Lebanese army says soldiers and gunmen killed in clashes
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Fighting broke out between Lebanese troops and gunmen on Friday in an area that has seen repeated incursions by Islamist militants fighting in Syria’s war, the Lebanese army said in a statement.
Egyptian student killed in clashes as anniversary of uprising nears
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (Reuters) – An Egyptian student was killed on Friday during clashes between Muslim Brotherhood protesters and residents in the coastal city of Alexandria, as demonstrations gathered pace two days before the anniversary of the 2011 upr…
Anti-Islam politician Wilders aims to ‘paralyze’ Dutch government
THE HAGUE (Reuters) – Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders is counting on concern over Paris militant attacks to help him “paralyze” the center-right coalition government and stake a claim to greater national influence.
Armenian soldiers killed in border clash with Azerbaijan
YEREVAN (Reuters) – At least two Armenian soldiers were killed in clashes with troops from neighboring Azerbaijan on Friday, but the former Soviet republics gave conflicting death tolls and disputed who was to blame.
Putin blames Ukraine’s ‘criminal orders’ for new fighting
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed “criminal orders” by Ukrainian leaders on Friday for a surge in fighting in east Ukraine, and Russian-backed separatists struck a bellicose tone in ruling out seeking more peace talks.
Tunisia premier-designate forms new government without Islamists
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Habib Essid said on Friday he had formed a government without any cabinet posts for moderate Islamists after negotiations among secular party Nidaa Tounes and other smaller partners in parliament.
Leader of Libyan Islamists Ansar al-Sharia dies of wounds
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – The leader of Libyan Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia has died of wounds suffered when fighting pro-government troops several months ago, his family and officials said on Friday.
Spain says to negotiate increase of U.S. troops at air base
MADRID (Reuters) – Spain will start talks with the United States about further increasing the number of U.S. troops at an air base in the south of the country, Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said on Friday.
U.S.-led coalition hits Islamic State with 25 air strikes: task force
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its coalition partners have launched another round of air strikes against Islamic State, conducting 25 strikes since early Thursday.
Lungu keeps slim lead in Zambia presidential poll with 48.7 percent votes
LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambia’s ruling party presidential candidate Edgar Lungu maintained a slim lead over his closest rival Hakainde Hichilema after votes from about 80 percent of constituencies were counted, the electoral commission said on Friday.
