Syria fighters say IS still holds civilians, slowing attack
U.S.-backed fighters have slowed an offensive to take Islamic State’s last enclave in eastern Syria because a small number of civilians remain there, though fierce fighting continues, they said on Monday.
Britain’s Barclay, Cox to hold Brexit talks in Brussels on Tuesday: spox
Britain’s Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will travel to Brussels for talks with the European Union’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesman for the bloc said.
Five killed in helicopter crash in western Iran
Five people aboard a rescue helicopter were killed when it crashed into a utility pole in western Iran on Monday, state media reported.
Pakistan vows again to act against militants on its soil as global pressure grows
Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.
Egypt releases award-winning photojournalist jailed since 2013
Egyptian authorities on Monday released a photojournalist who spent more than five years in jail after covering a 2013 sit-in that ended with security forces killing hundreds of protesters.
Qatar says still studying Russian defense system
Qatar said on Monday it was still studying the purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile air defense system, adding the potential deal — reportedly opposed by Saudi Arabia — was none of Riyadh’s business.
Qatar says no decision yet on Russian missile defense system
Qatar’s foreign minister said no decision has been made yet on Qatar purchasing a Russian S-400 missile defense system, a potential deal that has reportedly drawn opposition from Saudi Arabia.
Qatar foreign minister discusses Syria, Libya with Russia’s Lavrov
Qatar’s foreign minister said he discussed Syria and Libya with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who is visiting Doha, the first stop in a Gulf tour.
Pakistan adds flights, delays reopening of commercial airspace
Pakistan resumed flights at more airports but delayed until Tuesday the reopening of its airspace nationwide, aviation authorities said, as tension with India eased after a standoff that brought the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war.
Over 50 missing in Nigeria after Nembe Trunk oil pipeline blast: AP
More than 50 people are missing after a leak from the Nembe Creek Trunk Line oil pipeline caused an explosion on Friday in Bayelsa state in southern Nigeria, the Associated Press reported.
