyer said.
Spain gears up for most uncertain election in 40 years
MADRID (Reuters) – Spain faces its most uncertain national election in 40 years on Sunday with newcomer parties poised for big gains against the traditionally dominant conservatives and socialists, complicating efforts to form a stable government.
Indian court declines to lengthen jail time for Delhi gang rape convict
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The youngest of six men convicted of the 2012 gang rape of a woman, in a case that shocked India, moved closer to being freed on Sunday, after a court said it could not extend his three-year sentence.
Russia says black box from jet Turkey shot down is damaged
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Defence Ministry on Friday publicly opened the black box of a warplane shot down by Turkey last month, a step it hopes will help confirm its assertions that the jet did not stray into Turkish air space and was maliciously do…
U.S. missile defense site in Romania becomes operational
BUCHAREST (Reuters) – A new U.S. missile defense site south of Bucharest that will defend against potential attacks from Iran has been completed, the United States and Romania announced on Friday.
Exclusive: Japan’s far-flung island defense plan seeks to turn tables on China
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan is fortifying its far-flung island chain in the East China Sea under an evolving strategy that aims to turn the tables on China’s navy and keep it from ever dominating the Western Pacific Ocean, Japanese military and government …
From Russia with love: Putin, Trump sing each other’s praises
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump praised each other on Thursday, saying they would welcome an improvement in the now-icy relations between their two nations.
