Taliban has now said that it has issued a warning to Pakistan for killing civilians in the bordering areas. Officials have confirmed the strikes in Khost and Kunar provinces.

Pakistan bombs Afghan border areas, Taliban issues warning over killing of civilians

The United Nations has condemned the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people, including children.

UN condemns the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people including children

UN condemns the deadly airstrikes in Yemen which has killed dozens of people, including children

At least 28 Houthis were killed in airstrikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen`s Marib province, a government source said.

 
"Twenty-eight rebels were killed and 10 weapon-mounted vehicles were destroyed in the coalition airstrikes on the rebel positions at the adjacent frontlines of Lam`aa and Om Reesh in Harib district," the source told Xinhua news agency on Sunday.

"The airstrikes were a response to the rebels` ground attack on the positions of the government forces at the frontlines," the source added.

Meanwhile, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported 20 Saudi-led airstrikes in the Harib and three in Sirwah on Sunday, without providing the details of the militia casualties.

The report claimed that the Houthi forces were advancing in Marib province despite the heavy airstrikes.

The frontlines of Lam`aa and Om Reesh are about 60 km south of the government-controlled Marib city.

The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched in February a major offensive on Marib in an attempt to seize control of the oil-rich province, the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. 
&nbsp;

At least 28 Houthis were killed in airstrikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen`s Marib province, a government source said. "Twenty-eight rebels were killed and 10 weapon-mounted vehicles were destroyed in the coalition airstrikes on the rebel positions at the adjacent frontlines of Lam`aa and Om Reesh in Harib district," the source told Xinhua news agency on Sunday.

At least 28 Houthis were killed in airstrikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen`s Marib province, a government source said. "Twenty-eight rebels were killed and 10 weapon-mounted vehicles were destroyed in the coalition airstrikes on the rebel positions at the adjacent frontlines of Lam`aa and Om Reesh in Harib district," the source told Xinhua news agency on Sunday. "The airstrikes were a response to the rebels` ground attack on the positions of the government forces at the frontlines," the source added. Meanwhile, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported 20 Saudi-led airstrikes in the Harib and three in Sirwah on Sunday, without providing the details of the militia casualties. The report claimed that the Houthi forces were advancing in Marib province despite the heavy airstrikes. The frontlines of Lam`aa and Om Reesh are about 60 km south of the government-controlled Marib city. The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched in February a major offensive on Marib in an attempt to seize control of the oil-rich province, the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

Coalition airstrikes kill 28 Houthis in Yemen's Marib

At a press conference, the US Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby on Saturday said the United States does not need to inform Taliban while going in for a counter-terrorism airstrike in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-news-taliban-seeks-help-from-russia-to-stop-drug-trafficking-wion-latest-news-416002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The remark came a day after Taliban demanded compensation from countries involved in fighting in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

“We retain all necessary authorities to execute over the horizon counter-terrorism operations, and we remain confident in these capabilities moving forward without speaking to specific rules of engagement surrounding airstrikes. There is currently no requirement to clear airspace with the Taliban and we do not expect that any future over the horizon counter-terrorism strikes would hinge on such a clearance,” Kirby added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-recognition-not-on-the-table-says-russian-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov-416018" hreflang="en">Taliban recognition 'not on the table', says Russian Foreign Minister</a>

Meanwhile, the US Central Command commander General Kenneth McKenzie has admitted that the US made a "mistake" by launching a drone airstrike in Kabul’s residential area on August 29. He agreed that the strike did not kill ISIS-K militants, but did take lives of 10 civilians. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-hang-four-bodies-from-cranes-in-herat-call-it-lesson-for-kidnappers-415958" hreflang="en">Taliban hang four bodies from cranes in Herat, call it 'lesson' for kidnappers</a>

The officials had then tried to prove it as a success by claiming to have killed Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) militants. After an investigation, McKenzie told reporters, "The strike was a tragic mistake." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At a press conference, the US Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby on Saturday said the United States does not need to inform Taliban while going in for a counter-terrorism airstrike in Afghanistan.

At a press conference, the US Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby on Saturday said the United States does not need to inform Taliban while going in for a counter-terrorism airstrike in Afghanistan. Watch: × The remark came a day after Taliban demanded compensation from countries involved in fighting in Afghanistan. “We retain all necessary authorities to execute over the horizon counter-terrorism operations, and we remain confident in these capabilities moving forward without speaking to specific rules of engagement surrounding airstrikes. There is currently no requirement to clear airspace with the Taliban and we do not expect that any future over the horizon counter-terrorism strikes would hinge on such a clearance,” Kirby added. Also Read: Taliban recognition 'not on the table', says Russian Foreign Minister Meanwhile, the US Central Command commander General Kenneth McKenzie has admitted that the US made a "mistake" by launching a drone airstrike in Kabul’s residential area on August 29. He agreed that the strike did not kill ISIS-K militants, but did take lives of 10 civilians. Also Read: Taliban hang four bodies from cranes in Herat, call it 'lesson' for kidnappers The officials had then tried to prove it as a success by claiming to have killed Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) militants. After an investigation, McKenzie told reporters, "The strike was a tragic mistake." (With inputs from agencies)

US doesn't need to inform Taliban over Afghan counter-terrorism airstrikes, says Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires.

Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

"Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas rocket manufacturing workshop, as well as a Hamas military compound in Khan Yunis," the Israeli army said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The strikes were in response to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into Israeli territory," the statement added.&nbsp;

The army also fired artillery in north Gaza, as per witnesses. AFP quoted medical sources in the Palestinian enclave to say that no one was killed.

Earlier in the day, Israeli firefighters had said that incendiary balloons had caused three bushfires at sites close to the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Launching the makeshift devices is a common tactic of militants in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for nearly 15 years.

Israel frequently responds with airstrikes.

Monday's strikes come after six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison earlier in the day through a tunnel, triggering a massive manhunt.

Hamas and Israel fought a devastating 11-day conflict in May, the worst between the two sides in years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires. Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires. Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group. "Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas rocket manufacturing workshop, as well as a Hamas military compound in Khan Yunis," the Israeli army said in a statement. "The strikes were in response to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into Israeli territory," the statement added. The army also fired artillery in north Gaza, as per witnesses. AFP quoted medical sources in the Palestinian enclave to say that no one was killed. Earlier in the day, Israeli firefighters had said that incendiary balloons had caused three bushfires at sites close to the Gaza Strip. Launching the makeshift devices is a common tactic of militants in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for nearly 15 years. Israel frequently responds with airstrikes. Monday's strikes come after six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison earlier in the day through a tunnel, triggering a massive manhunt. Hamas and Israel fought a devastating 11-day conflict in May, the worst between the two sides in years. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza after incendiary balloon attacks

Tensions are once again high between the state of Israel and Gaza. The Israeli defence forces reportedly have launched airstrikes and bombings on the Gaza strip on Sunday.

Israel launches airstrike on Gaza strip after border protests

As rockets hit Israel, the country's Air Force said it carried out airstrikes on Lebanon for the first time in seven years. The rockets had hit northern Israel on Wednesday as Israel hit back with artillery fire and then launched air attacks. The strikes were reportedly carried out in the Lebanese town of Mahmudiya which is located a few km away from the Israeli border, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

Israel carries out airstrikes in Lebanon's Mahmudiya town

In support of the Afghan National&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban,&nbsp;the United&nbsp;States&nbsp;carried out airstrikes&nbsp;across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;

In an off-camera press briefing,&nbsp;Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes.&nbsp;Kirby said,&nbsp;“Without&nbsp;going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF.&nbsp;But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The spokesman added,&nbsp;“But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.”&nbsp;

In a statement on Friday,&nbsp;the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in&nbsp;Nijrab&nbsp;district,&nbsp;Kapisa province on Thursday night, the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of&nbsp;Defence’s&nbsp;figures,&nbsp;the ministry has&nbsp;also&nbsp;not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday.

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday. In an off-camera press briefing, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes. Kirby said, “Without going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF. But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” The spokesman added, “But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.” In a statement on Friday, the Afghan defence ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night. Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in Nijrab district, Kapisa province on Thursday night, the defence Ministry added. Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of Defence’s figures, the ministry has also not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets. (With inputs from agencies)

US holds airstrikes to support Afghan security forces against Taliban, says Pentagon

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry has said that airstrikes in the Badakhshan province have killed at least 20 Taliban insurgence. This comes as the Taliban has been gaining ground across the country, taking control of numerous districts and border crossings.

Afghan defence: 20 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes in Badakhshan province

The United States told the UN&nbsp;Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US&nbsp;personnel or facilities. 
 
Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. 
 
US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US&nbsp;personnel and facilities in Iraq.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-retaliates-after-iran-backed-militias-target-american-base-in-eastern-syria-394583">US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria</a> 
 
"This military response was taken after non-military options proved inadequate to address the threat, with the aim of deescalating the situation and preventing further attacks," she wrote in a letter. 
 
President Joe Biden wrote a similar letter to Congress on Tuesday. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," he said. 
 
US&nbsp;troops came under rocket fire in Syria on Monday in apparent retaliation for weekend US&nbsp;air strikes. About 34 rockets were fired in the attack, but there were no injuries, a US&nbsp;military official said on Tuesday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-tells-us-it-has-serious-reservations-about-iran-nuclear-deal-394383">Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal</a>

While the Iraqi and US&nbsp;militaries coordinate closely in a separate battle in Iraq against remnants of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, Iraq's government and military condemned the US&nbsp;airstrikes against the Iran-back militia. 
 
The United States began airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria in 2014, telling the United Nations it acted because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government had failed to wipe out safe havens used by the militants to launch attacks on Iraq. 
 
Iraq told the UN&nbsp;Security Council at the time that it requested US&nbsp;help because a safe haven for the militants in Syria had made its border 'impossible to defend'. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities.

The United States told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that it targeted Iran-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with airstrikes to deter the militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self-defence against armed attack. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the airstrikes hit facilities used by militia blamed for an escalating series of drone and rocket attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq. Also Read: US army retaliates after Iran-backed militias target American base in eastern Syria "This military response was taken after non-military options proved inadequate to address the threat, with the aim of deescalating the situation and preventing further attacks," she wrote in a letter. President Joe Biden wrote a similar letter to Congress on Tuesday. "The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," he said. US troops came under rocket fire in Syria on Monday in apparent retaliation for weekend US air strikes. About 34 rockets were fired in the attack, but there were no injuries, a US military official said on Tuesday. Also Read: Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal While the Iraqi and US militaries coordinate closely in a separate battle in Iraq against remnants of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, Iraq's government and military condemned the US airstrikes against the Iran-back militia. The United States began airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria in 2014, telling the United Nations it acted because Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government had failed to wipe out safe havens used by the militants to launch attacks on Iraq. Iraq told the UN Security Council at the time that it requested US help because a safe haven for the militants in Syria had made its border 'impossible to defend'. (With inputs from agencies)

US tells UN weekend airstrikes were aimed at deterring Iran

In response to drone attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq, America has carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria. At least 5 Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters have been killed and several others wounded in the attack.

US carries out air strikes in Iraq and Syria, target Iran-backed militia groups

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. &nbsp;

A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. &nbsp;

Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. &nbsp;

In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. &nbsp;

At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States.&nbsp;

The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising. In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States. The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem. Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters in major US cities decry airstrikes over Gaza 

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests.

The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'.

"Hamas has been carrying out a very intense attack in terms of rate of fire," General Ori Gordin told local reporters.

The army has also claimed that Israel is facing the highest ever rate of rocket attacks. Gaza authorities have also reported a record daily death toll of 33, caused due to the Israeli airstrikes, officials claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-stretches-into-seventh-day-385378">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-stretches-into-seventh-day-385378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gaza’s rebuttal has come after Israel’s airstrikes on Sunday killed 17 people, taking the death toll in Palestine to 174 people, of which 47 are children.

Meanwhile, Iran's&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander has also lent its support to the Palestinian community and has termed the strikes by Israel as "crimes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-kill-17-people-on-sunday-taking-death-toll-to-174-385372" hreflang="en">Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174</a>

The commander made a phone call to the Islamist factions' officials and assured Tehran’s support for all the Palestinians facing the attacks by Israel.

Brigadier General Ismail Qaani talked to the head of Hamas' political bureau,&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh, and the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad group, Ziyad al-Nakhalah.

He assured the leaders that Iran "stands alongside the nation of Palestine" and "praised the development of Palestinian resistance and its capabilities in defending the people of Palestine".

Qaani also said his force supports “the Palestinians' right to confront the aggression and crimes of the Zionist enemy”.

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests. The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'.

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests. The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'. "Hamas has been carrying out a very intense attack in terms of rate of fire," General Ori Gordin told local reporters. The army has also claimed that Israel is facing the highest ever rate of rocket attacks. Gaza authorities have also reported a record daily death toll of 33, caused due to the Israeli airstrikes, officials claimed. Watch | Gaza’s rebuttal has come after Israel’s airstrikes on Sunday killed 17 people, taking the death toll in Palestine to 174 people, of which 47 are children. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander has also lent its support to the Palestinian community and has termed the strikes by Israel as "crimes". Also read | Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174 The commander made a phone call to the Islamist factions' officials and assured Tehran’s support for all the Palestinians facing the attacks by Israel. Brigadier General Ismail Qaani talked to the head of Hamas' political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, and the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad group, Ziyad al-Nakhalah. He assured the leaders that Iran "stands alongside the nation of Palestine" and "praised the development of Palestinian resistance and its capabilities in defending the people of Palestine". Qaani also said his force supports “the Palestinians' right to confront the aggression and crimes of the Zionist enemy”.

Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims

Israel on Friday carried out extensive airstrikes and fired artillery against a tunnel network under Gaza used by Palestinian militants. This is largest Israeli operation till date against a specific target since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine began.&nbsp;

As per Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the operation involved 160 aircrafts.

Rocket barrages against southern Israel swiftly followed the 40-minute pre-dawn offensive on the fifth day of the most serious fighting between Israel and Gaza militants since 2014.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-foreign-ministry-speaks-to-wion-amid-gaza-violence-384988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A woman and her three children were killed in Gaza, health officials in the north of the enclave said, and their bodies were recovered from the rubble of their home. An elderly woman in Israel died while on her way to a shelter to shield from the rocket attacks.

Gaza's ruling Hamas group launched the rocket attacks at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Palestinian medical officials said that at least 119 people, including 31 children and 19 women, had been killed.

The death toll in Israel stood at eight: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, six Israeli civilians - including two children - and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said.

The head of the International Criminal Court warned that individuals involved in the bloodshed may be targeted by its investigation into alleged war crimes in earlier bouts of the conflict.

In northern and eastern parts of Gaza, the sound of artillery fire and explosions echoed early on Friday.

The UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said there were reports of more than 200 housing units destroyed or severely damaged and hundreds of people seeking shelter in schools in northern Gaza.

Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-is-moving-f-18-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia-as-israel-hamas-conflict-escalates-385028">Why US is moving F-18 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates</a>

Israel says it makes every effort to preserve civilian life, including warning in advance of attacks.

"What we were targeting is an elaborate system of tunnels that spans underneath Gaza, mostly in the north but not limited to, and is a network that the operatives of Hamas use in order to move, in order to hide, for cover," Conricus told foreign reporters.

"We refer to (it) as the Metro," he said, adding that a final assessment on the outcome of the operation was pending.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday the campaign "will take more time". Israeli officials said Hamas, Gaza's most powerful Islamist militant group, must be dealt a strong deterring blow before any ceasefire.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden called on Thursday for a de-escalation of the violence, saying he wanted to see a significant reduction in rocket attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Friday carried out extensive airstrikes and fired artillery against a tunnel network under Gaza used by Palestinian militants. This is largest Israeli operation till date against a specific target since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine began.

Israel on Friday carried out extensive airstrikes and fired artillery against a tunnel network under Gaza used by Palestinian militants. This is largest Israeli operation till date against a specific target since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine began. As per Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the operation involved 160 aircrafts. Rocket barrages against southern Israel swiftly followed the 40-minute pre-dawn offensive on the fifth day of the most serious fighting between Israel and Gaza militants since 2014. × A woman and her three children were killed in Gaza, health officials in the north of the enclave said, and their bodies were recovered from the rubble of their home. An elderly woman in Israel died while on her way to a shelter to shield from the rocket attacks. Gaza's ruling Hamas group launched the rocket attacks at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Palestinian medical officials said that at least 119 people, including 31 children and 19 women, had been killed. The death toll in Israel stood at eight: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, six Israeli civilians - including two children - and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said. The head of the International Criminal Court warned that individuals involved in the bloodshed may be targeted by its investigation into alleged war crimes in earlier bouts of the conflict. In northern and eastern parts of Gaza, the sound of artillery fire and explosions echoed early on Friday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said there were reports of more than 200 housing units destroyed or severely damaged and hundreds of people seeking shelter in schools in northern Gaza. Check out | Why US is moving F-18 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates Israel says it makes every effort to preserve civilian life, including warning in advance of attacks. "What we were targeting is an elaborate system of tunnels that spans underneath Gaza, mostly in the north but not limited to, and is a network that the operatives of Hamas use in order to move, in order to hide, for cover," Conricus told foreign reporters. "We refer to (it) as the Metro," he said, adding that a final assessment on the outcome of the operation was pending. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday the campaign "will take more time". Israeli officials said Hamas, Gaza's most powerful Islamist militant group, must be dealt a strong deterring blow before any ceasefire. US President Joe Biden called on Thursday for a de-escalation of the violence, saying he wanted to see a significant reduction in rocket attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel carries out airstrikes against tunnel network used by Palestinian militants

Jason D. Greenblatt, Former White House Middle East envoy, speaks to WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay on the escalating Israel-Gaza violence.

The Interview: Jason D. Greenblatt, Former White House Middle East envoy, speaks to WION

Nearly 82 terrorists have been killed in airstrikes in the Arghandab district of southern Kandahar province on Sunday.

"Besides the killing of 82 armed insurgents including the Taliban’s key commander Sarhadi, two tanks and several vehicles of the insurgents have also been destroyed, reported Xinhua, quoting police spokesman, Jamal Barakzai.

Earlier in the day, Fawad Aman, Deputy Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said in a tweet that the air force launched airstrikes on the Taliban at around 1:52 am in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, Khaama Press reported.

"Their hideouts and strongholds were targeted when they were preparing to conduct the operation," Aman also added in his tweet.

Taliban terrorists who are active in parts of Kandahar province have yet to make comment on the airstrikes.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will put forward a three-phase peace roadmap for Afghanistan during a proposed meeting in Turkey, seeking an agreement with the Taliban and a ceasefire before elections, a document shows.

Washington is pushing for a conference to be hosted by Turkey, with UN involvement, this month to finalise a peace deal between the government and the Taliban as a May 1 deadline looms for the withdrawal of all foreign troops.

Ghani’s plan will be presented as a counter to proposals put forward by Washington, rejected by the Afghan government, that envisage immediately drawing up a new legal system for an interim administration to include Taliban representatives.&nbsp;

The document shows Ghani’s ‘Reaching an Endstate’ proposal will include, in the first phase, a consensus on a political settlement and an internationally monitored ceasefire.

The second phase will be holding a presidential election and the establishment of a ‘government of peace’ and implementation arrangements for moving towards the new political system.

The third phase will involve building a ‘constitutional framework, reintegration of refugees and development’ for Afghanistan moving forward.

A senior government official said Ghani has already shared his roadmap with foreign capitals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Nearly 82 terrorists have been killed in airstrikes in the Arghandab district of southern Kandahar province on Sunday. "Besides the killing of 82 armed insurgents including the Taliban’s key commander Sarhadi, two tanks and several vehicles of the insurgents have also been destroyed, reported Xinhua, quoting police spokesman, Jamal Barakzai.

Nearly 82 terrorists have been killed in airstrikes in the Arghandab district of southern Kandahar province on Sunday. "Besides the killing of 82 armed insurgents including the Taliban’s key commander Sarhadi, two tanks and several vehicles of the insurgents have also been destroyed, reported Xinhua, quoting police spokesman, Jamal Barakzai. Earlier in the day, Fawad Aman, Deputy Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said in a tweet that the air force launched airstrikes on the Taliban at around 1:52 am in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, Khaama Press reported. "Their hideouts and strongholds were targeted when they were preparing to conduct the operation," Aman also added in his tweet. Taliban terrorists who are active in parts of Kandahar province have yet to make comment on the airstrikes. Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will put forward a three-phase peace roadmap for Afghanistan during a proposed meeting in Turkey, seeking an agreement with the Taliban and a ceasefire before elections, a document shows. Washington is pushing for a conference to be hosted by Turkey, with UN involvement, this month to finalise a peace deal between the government and the Taliban as a May 1 deadline looms for the withdrawal of all foreign troops. Ghani’s plan will be presented as a counter to proposals put forward by Washington, rejected by the Afghan government, that envisage immediately drawing up a new legal system for an interim administration to include Taliban representatives. The document shows Ghani’s ‘Reaching an Endstate’ proposal will include, in the first phase, a consensus on a political settlement and an internationally monitored ceasefire. The second phase will be holding a presidential election and the establishment of a ‘government of peace’ and implementation arrangements for moving towards the new political system. The third phase will involve building a ‘constitutional framework, reintegration of refugees and development’ for Afghanistan moving forward. A senior government official said Ghani has already shared his roadmap with foreign capitals. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan airstrikes kill over 80 terrorists in Kandahar

A French air strike in January killed 19 civilians and three armed men at a wedding in the remote desert of central&nbsp;Mali, United Nations investigators said on Tuesday, contradicting France's account that only Islamist militants were hit.

France immediately rejected the findings, which are likely to fuel domestic criticism of&nbsp;Mali's former colonial master. France has more than 5,000 troops in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;and neighbouring countries to battle groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The human rights division of the United Nations mission in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;(MINUSMA) said it had visited the village of Bounti where the attack took place on Jan. 3, analysed satellite images and interviewed more than 400 people, including at least 115 in face-to-face, individual sessions.

"MINUSMA is able to confirm that a wedding celebration was held that brought together about 100 civilians at the site of the strike, among whom five armed individuals, presumed members of Katiba Serma, were present," the report said.

Katiba Serma is an armed group affiliated with al Qaeda.

The MINUSMA report said 19 people, including 16 civilians and three of the armed men, were killed immediately in the air attack, while three more civilians died while being transferred to medical care.

In a statement, France's armed forces ministry said the strike followed a "robust targeting process" that identified the targets as militants.

"The only concrete sources on which this report is based are local testimonies. They are never transcribed, the identity of the witnesses is never specified, nor the conditions in which the testimonies were gathered," it said.

"It is therefore impossible to distinguish credible sources from false testimonies by possible terrorist sympathisers or individuals under the influence (including threats) from jihadist groups."

The MINUSMA report said each witness account was verified with other evidence and that some witnesses were relocated to allow them to speak freely.

RULES OF CONFLICT

Its report said forensics experts found no evidence of incinerated motorcycles, weapons or ammunitions that would have suggested the presence of a large number of armed men.

"This strike raises important concerns about the respect of the rules of armed conflict," it said. "MINUSMA recommends that the&nbsp;Malian and French authorities lead an independent, credible and transparent investigation."

Malian officials had no immediate comment.

Local officials in northern&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;accused France's military last week of killing six civilians in another air strike. French forces said they had again struck Islamist militants.

France has been embroiled in&nbsp;Mali's conflict since 2013, when it intervened to push back Islamist militants who were advancing south after seizing the desert north.

The conflict has since spread to neighbouring countries in the West African Sahel region like Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to rising criticism of French forces from local activists and some politicians.

The Jan. 3 air strike came after five French soldiers were killed the previous week in two attacks carried out with improvised explosive devices.

A French air strike in January killed 19 civilians and three armed men at a wedding in the remote desert of central Mali, United Nations investigators said on Tuesday, contradicting France's account that only Islamist militants were hit.

A French air strike in January killed 19 civilians and three armed men at a wedding in the remote desert of central Mali, United Nations investigators said on Tuesday, contradicting France's account that only Islamist militants were hit. France immediately rejected the findings, which are likely to fuel domestic criticism of Mali's former colonial master. France has more than 5,000 troops in Mali and neighbouring countries to battle groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The human rights division of the United Nations mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said it had visited the village of Bounti where the attack took place on Jan. 3, analysed satellite images and interviewed more than 400 people, including at least 115 in face-to-face, individual sessions. "MINUSMA is able to confirm that a wedding celebration was held that brought together about 100 civilians at the site of the strike, among whom five armed individuals, presumed members of Katiba Serma, were present," the report said. Katiba Serma is an armed group affiliated with al Qaeda. The MINUSMA report said 19 people, including 16 civilians and three of the armed men, were killed immediately in the air attack, while three more civilians died while being transferred to medical care. In a statement, France's armed forces ministry said the strike followed a "robust targeting process" that identified the targets as militants. "The only concrete sources on which this report is based are local testimonies. They are never transcribed, the identity of the witnesses is never specified, nor the conditions in which the testimonies were gathered," it said. "It is therefore impossible to distinguish credible sources from false testimonies by possible terrorist sympathisers or individuals under the influence (including threats) from jihadist groups." The MINUSMA report said each witness account was verified with other evidence and that some witnesses were relocated to allow them to speak freely. RULES OF CONFLICT Its report said forensics experts found no evidence of incinerated motorcycles, weapons or ammunitions that would have suggested the presence of a large number of armed men. "This strike raises important concerns about the respect of the rules of armed conflict," it said. "MINUSMA recommends that the Malian and French authorities lead an independent, credible and transparent investigation." Malian officials had no immediate comment. Local officials in northern Mali accused France's military last week of killing six civilians in another air strike. French forces said they had again struck Islamist militants. France has been embroiled in Mali's conflict since 2013, when it intervened to push back Islamist militants who were advancing south after seizing the desert north. The conflict has since spread to neighbouring countries in the West African Sahel region like Burkina Faso and Niger, leading to rising criticism of French forces from local activists and some politicians. The Jan. 3 air strike came after five French soldiers were killed the previous week in two attacks carried out with improvised explosive devices.

French air strike killed 19 civilians at Mali wedding party: United Nations

The Pentagon has downplayed the latest Taliban attacks in Afghanistan even after the United States carried out airstrikes against the group, making it the first US attack against Taliban after Washington signed a peace deal with the group just last week.

US downplays new Taliban attack, Pentagon rejects doubts over peace deal

The tensions continue to escalate in West Asia as Tukey and Syria have intensified their operations in the Idlib province. In the latest development, their multiple airstrikes by Turkey have claimed the lives of at least about 19 Syrian soldiers. Watch report:

Syrian civil war: Turkish airstrikes kill 19 Syrian soldiers

In a renewed escalation 29 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike by Syrian regime forces in North western Syria. Watch report:

Fighting for Idlib intensifies, Airstrikes kill 33 Turkish soldiers

As the battle for Idlib rages on, the Syrian government continues to pummel the rebel-held province with airstrikes. However, the minors are caught in the crossfire which has nothing to do with the civil war. Watch report:

Fineprint: Syrian civil war enters crucial phase, Minors caught in crossfire

In the last three days, Northern Syria has seen more than 200 airstrikes on rebel-held territories. Most of the air raids have been carried out by Russian forces. Syria says it is wiping out the rebels - but it is happening at the cost of innocent lives.

Gravitas: Airstrikes in Syria kills civilians

The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from their embassy in Baghdad for their safety on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside the gate denounced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">US airstrikes in Iraq</a>.

On Sunday, US planes had attacked bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia, a move that risks drawing Iraq further into a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran at a time when mass protests are challenging Iraq's political system.

The attack on the Kataib Hezbollah militia was in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base.

The two Iraqi foreign ministry officials did not say when the US&nbsp;ambassador or other staff had left but added that a few embassy protection staff remained.

<img alt="Baghdad" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="135f1626-4d4b-476e-b956-c5c044761fb2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_2.jpg" />

The demonstrators were protesting US air strikes on Sunday that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades), which the US has accused of killing a US contractor in a rocket attack. (AFP Photo)

Outside the embassy, protesters threw stones at the gate while others chanted, "No, no, America! ... No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces were deployed around the main gate to prevent them from entering the embassy.

Iraqis have been taking to the streets in their thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government.

But on Tuesday, it was these militias who were spraying "Closed in the name of the people" on the gates of the U.S. Embassy and smashing the surveillance cameras around the building with bricks and stones.

Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, and many other senior militia leaders were among the protesters.

"Americans are unwanted in Iraq. They are a source of evil and we want them to leave," Khazali told Reuters. Khazali is one of the most feared and respected Shi'ite militia leaders in Iraq, and one of Iran's most important allies.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy.

Militia commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and Badr Organisation leader Hadi al-Amiri were also at the protest.

Abdul Mahdi has condemned the airstrikes, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55.

The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from their embassy in Baghdad for their safety on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside the gate denounced US airstrikes in Iraq.

The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from their embassy in Baghdad for their safety on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside the gate denounced US airstrikes in Iraq. On Sunday, US planes had attacked bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia, a move that risks drawing Iraq further into a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran at a time when mass protests are challenging Iraq's political system. The attack on the Kataib Hezbollah militia was in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base. The two Iraqi foreign ministry officials did not say when the US ambassador or other staff had left but added that a few embassy protection staff remained. The demonstrators were protesting US air strikes on Sunday that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades), which the US has accused of killing a US contractor in a rocket attack. (AFP Photo) Outside the embassy, protesters threw stones at the gate while others chanted, "No, no, America! ... No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces were deployed around the main gate to prevent them from entering the embassy. Iraqis have been taking to the streets in their thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government. But on Tuesday, it was these militias who were spraying "Closed in the name of the people" on the gates of the U.S. Embassy and smashing the surveillance cameras around the building with bricks and stones. Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, and many other senior militia leaders were among the protesters. "Americans are unwanted in Iraq. They are a source of evil and we want them to leave," Khazali told Reuters. Khazali is one of the most feared and respected Shi'ite militia leaders in Iraq, and one of Iran's most important allies. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy. Militia commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and Badr Organisation leader Hadi al-Amiri were also at the protest. Abdul Mahdi has condemned the airstrikes, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55.

Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad, ambassador and staff evacuated

Around eleven <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-has-no-ceasefire-plans-taliban-271073">Taliban terrorists</a> were killed in airstrikes in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. According to the Afghan National Army's 205th Corps, ''the foreign air force attacked the centres of militants in Shorawak district in which 11 militants were killed''.

Earlier, on Monday, the Afghan Defence Ministry had announced the death of around 43 Taliban terrorists after military operations were undertaken in the central provinces of Ghazni and Ghor. Additionally, seven terrorists were also arrested.

Rumours of a ceasefire were dispelled after the Taliban announced that they would continue its fight.

The Taliban movement has gained tremendous power in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=%09Islamic+Emirate+of+Afghanistan+has+no+ceasefire+plans%3A+Taliban">Afghanistan</a> over the last two decades. This has led to Afghanistan becoming a host for militant groups like the al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Sputnik reported that the Taliban has not commented on the strike yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around eleven Taliban terrorists were killed in airstrikes in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. According to the Afghan National Army's 205th Corps, ''the foreign air force attacked the centres of militants in Shorawak district in which 11 militants were killed''.

Around eleven Taliban terrorists were killed in airstrikes in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. According to the Afghan National Army's 205th Corps, ''the foreign air force attacked the centres of militants in Shorawak district in which 11 militants were killed''. Earlier, on Monday, the Afghan Defence Ministry had announced the death of around 43 Taliban terrorists after military operations were undertaken in the central provinces of Ghazni and Ghor. Additionally, seven terrorists were also arrested. Rumours of a ceasefire were dispelled after the Taliban announced that they would continue its fight. The Taliban movement has gained tremendous power in Afghanistan over the last two decades. This has led to Afghanistan becoming a host for militant groups like the al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Sputnik reported that the Taliban has not commented on the strike yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: 11 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes

US airstrikes against a pro-Iran group in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-launches-attacks-on-iranian-backed-forces-in-iraq-and-syria-270902">Iraq killed at least 25 fighters,</a> a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The attacks on Sunday night saw US planes hit several bases belonging to the Hezbollah brigades, one of the most radical factions of Hashed al-Shaabi, a Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary coalition.

The strikes "killed 25 and wounded 51, including commanders and fighters, and the toll could yet rise," according to the Hashed, which holds major sway in Iraq.

It said it was still pulling victims from the rubble of bases near Al-Qaim, an Iraqi district bordering Syria, on Monday.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-launches-attacks-on-iranian-backed-forces-in-iraq-and-syria-270902/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the US had "shown its firm support for terrorism and its neglect for the independence and sovereignty of countries" by carrying out the attacks. 
Washington — itself a key ally of Baghdad — must accept the consequences of its "illegal act", Mousavi added.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper described the attacks against the Hezbollah brigades — which hit three locations in Iraq and two in neighbouring Syria — as "successful", and did not rule out further military action against Iran-backed militias.

The strikes were retaliation for a series of rocket attacks since late October against US interests in Iraq, including a barrage of more than 30 fired on Friday against an Iraqi base in Kirkuk, which killed a US civilian contractor.&nbsp;

US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington pulled out of a multilateral nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and imposed crippling sanctions.

Iraqi leaders fear their country could become a battleground between Tehran and Washington, in a context where they are also grappling with huge street protests against corruption and Iran's enormous political influence.

The demonstrations forced prime minister Abel Abdel Mahdi to resign last month, although he remains in a caretaker role. The protest movement, along with President Barham Saleh, has rejected Iran's favoured successor.

US sources say that pro-Iran armed factions now pose a greater threat than the Islamic State, a jihadist group whose rise saw the US freshly deploy troops on Iraqi soil.

But significant elements of the Iraqi political class view the 5,200 US troops in the country as a "threat", with Sunday night's strikes reviving calls for them to leave the country.

Pro-Iran factions angry

Abdel Mahdi's military spokesman decried "a violation of Iraqi sovereignty", while the Hezbollah brigades are demanding the "withdrawal of the American enemy".

Another powerful pro-Iran faction, Assaib Ahl al-Haq -- whose leaders were recently hit with US sanctions -- also called for Americans to withdraw from Iraq.

"The American military presence has become a burden for the Iraqi state and a source of threat against our forces," it said in a statement.&nbsp; 
"It is therefore imperative for all of us to do everything to expel them by all legitimate means."

Parliament's deputy speaker, part of influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc, called on the Iraqi state to "take all necessary measures" in the face of the US attacks.

The Badr organisation, another key pro-Iran group, took a similar line. 
Several lawmakers have castigated afresh an agreement permitting American soldiers to deploy in-country, arguing the strikes amount to a violation that renders the pact obsolete.

Since October 28, at least 11 attacks have targeted Iraqi military bases where US soldiers or diplomats are deployed.

While earlier attacks killed an Iraqi soldier and wounded others, the one on Friday was the first to kill an American, targeting a meeting between Iraqi police commanders and the international coalition that fought IS.

US airstrikes against a pro-Iran group in Iraq killed at least 25 fighters, a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington.

US airstrikes against a pro-Iran group in Iraq killed at least 25 fighters, a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington. The attacks on Sunday night saw US planes hit several bases belonging to the Hezbollah brigades, one of the most radical factions of Hashed al-Shaabi, a Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary coalition. The strikes "killed 25 and wounded 51, including commanders and fighters, and the toll could yet rise," according to the Hashed, which holds major sway in Iraq. It said it was still pulling victims from the rubble of bases near Al-Qaim, an Iraqi district bordering Syria, on Monday. Watch: Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the US had "shown its firm support for terrorism and its neglect for the independence and sovereignty of countries" by carrying out the attacks. Washington — itself a key ally of Baghdad — must accept the consequences of its "illegal act", Mousavi added. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper described the attacks against the Hezbollah brigades — which hit three locations in Iraq and two in neighbouring Syria — as "successful", and did not rule out further military action against Iran-backed militias. The strikes were retaliation for a series of rocket attacks since late October against US interests in Iraq, including a barrage of more than 30 fired on Friday against an Iraqi base in Kirkuk, which killed a US civilian contractor. US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington pulled out of a multilateral nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and imposed crippling sanctions. Iraqi leaders fear their country could become a battleground between Tehran and Washington, in a context where they are also grappling with huge street protests against corruption and Iran's enormous political influence. The demonstrations forced prime minister Abel Abdel Mahdi to resign last month, although he remains in a caretaker role. The protest movement, along with President Barham Saleh, has rejected Iran's favoured successor. US sources say that pro-Iran armed factions now pose a greater threat than the Islamic State, a jihadist group whose rise saw the US freshly deploy troops on Iraqi soil. But significant elements of the Iraqi political class view the 5,200 US troops in the country as a "threat", with Sunday night's strikes reviving calls for them to leave the country. Pro-Iran factions angry Abdel Mahdi's military spokesman decried "a violation of Iraqi sovereignty", while the Hezbollah brigades are demanding the "withdrawal of the American enemy". Another powerful pro-Iran faction, Assaib Ahl al-Haq -- whose leaders were recently hit with US sanctions -- also called for Americans to withdraw from Iraq. "The American military presence has become a burden for the Iraqi state and a source of threat against our forces," it said in a statement. "It is therefore imperative for all of us to do everything to expel them by all legitimate means." Parliament's deputy speaker, part of influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc, called on the Iraqi state to "take all necessary measures" in the face of the US attacks. The Badr organisation, another key pro-Iran group, took a similar line. Several lawmakers have castigated afresh an agreement permitting American soldiers to deploy in-country, arguing the strikes amount to a violation that renders the pact obsolete. Since October 28, at least 11 attacks have targeted Iraqi military bases where US soldiers or diplomats are deployed. While earlier attacks killed an Iraqi soldier and wounded others, the one on Friday was the first to kill an American, targeting a meeting between Iraqi police commanders and the international coalition that fought IS.

US airstrikes kill 25 pro-Iran militia fighters in Iraq and Syria, triggering anger

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-200-displaced-syrians-leave-al-hol-camp-kurdish-official-266983">Syria's eastern province</a> of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities.

Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said.

According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area.

At the start of that month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-kill-19-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-266857">air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters</a>, the monitor reported.

In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said.

An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory.

But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters.

The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-completes-pullback-from-northeast-syria-esper-says-266313">eastern shores</a> of the Euphrates.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday. The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities. Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said. According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area. At the start of that month, air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters, the monitor reported. In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said. An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory. But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters. The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the eastern shores of the Euphrates.

Syria: Airstrikes kill five pro-Iran fighters

Violence In Syria's Idlib Region, Children Caught Up In The Fighting

Gravitas: Airstrikes in Syria kill 100, Children Caught up in the Fighting

At least&nbsp;five&nbsp;civilians were killed and 10 wounded in overnight&nbsp;airstrikes in a suburb of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-libya-sign-deal-on-maritime-zones-in-the-mediterranean-265082">Libya's&nbsp;capital</a>, the unity government's health&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;said on Monday.

"Violent&nbsp;air&nbsp;raids&nbsp;on the residential area of al-Swani killed&nbsp;five&nbsp;civilians and injured 10 others, some of them seriously," said spokesman Amin al-Hashemi.

Hashemi reported major damage after the strikes on al-Swani, some 25 kilometres&nbsp;south of central Tripoli. He said there was no military infrastructure in the area.

Tripoli has seen months of deadly fighting since eastern-based military strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an April offensive to seize the&nbsp;capital&nbsp;from armed groups backing the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

The GNA said "Emirati drones" backing Haftar had carried out the overnight strikes, saying a woman and a child were among the dead.

Spokesman Mohammad Gnounou said unmanned Emirati aircraft had also carried out two&nbsp;raids&nbsp;on a bridge west of Tripoli.

The United Arab Emirates has backed Haftar in his campaign against pro-GNA groups, which Haftar's forces refer to as "terrorists".

Haftar's self-styled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-uae-turkey-sudan-accused-of-violating-sanctions-on-libya-un-report-261513">Libyan&nbsp;National Army</a> has not yet claimed the overnight strikes.

Since the fall and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 in a NATO-backed uprising, Libya has been torn apart by violence between multiple armed groups, many of them backed by foreign powers.

The UN Security Council on Monday renewed its calls for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-has-deal-with-libya-coastguard-over-migrant-interceptions-report-261202">ceasefire in Libya</a>, and urged foreign actors to honour an arms embargo on the country -- which Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have&nbsp;regularly violated, according to a confidential UN report seen by AFP last month.

"The Members of the Security Council stressed the need for all parties urgently to de-escalate the situation and to commit to a ceasefire," read a joint declaration issued following several days of negotiations.

The 15-member council called on all states "not to intervene in the conflict or to take measures that would exacerbate the conflict," the text added, calling for "full compliance" with the arms embargo imposed in 2011.

At least 200 civilians and more than 2,000 fighters have been killed since the start of Haftar's assault on Tripoli, according to the United Nations. The fighting has also displaced some 146,000 people.

At least five civilians were killed and 10 wounded in overnight airstrikes in a suburb of Libya's capital, the unity government's health ministry said on Monday.

At least five civilians were killed and 10 wounded in overnight airstrikes in a suburb of Libya's capital, the unity government's health ministry said on Monday. "Violent air raids on the residential area of al-Swani killed five civilians and injured 10 others, some of them seriously," said spokesman Amin al-Hashemi. Hashemi reported major damage after the strikes on al-Swani, some 25 kilometres south of central Tripoli. He said there was no military infrastructure in the area. Tripoli has seen months of deadly fighting since eastern-based military strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an April offensive to seize the capital from armed groups backing the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA said "Emirati drones" backing Haftar had carried out the overnight strikes, saying a woman and a child were among the dead. Spokesman Mohammad Gnounou said unmanned Emirati aircraft had also carried out two raids on a bridge west of Tripoli. The United Arab Emirates has backed Haftar in his campaign against pro-GNA groups, which Haftar's forces refer to as "terrorists". Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army has not yet claimed the overnight strikes. Since the fall and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 in a NATO-backed uprising, Libya has been torn apart by violence between multiple armed groups, many of them backed by foreign powers. The UN Security Council on Monday renewed its calls for a ceasefire in Libya, and urged foreign actors to honour an arms embargo on the country -- which Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have regularly violated, according to a confidential UN report seen by AFP last month. "The Members of the Security Council stressed the need for all parties urgently to de-escalate the situation and to commit to a ceasefire," read a joint declaration issued following several days of negotiations. The 15-member council called on all states "not to intervene in the conflict or to take measures that would exacerbate the conflict," the text added, calling for "full compliance" with the arms embargo imposed in 2011. At least 200 civilians and more than 2,000 fighters have been killed since the start of Haftar's assault on Tripoli, according to the United Nations. The fighting has also displaced some 146,000 people.

Air raids in Libyan capital Tripoli kill five, wound ten: Sources

At least nine terrorists from the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) were killed in Afghanistan following a series of airstrikes.

Quoting military officials, Khaama Press reported that the airstrikes took place in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where a total of five ISIS terrorists were killed.

Four Taliban operatives, meanwhile, were killed in Afghanistan's central Wardak province, as per media reports which cited officials.

The Afghan government forces have been fighting the Taliban for almost two decades, with all the peace initiatives have failed so far.

The ongoing instability has resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups across the country, including the ISIS.

At least nine terrorists from the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) were killed in Afghanistan following a series of airstrikes. Quoting military officials, Khaama Press reported that the airstrikes took place in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where a total of five ISIS terrorists were killed.

At least nine terrorists from the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) were killed in Afghanistan following a series of airstrikes. Quoting military officials, Khaama Press reported that the airstrikes took place in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where a total of five ISIS terrorists were killed. Four Taliban operatives, meanwhile, were killed in Afghanistan's central Wardak province, as per media reports which cited officials. The Afghan government forces have been fighting the Taliban for almost two decades, with all the peace initiatives have failed so far. The ongoing instability has resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups across the country, including the ISIS.

Airstrikes kill nine Taliban, Islamic State terrorists in Afghanistan

Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies attacked Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Wednesday, pounding them with airstrikes and artillery before starting a cross-border ground operation that could transform an eight-year-old war. Here's a ground report from Turkey Syria Border by Shamim Chowdhury, Correspondent, TRT world

Syria-Turkey Conflict: Ground Report from Turkey Syria Border

airstrikes

Airstrikes, News on Airstrikes, stories on Airstrikes, articles on Airstrikes, Airstrikes stories at Wion, Airstrikes news, Airstrikes latest news