Four people were killed and nine wounded when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant in central Mogadishu on Thursday, police said, as the Al-Shabaab jihadist group claimed responsibility.

The blast "was caused by a car loaded with explosives, we perceive that it was parked near a restaurant along the road," Somali police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP.

The restaurant was near a security checkpoint in the Somali capital, not far from the presidential palace. The road in which the blast occurred houses eateries and tea shops.

"The explosion was very heavy, and we could see the smoke and dust overwhelmed the whole area, it was a car bomb," said witness Ibrahim Farey.

Another, Aisha Hassan, said several vehicles were destroyed and buildings damaged.&nbsp;

Al-Shabaab said it had planted the bomb, claiming in a statement that its "fighters targeted one of the checkpoints of the palace apostates."

The nationalist, Islamist group, linked to Al-Qaeda, is fighting an armed insurrection in Somalia against what it sees as a heretic and foreign influence.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people died in an attack in Mogadishu which saw Al-Shabaab jihadists battling security forces for nearly 24 hours.

The Shabaab were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 by the 22,000-strong African Union mission AMISOM, and have had to abandon most of their strongholds.

But they still control vast rural areas and remain the key threat to peace in Somalia.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, elected in February 2017, has declared a state of war against the group.

Four people were killed and nine wounded when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant in central Mogadishu on Thursday, police said, as the Al-Shabaab jihadist group claimed responsibility.

Four people were killed and nine wounded when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant in central Mogadishu on Thursday, police said, as the Al-Shabaab jihadist group claimed responsibility. The blast "was caused by a car loaded with explosives, we perceive that it was parked near a restaurant along the road," Somali police official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP. The restaurant was near a security checkpoint in the Somali capital, not far from the presidential palace. The road in which the blast occurred houses eateries and tea shops. "The explosion was very heavy, and we could see the smoke and dust overwhelmed the whole area, it was a car bomb," said witness Ibrahim Farey. Another, Aisha Hassan, said several vehicles were destroyed and buildings damaged. Al-Shabaab said it had planted the bomb, claiming in a statement that its "fighters targeted one of the checkpoints of the palace apostates." The nationalist, Islamist group, linked to Al-Qaeda, is fighting an armed insurrection in Somalia against what it sees as a heretic and foreign influence. Earlier this month, at least 20 people died in an attack in Mogadishu which saw Al-Shabaab jihadists battling security forces for nearly 24 hours. The Shabaab were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 by the 22,000-strong African Union mission AMISOM, and have had to abandon most of their strongholds. But they still control vast rural areas and remain the key threat to peace in Somalia. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, elected in February 2017, has declared a state of war against the group.

Four dead in Somali capital car bombing: Police

A powerful explosion on the outskirts of Nepal's capital Kathmandu has killed at least one person and left two others injured, police said Saturday.

The incident occurred outside the headquarters of Ncell, a telecommunications company mostly owned by Malaysia-based Axiata Group Berhad.

According to eyewitnesses, a loud explosion was heard at around 7:55 pm at Nakku in Lalitpur, located in the south-central part of Kathmandu.

A bomb disposal unit was rushed to the spot following the explosion, a senior police officer said.

He said that a 49-year-old man was killed while two others were injured in the incident which is being probed.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police have detained six persons in connection with the blast.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa said that the perpetrators will soon be brought to justice.&nbsp;

A powerful explosion on the outskirts of Nepal's capital Kathmandu has killed at least one person and left two others injured, police said Saturday. The incident occurred outside the headquarters of Ncell, a telecommunications company mostly owned by Malaysia-based Axiata Group Berhad.

A powerful explosion on the outskirts of Nepal's capital Kathmandu has killed at least one person and left two others injured, police said Saturday. The incident occurred outside the headquarters of Ncell, a telecommunications company mostly owned by Malaysia-based Axiata Group Berhad. According to eyewitnesses, a loud explosion was heard at around 7:55 pm at Nakku in Lalitpur, located in the south-central part of Kathmandu. A bomb disposal unit was rushed to the spot following the explosion, a senior police officer said. He said that a 49-year-old man was killed while two others were injured in the incident which is being probed. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Police have detained six persons in connection with the blast. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa said that the perpetrators will soon be brought to justice.

Blast in Nepal's capital kills one, injures two

Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, died at a hospital, a prison officer said Sunday.

Syed's health suddenly deteriorated Saturday evening, following which he was shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where he died one and half hours after admission, Jail Superintendent Rani Bhosle told PTI Sunday night.

"The exact cause of his death will be known after post-mortem which will be conducted Monday in the presence of his relatives who have arrived in the city Sunday," she said, adding that Syed's body will be handed over to his relatives after autopsy.

As per preliminary information and symptoms, he could have died of a cardiac arrest, Bhosle said.

Syed, his wife Fehmida and third conspirator Ashrat Ansari were convicted by a POTA (Prevention of Terrorist Activity) court in 2009 of planting powerful bombs in two taxis which exploded at the iconic Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar on August 25, 2003, leaving 52 people dead and 244 injured.

Syed was shifted to the Nagpur Central Jail from Yerwada jail in 2012, after the Bombay high court upheld his death sentence.

The Lashkar-e-Toiba's role in the twin blasts was revealed by an accused-turned-approver.

It was for the first time that the LeT had used a family to carry out bomb blasts in the country.&nbsp;

Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, died at a hospital, a prison officer said Sunday.

Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, died at a hospital, a prison officer said Sunday. Syed's health suddenly deteriorated Saturday evening, following which he was shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where he died one and half hours after admission, Jail Superintendent Rani Bhosle told PTI Sunday night. "The exact cause of his death will be known after post-mortem which will be conducted Monday in the presence of his relatives who have arrived in the city Sunday," she said, adding that Syed's body will be handed over to his relatives after autopsy. As per preliminary information and symptoms, he could have died of a cardiac arrest, Bhosle said. Syed, his wife Fehmida and third conspirator Ashrat Ansari were convicted by a POTA (Prevention of Terrorist Activity) court in 2009 of planting powerful bombs in two taxis which exploded at the iconic Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar on August 25, 2003, leaving 52 people dead and 244 injured. Syed was shifted to the Nagpur Central Jail from Yerwada jail in 2012, after the Bombay high court upheld his death sentence. The Lashkar-e-Toiba's role in the twin blasts was revealed by an accused-turned-approver. It was for the first time that the LeT had used a family to carry out bomb blasts in the country.

Hanif Syed, sentenced to death in 2003 Mumbai blasts, dies at hospital

Mexico's state oil firm, Pemex, did not close the valve at a leaking <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-raised-to-79-in-mexico-pipeline-blast-new-focus-on-fuel-theft-191662&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjUl5HpgP7fAhXXfH0KHRLhDcEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2jsTSJCsn0q0s5OFNcj89X">gasoline pipeline</a> when first notified because it was not initially thought to be an "important" leak, Mexico's security minister said on Sunday.

The pipeline in central Mexico exploded on Friday, leaving 85 people dead who were collecting gasoline at the leak, officials said.&nbsp;

Security Minister Alfonso Durazo told a news conference that Mexico's military detected the leak about four hours before Pemex closed the valve.

Mexico's state oil firm, Pemex, did not close the valve at a leaking gasoline pipeline when first notified because it was not initially thought to be an "important" leak, Mexico's security minister said on Sunday.

Mexico's state oil firm, Pemex, did not close the valve at a leaking gasoline pipeline when first notified because it was not initially thought to be an "important" leak, Mexico's security minister said on Sunday. The pipeline in central Mexico exploded on Friday, leaving 85 people dead who were collecting gasoline at the leak, officials said. Security Minister Alfonso Durazo told a news conference that Mexico's military detected the leak about four hours before Pemex closed the valve.

Mexico gasoline pipeline leak detected hours before fatal blast

The number of people who died from a gasoline pipeline explosion in central Mexico has risen to 85, Mexico's health minister said on Sunday.

An additional 58 people were hospitalized, Health Minister Jorge Alcocer told a news conference. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-raised-to-79-in-mexico-pipeline-blast-new-focus-on-fuel-theft-191662">The explosion took place on Friday</a>, when about 800 people in Hidalgo state's Tlahuelilpan district were collecting fuel from a leak at a major pipeline.

The number of people who died from a gasoline pipeline explosion in central Mexico has risen to 85, Mexico's health minister said on Sunday. An additional 58 people were hospitalized, Health Minister Jorge Alcocer told a news conference.

The number of people who died from a gasoline pipeline explosion in central Mexico has risen to 85, Mexico's health minister said on Sunday. An additional 58 people were hospitalized, Health Minister Jorge Alcocer told a news conference. The explosion took place on Friday, when about 800 people in Hidalgo state's Tlahuelilpan district were collecting fuel from a leak at a major pipeline.

Death toll from Mexico pipeline blast rises to 85: Health Minister

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed and wounded scores of people, its Amaq news agency reported on Saturday.

"Around 50 of the Afghan army were killed and 110 were wounded when a martyr blew himself up on Friday," the agency said.

Security officials in the area said on Friday that the blast at a mosque in an army base had killed at least 26 people and wounded 50.

The Taliban, who are waging a war to oust the Western-backed Afghan government and expel foreign forces from Afghanistan, have launched a series of high-profile attacks Taliban against Afghan security forces in recent weeks.

Hundreds of Afghan security guards have been killed, their checkpoints destroyed and weapons seized by the hardline Islamist fighters.

Friday's attack came three days after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul, the capital.

Officials said 55 scholars marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad were killed and more than 90 injured in the blast in a banquet hall.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed and wounded scores of people, its Amaq news agency reported on Saturday.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed and wounded scores of people, its Amaq news agency reported on Saturday. "Around 50 of the Afghan army were killed and 110 were wounded when a martyr blew himself up on Friday," the agency said. Security officials in the area said on Friday that the blast at a mosque in an army base had killed at least 26 people and wounded 50. The Taliban, who are waging a war to oust the Western-backed Afghan government and expel foreign forces from Afghanistan, have launched a series of high-profile attacks Taliban against Afghan security forces in recent weeks. Hundreds of Afghan security guards have been killed, their checkpoints destroyed and weapons seized by the hardline Islamist fighters. Friday's attack came three days after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul, the capital. Officials said 55 scholars marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad were killed and more than 90 injured in the blast in a banquet hall.

Islamic State claims responsibility for blast at Afghanistan mosque

Ten days after the terror attack on Nirankari Bhawan in Rajasansi area on November 13 in Amritsar district of Punjab in which 3 people were killed and nearly 20 others were injured, four suspected 'terrorists'&nbsp;were spotted in Pathankot's Saidipur village on Friday night, prompting the state police to launch a massive search operation.

Residents of Saidipur village claimed to have spotted suspicious movement of around four people, suspected to be `terrorists.` Police have also recovered an abandoned white Alto car, which was found around 25 km away from Pathankot, near Bamiyal area.&nbsp;

The car was also spotted by the villagers.

Police said, "We have cordoned off the area. Search is on. We have appealed to the people to give us any relevant information if they have and cooperate with us. The abandoned car can`t yet be linked to the suspicious men. A probe in this regard is on separately." Police have, however, confirmed that the car carries the registration number of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to police, Balbir Singh, a resident from Saidipur village, saw three to four suspicious men on Friday night. He first informed the village sarpanch in this regard.&nbsp;

Then the police were told about the incident, which immediately rushed to the spot and began the search operation after cordoning off the area.

It is worth mentioning that last week the Punjab Police launched massive search operations after its counter-intelligence wing informed that some Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists reportedly entered Delhi from the state.

In 2016, terrorists had attacked Pathankot Airbase after snatching the car of a police officer. Seven people had been killed in the attack. Earlier in July 2015 too, terrorists had attacked Dinanagar town in the neighbouring district of Gurdaspur district.&nbsp;

It is noteworthy that Saidipur village where four suspected 'terrorists' were spotted is just 13 km away from Pakistan border.

Ten days after the terror attack on Nirankari Bhawan in Rajasansi area on November 13 in Amritsar district of Punjab in which 3 people were killed and nearly 20 others were injured, four suspected 'terrorists' were spotted in Pathankot's Saidipur village on Friday night, prompting the state police to launch a massive search operation.

Ten days after the terror attack on Nirankari Bhawan in Rajasansi area on November 13 in Amritsar district of Punjab in which 3 people were killed and nearly 20 others were injured, four suspected 'terrorists' were spotted in Pathankot's Saidipur village on Friday night, prompting the state police to launch a massive search operation. Residents of Saidipur village claimed to have spotted suspicious movement of around four people, suspected to be `terrorists.` Police have also recovered an abandoned white Alto car, which was found around 25 km away from Pathankot, near Bamiyal area. The car was also spotted by the villagers. Police said, "We have cordoned off the area. Search is on. We have appealed to the people to give us any relevant information if they have and cooperate with us. The abandoned car can`t yet be linked to the suspicious men. A probe in this regard is on separately." Police have, however, confirmed that the car carries the registration number of Jammu and Kashmir. According to police, Balbir Singh, a resident from Saidipur village, saw three to four suspicious men on Friday night. He first informed the village sarpanch in this regard. Then the police were told about the incident, which immediately rushed to the spot and began the search operation after cordoning off the area. It is worth mentioning that last week the Punjab Police launched massive search operations after its counter-intelligence wing informed that some Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists reportedly entered Delhi from the state. In 2016, terrorists had attacked Pathankot Airbase after snatching the car of a police officer. Seven people had been killed in the attack. Earlier in July 2015 too, terrorists had attacked Dinanagar town in the neighbouring district of Gurdaspur district. It is noteworthy that Saidipur village where four suspected 'terrorists' were spotted is just 13 km away from Pakistan border.

Four suspicious men found in Pathankot, search operation launched

A powerful blast at a mosque in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province's Chaman area on Wednesday injured at least seven people, including the prayer leader, according to police.

The blast occurred at the time of evening prayers in the mosque, which is located on Taj Road in Chaman, bordering Afghanistan.

At least seven people, including the mosque's prayer leader, have been injured as a result of the blast, which rocked the entire neighbourhood, Dawn reported.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where a state of emergency has been declared.

A video shared on Twitter appears to show the damage caused by the explosion in the mosque. Authorities have cordoned off the site of the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far.

Chaman is considered a sensitive town in Balochistan as it shares a border with Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province.

Security was tightened on Wednesday across the country to avert any tragedy on the occasion of the Eid Milad-un Nabi, marking the birth anniversary of the Prophet.

Mobile phone services were shut down in major cities to prevent terror attacks during the celebrations, in the wake of a suicide attack in neighbouring Afghanistan on Tuesday that killed over 50 people, mostly clerics.

A powerful blast at a mosque in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province's Chaman area on Wednesday injured at least seven people, including the prayer leader, according to police.

A powerful blast at a mosque in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province's Chaman area on Wednesday injured at least seven people, including the prayer leader, according to police. The blast occurred at the time of evening prayers in the mosque, which is located on Taj Road in Chaman, bordering Afghanistan. At least seven people, including the mosque's prayer leader, have been injured as a result of the blast, which rocked the entire neighbourhood, Dawn reported. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where a state of emergency has been declared. A video shared on Twitter appears to show the damage caused by the explosion in the mosque. Authorities have cordoned off the site of the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far. Chaman is considered a sensitive town in Balochistan as it shares a border with Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province. Security was tightened on Wednesday across the country to avert any tragedy on the occasion of the Eid Milad-un Nabi, marking the birth anniversary of the Prophet. Mobile phone services were shut down in major cities to prevent terror attacks during the celebrations, in the wake of a suicide attack in neighbouring Afghanistan on Tuesday that killed over 50 people, mostly clerics.

7 injured in blast at mosque in southwest Pakistan

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said.&nbsp;

As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road. The council had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. &nbsp;

A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told AFP a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering of religious scholars.&nbsp;

"The suicide bomber detonated himself inside the hall during a ceremony by religious scholar," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said, confirming the casualty toll.

There was no immediate claim&nbsp;of responsibility for the blast.

Officials at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 30 ambulances had rushed to the blast site. The victims were taken to Kabul Emergency Hospital.&nbsp;

It follows a wave of violence across war-torn Afghanistan in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up attacks.&nbsp;

It is the bloodiest assault in the Afghan capital since a twin bomb attack on a wrestling club in September that killed at least 26 people.

Last month's parliamentary elections sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country, with hundreds killed or wounded in poll-related attacks.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed hopes in Kabul on Sunday that a peace deal to end the 17-year war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April.

His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly.

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said. As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road.

A massive explosion which killed at least 43 people and injured at least 89 was reported at an Afghan religious gathering, the country's health ministry said. As per Tolo News, the explosion targeted an Ulema Council gathering at a wedding hall on Kabul's Airport road. The council had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told AFP a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering of religious scholars. "The suicide bomber detonated himself inside the hall during a ceremony by religious scholar," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said, confirming the casualty toll. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast. Officials at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 30 ambulances had rushed to the blast site. The victims were taken to Kabul Emergency Hospital. It follows a wave of violence across war-torn Afghanistan in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up attacks. It is the bloodiest assault in the Afghan capital since a twin bomb attack on a wrestling club in September that killed at least 26 people. Last month's parliamentary elections sparked a wave of deadly violence across the country, with hundreds killed or wounded in poll-related attacks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed hopes in Kabul on Sunday that a peace deal to end the 17-year war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April. His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly.

Afghanistan: Over 40 killed in suicide attack on religious gathering in Kabul

Three people were killed and several injured in the attack at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar's Rajasansi village on Sunday,&nbsp;IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> 3 dead &amp; 10 injured in the blast at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar's Rajasansi village: IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar <a href="https://t.co/O99yKBjQFu">https://t.co/O99yKBjQFu</a>
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Reports said the attack occurred during a religious ceremony being held at Nirankari Bhawan.&nbsp;

Eyewitnesses said two bike-borne masked men came to the Nirankari Dera and threw a grenade at the congregation.

The victims were rushed to the nearest hospital, and police have begun an investigation.&nbsp;

The attack comes against the backdrop of multiple alerts issued by the intelligence agencies warning of the presence of Kashmiri terrorists in the state.&nbsp;

The state was put on alert after four persons snatched an SUV from its driver at gunpoint near Madhopur in Pathankot district last week.

&nbsp;Posters were also put up in the Amritsar region asking locals to provide information on al-Qaeda operative Zakir Musa, who was suspected to have entered the state.&nbsp;

Three people were killed and several injured in the attack at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar's Rajasansi village on Sunday, IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar said.

Three people were killed and several injured in the attack at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar's Rajasansi village on Sunday, IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar said. #UPDATE 3 dead & 10 injured in the blast at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar's Rajasansi village: IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar https://t.co/O99yKBjQFu — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2018 × Reports said the attack occurred during a religious ceremony being held at Nirankari Bhawan. Eyewitnesses said two bike-borne masked men came to the Nirankari Dera and threw a grenade at the congregation. The victims were rushed to the nearest hospital, and police have begun an investigation. The attack comes against the backdrop of multiple alerts issued by the intelligence agencies warning of the presence of Kashmiri terrorists in the state. The state was put on alert after four persons snatched an SUV from its driver at gunpoint near Madhopur in Pathankot district last week. Posters were also put up in the Amritsar region asking locals to provide information on al-Qaeda operative Zakir Musa, who was suspected to have entered the state.

3 dead, 10 injured in blast at Amritsar's Rajasansi village

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-has-concluded-saudi-crown-prince-ordered-journalists-killing-report-177782">CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report</a>

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-missing-71-dead-in-california-wildfire-177802">Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire</a>

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-explosion-in-karachi-kills-two-injures-eight-177790">Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8</a>

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said.

The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785">PM Modi embraces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785">Maldives</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785"> as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour</a>

Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-white-house-to-restore-press-pass-to-cnns-acosta-177783">US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta</a>

A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump.

The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers. Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8 A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district. PM Modi embraces Maldives as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands. US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump. The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded 10 others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said.

The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

"A timed device planted underneath a pushcart exploded with a big bang, killing two people and wounding 10 others," senior police official Irfan Ali Bahadur told AFP.

Nobody has so far claimed responsibility but Karachi, the country's economic and commercial hub, has long been in the grip of militant, sectarian and ethic violence.

Police cordoned off the area after the explosion and bomb disposal officials were called to the scene.

Seemi Jamali, a senior doctor at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre where the dead and wounded were brought, confirmed the toll and said two of the injured were in a critical condition.

Violence in Pakistan has declined dramatically in recent years following a series of military operations along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, but militant groups are still able to carry out deadly attacks.&nbsp;

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded 10 others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded 10 others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district. "A timed device planted underneath a pushcart exploded with a big bang, killing two people and wounding 10 others," senior police official Irfan Ali Bahadur told AFP. Nobody has so far claimed responsibility but Karachi, the country's economic and commercial hub, has long been in the grip of militant, sectarian and ethic violence. Police cordoned off the area after the explosion and bomb disposal officials were called to the scene. Seemi Jamali, a senior doctor at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre where the dead and wounded were brought, confirmed the toll and said two of the injured were in a critical condition. Violence in Pakistan has declined dramatically in recent years following a series of military operations along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, but militant groups are still able to carry out deadly attacks.

Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 10

An explosion rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting TOLO News.

Afghanistan's&nbsp;ministry of interior confirmed the blast to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives close to a police checkpoint in Kabul city center, TOLO News reported. Six people were killed in the explosion, said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Ten policemen and civilians, including women, were injured in the blast, news agency Reuters reported.

According to reports, the explosion reportedly happened close to Pashtunistan Square in Kabul, TOLO News reported, adding that the blast occurred close to a site where demonstrators have been holding protests against the government's failure to prevent attacks by Taliban militants in two provinces.

Police spokesman Basir Mujahid said he was about 20 m (66 ft) away from the blast, near where a demonstration had broken up some 30 minutes before.

"I took four bodies away but there were more on the ground," he told Reuters, without giving further details.

"The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (yards) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi was quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It was a huge blast near Istiqlal high school, very close to where the demonstrators were gathering," witness Qais Nawabi told AFP.

The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, its propaganda agency Amaq said. IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months.

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Blast at a city centre in Kabul. Casualties feared: TOLO News <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
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The explosion came as Afghan security forces have been suffering scores of casualties in heavy fighting with Taliban militants in two provinces.&nbsp;

As many fifteen Afghan civilians and 10 commandos, who were sent to reinforce Shi'ite militia forces fighting Taliban in the central province of Ghazni, were killed on Sunday, as a days-long battle with threatening ethnic overtones continued, news agency Reuters reported.

The fighting in Jaghori district, an area inhabited mainly by Shi'ite ethnic Hazaras, has been going on since Wednesday, when Taliban fighters attacked the district and the government sent special forces units to back up local militia forces.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An explosion rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting TOLO News. Afghanistan's ministry of interior confirmed the blast to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives close to a police checkpoint in Kabul city center, TOLO News reported.

An explosion rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting TOLO News. Afghanistan's ministry of interior confirmed the blast to have been carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives close to a police checkpoint in Kabul city center, TOLO News reported. Six people were killed in the explosion, said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Ten policemen and civilians, including women, were injured in the blast, news agency Reuters reported. According to reports, the explosion reportedly happened close to Pashtunistan Square in Kabul, TOLO News reported, adding that the blast occurred close to a site where demonstrators have been holding protests against the government's failure to prevent attacks by Taliban militants in two provinces. Police spokesman Basir Mujahid said he was about 20 m (66 ft) away from the blast, near where a demonstration had broken up some 30 minutes before. "I took four bodies away but there were more on the ground," he told Reuters, without giving further details. "The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (yards) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi was quoted by news agency AFP. "It was a huge blast near Istiqlal high school, very close to where the demonstrators were gathering," witness Qais Nawabi told AFP. The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, its propaganda agency Amaq said. IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months. Blast at a city centre in Kabul. Casualties feared: TOLO News #Afghanistan — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × The explosion came as Afghan security forces have been suffering scores of casualties in heavy fighting with Taliban militants in two provinces. As many fifteen Afghan civilians and 10 commandos, who were sent to reinforce Shi'ite militia forces fighting Taliban in the central province of Ghazni, were killed on Sunday, as a days-long battle with threatening ethnic overtones continued, news agency Reuters reported. The fighting in Jaghori district, an area inhabited mainly by Shi'ite ethnic Hazaras, has been going on since Wednesday, when Taliban fighters attacked the district and the government sent special forces units to back up local militia forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Suicide bomber attacks Kabul city centre, Ministry of Interior says at least 6 dead

At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said.

"So far we have confirmed 17 civilians dead. They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. The death toll is sure to rise," Ali Nur, a police officer in the city, told Reuters.

Twin car bombs first went off near two popular hotels as well as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) police headquarters, followed by gunfire and a third explosion in the same area a while later.

"There is an attack going on at the CID area, two car bombs went off and gunfire followed but we don't have details," said police official Ibrahim Mohamed, referring to the initial attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said.

At least 17 people were killed when suicide attackers set off two car bombs at a hotel near the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu on Friday, police said. "So far we have confirmed 17 civilians dead. They were travelling in public vehicles at the scene when the blasts and gunfire occurred. The death toll is sure to rise," Ali Nur, a police officer in the city, told Reuters. Twin car bombs first went off near two popular hotels as well as the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) police headquarters, followed by gunfire and a third explosion in the same area a while later. "There is an attack going on at the CID area, two car bombs went off and gunfire followed but we don't have details," said police official Ibrahim Mohamed, referring to the initial attack. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 17 killed in suicide bomb attack on Somalia hotel

Explosions in several Shiite-majority districts in Iraq's capital late Sunday killed six people, most of them civilians, and wounded several others, police and medical sources said.

In northern Baghdad's Aden roundabout area, two civilians were killed and another six wounded by a blast near a bus stop, the sources told AFP.&nbsp;

A bomb in the nearby Tarmiyah neighbourhood targeted an military convoy, killing a soldier and wounding two others.

A government employee was killed in the southwestern area of Al-Sahha when explosives attached under his car were detonated, according to a police officer and medical source.&nbsp;

In the eastern district of Sadr City, two people were killed and four wounded in two explosions in the conservative Shiite neighbourhood.&nbsp;

And two other blasts went off on busses in other parts of Baghdad's northeast, wounding seven.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for any of the explosions.

Sadr City is the former bastion of the Mahdi Army, which fought US troops and was blamed for the killings of thousands of Sunni Muslims.

The militia was led by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose political alliance triumphed in this year's parliamentary elections.

Violence peaked in Iraq during 2006 and 2007, when sectarian tensions were at their highest.&nbsp;

But it has fallen across Iraq and particularly Baghdad since the government declared victory over the Islamic State group&nbsp;in December.

Clandestine jihadist cells remain across the country and have waged guerrilla-type attacks against government posts.

Explosions in several Shiite-majority districts in Iraq's capital late Sunday killed six people, most of them civilians, and wounded several others, police and medical sources said.

Explosions in several Shiite-majority districts in Iraq's capital late Sunday killed six people, most of them civilians, and wounded several others, police and medical sources said. In northern Baghdad's Aden roundabout area, two civilians were killed and another six wounded by a blast near a bus stop, the sources told AFP. A bomb in the nearby Tarmiyah neighbourhood targeted an military convoy, killing a soldier and wounding two others. A government employee was killed in the southwestern area of Al-Sahha when explosives attached under his car were detonated, according to a police officer and medical source. In the eastern district of Sadr City, two people were killed and four wounded in two explosions in the conservative Shiite neighbourhood. And two other blasts went off on busses in other parts of Baghdad's northeast, wounding seven. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for any of the explosions. Sadr City is the former bastion of the Mahdi Army, which fought US troops and was blamed for the killings of thousands of Sunni Muslims. The militia was led by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose political alliance triumphed in this year's parliamentary elections. Violence peaked in Iraq during 2006 and 2007, when sectarian tensions were at their highest. But it has fallen across Iraq and particularly Baghdad since the government declared victory over the Islamic State group in December. Clandestine jihadist cells remain across the country and have waged guerrilla-type attacks against government posts.

Blasts across Baghdad kill six people: Sources

Multiple explosions rocked polling centres across Kabul on Saturday, causing dozens of casualties, &nbsp;amid growing anger among voters as they waited hours to cast their ballots in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-brave-militant-threat-to-vote-in-delayed-election-172438">long-delayed legislative elections</a>.

At least 30 people have been taken to a trauma hospital run by the Italian NGO Emergency, including a dead child, the organisation said on Twitter, hours after the Taliban warned voters to boycott the ballot "to protect their lives".

Afghan officials confirmed there have been casualties but would not provide a number.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent saw voters fleeing a polling centre in the north of the Afghan capital following a blast that a witness said had caused a number of casualties.&nbsp;

Deadly violence has marred the shambolic preparations for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-extends-election-to-sunday-due-to-chaos-at-polling-stations-172463">parliamentary election</a> that is more than three years late, with hundreds killed or wounded.

The latest bombings are likely to scare off voters, hurting turn out and the credibility of the election. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missing voter registration lists and hiccups with biometric voter verification devices -- which are being used for the first time -- already have caused lengthy delays at polling centres across the country, voters and candidates complained.

Most polling centres opened late after teachers employed to handle the voting process failed to show up on time, said the Independent Election Commission (IEC), which has promised to extend voting hours. &nbsp;

"I came here early to finish and go home quickly, but we have been waiting for an hour and they have not started yet," Mustafa, 42, told AFP outside a mosque in Kabul.&nbsp;

"The queue is getting longer. They have to register our votes quickly -- we are afraid a bomber or a blast may hit us."

Many polling centres in the heavily Shiite neighbourhoods of Kabul remained closed, a top government official told broadcaster Tolo News.&nbsp;

"I have been waiting for two and a half hours and the IEC officials say they have not received the voter (registration) list yet," said Mohammad Mohaqiq, a deputy to Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Abdullah -- Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister -- also waited for around half an hour at a polling centre as election workers searched for his name on a list.

IEC chief Abdul Badi Sayyad later apologised for the delays.

Almost <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-elections-here-are-the-updates-so-far-172432">nine million people</a> have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late.&nbsp;

The killing of a powerful police chief in a highly secure compound in the southern province of Kandahar on Thursday has eroded confidence in the ability of security forces to protect polling locations.

Voting in Kandahar has been delayed by a week following the attack, which killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq.&nbsp;

As voting got under way Saturday, three rockets were fired into the northern city of Kunduz, a police spokesman said. No casualties were reported. &nbsp;

There also were numerous reports of bomb explosions near polling stations in several provinces.&nbsp;

Despite the risks, President Ashraf Ghani urged "every Aghan, young and old, women and men" to exercise their right to vote, after casting his ballot in Kabul.

Photos posted on social media showed scores of men and women clutching their identification documents purportedly lining up outside voting centres across the country amid a heavy security presence.&nbsp;

A woman dressed in a burqa leaving a polling centre in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif told AFP she had been worried about "security incidents", but decided to vote anyway.

"We have to defy the violence," Hafiza, 57, said. "In previous years we were not happy with the elections, our votes were sold out."

The IEC, which has been skewered over the chaotic lead-up to the ballot, on Friday urged Afghans to "vote only once" and called on others not to interfere in the process.&nbsp;

Taliban threats 

The Taliban issued several warnings in the days leading up to the poll, calling on candidates to withdraw from the race and for voters to stay home.

At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed.

Most of those standing are political novices, and include doctors, mullahs and journalists. Those with the deepest pockets are expected to win.&nbsp;

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which has spearheaded international efforts to keep Afghan organisers on track, on Friday called on voters to "exercise their constitutional right to vote".&nbsp;

The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes".

But there are concerns the results could be thrown into turmoil if the biometric verification devices are broken, lost or destroyed.

Votes cast without the controversial machines will not be counted, the IEC has said.

Multiple explosions rocked polling centres across Kabul on Saturday, causing dozens of casualties, amid growing anger among voters as they waited hours to cast their ballots in long-delayed legislative elections.

Multiple explosions rocked polling centres across Kabul on Saturday, causing dozens of casualties, amid growing anger among voters as they waited hours to cast their ballots in long-delayed legislative elections. At least 30 people have been taken to a trauma hospital run by the Italian NGO Emergency, including a dead child, the organisation said on Twitter, hours after the Taliban warned voters to boycott the ballot "to protect their lives". Afghan officials confirmed there have been casualties but would not provide a number. An AFP correspondent saw voters fleeing a polling centre in the north of the Afghan capital following a blast that a witness said had caused a number of casualties. Deadly violence has marred the shambolic preparations for the parliamentary election that is more than three years late, with hundreds killed or wounded. The latest bombings are likely to scare off voters, hurting turn out and the credibility of the election. Missing voter registration lists and hiccups with biometric voter verification devices -- which are being used for the first time -- already have caused lengthy delays at polling centres across the country, voters and candidates complained. Most polling centres opened late after teachers employed to handle the voting process failed to show up on time, said the Independent Election Commission (IEC), which has promised to extend voting hours. "I came here early to finish and go home quickly, but we have been waiting for an hour and they have not started yet," Mustafa, 42, told AFP outside a mosque in Kabul. "The queue is getting longer. They have to register our votes quickly -- we are afraid a bomber or a blast may hit us." Many polling centres in the heavily Shiite neighbourhoods of Kabul remained closed, a top government official told broadcaster Tolo News. "I have been waiting for two and a half hours and the IEC officials say they have not received the voter (registration) list yet," said Mohammad Mohaqiq, a deputy to Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. Abdullah -- Afghanistan's equivalent of prime minister -- also waited for around half an hour at a polling centre as election workers searched for his name on a list. IEC chief Abdul Badi Sayyad later apologised for the delays. Almost nine million people have registered to vote in the parliamentary election, which is more than three years late. The killing of a powerful police chief in a highly secure compound in the southern province of Kandahar on Thursday has eroded confidence in the ability of security forces to protect polling locations. Voting in Kandahar has been delayed by a week following the attack, which killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq. As voting got under way Saturday, three rockets were fired into the northern city of Kunduz, a police spokesman said. No casualties were reported. There also were numerous reports of bomb explosions near polling stations in several provinces. Despite the risks, President Ashraf Ghani urged "every Aghan, young and old, women and men" to exercise their right to vote, after casting his ballot in Kabul. Photos posted on social media showed scores of men and women clutching their identification documents purportedly lining up outside voting centres across the country amid a heavy security presence. A woman dressed in a burqa leaving a polling centre in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif told AFP she had been worried about "security incidents", but decided to vote anyway. "We have to defy the violence," Hafiza, 57, said. "In previous years we were not happy with the elections, our votes were sold out." The IEC, which has been skewered over the chaotic lead-up to the ballot, on Friday urged Afghans to "vote only once" and called on others not to interfere in the process. Taliban threats The Taliban issued several warnings in the days leading up to the poll, calling on candidates to withdraw from the race and for voters to stay home. At least 10 candidates out of more than 2,500 contesting the lower-house election have been killed. Most of those standing are political novices, and include doctors, mullahs and journalists. Those with the deepest pockets are expected to win. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which has spearheaded international efforts to keep Afghan organisers on track, on Friday called on voters to "exercise their constitutional right to vote". The poll is seen as a crucial test for next year's presidential election and an important milestone ahead of a UN meeting in Geneva in November where Afghanistan is under pressure to show progress on "democratic processes". But there are concerns the results could be thrown into turmoil if the biometric verification devices are broken, lost or destroyed. Votes cast without the controversial machines will not be counted, the IEC has said.

Dozens of casualties as multiple blasts rock Kabul polling centres

At least 18 people died in a blast in a technical college on the Crimean peninsula, with dozens more injured, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said on state television on Wednesday.

"It's a colossal tragedy, 18 people died, and 40 more injured, for the time being," Aksyonov told Rossiya 24 channel, after authorities earlier said 50 people were injured.&nbsp;

A student carried out the attack and shot himself, according to the leader of the Russian-annexed peninsula Sergei Askyonov.

"There are already lots of people in the emergency room, and in the operating theatre," TASS quoted the employee as saying.

Photographs from the scene of the blast posted by local media outlet Kerch.FM showed ground floor windows of the two-storey building had been blown out, and debris from the building was lying on the floor outside.

Ambulances and firefighters were at the scene. One person could be seen on a stretcher being carried onto a bus.

The technical college provides vocational training to teenage pupils.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, prompting international condemnation and Western sanctions. Kerch is the point on the peninsula where a bridge linking Crimea to Russia makes landfall on the Crimean side.

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the bridge to road traffic in May this year, getting behind the wheel of a truck to drive it across the bridge.

At least 18 people died in a blast in a technical college on the Crimean peninsula, with dozens more injured, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said on state television on Wednesday.

At least 18 people died in a blast in a technical college on the Crimean peninsula, with dozens more injured, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said on state television on Wednesday. "It's a colossal tragedy, 18 people died, and 40 more injured, for the time being," Aksyonov told Rossiya 24 channel, after authorities earlier said 50 people were injured. A student carried out the attack and shot himself, according to the leader of the Russian-annexed peninsula Sergei Askyonov. "There are already lots of people in the emergency room, and in the operating theatre," TASS quoted the employee as saying. Photographs from the scene of the blast posted by local media outlet Kerch.FM showed ground floor windows of the two-storey building had been blown out, and debris from the building was lying on the floor outside. Ambulances and firefighters were at the scene. One person could be seen on a stretcher being carried onto a bus. The technical college provides vocational training to teenage pupils. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, prompting international condemnation and Western sanctions. Kerch is the point on the peninsula where a bridge linking Crimea to Russia makes landfall on the Crimean side. Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the bridge to road traffic in May this year, getting behind the wheel of a truck to drive it across the bridge.

Death toll rises to 18 in Crimea college blast: Regional leader

A motorcycle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 14 people, officials said, in the latest attack on a political rally.

Violence related to the parliamentary vote has killed or wounded hundreds of people in recent months and more militant attacks are expected ahead of Afghanistan's October 20 poll.

More than 30 people were wounded in the explosion in the northeastern province of Takhar where candidate Nazifa Yousefibek had been campaigning, provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hejri told AFP.

Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said most of the 14 killed were civilians.&nbsp;

"The explosives were placed in a motorcycle and detonated behind a tent where Nazifa Yousefibek was campaigning," Rahimi said.&nbsp;

Yousefibek was not hurt in the blast. No group has claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

Ambulances have been sent to the remote district of Rustaq where the attack happened, but officials also are seeking to airlift the wounded to hospitals, Hejri said.&nbsp;

Khan Jan, who told AFP he saw the explosion, said there had been a powerful blast and "a lot of people" had been killed.

More than 2,500 candidates are contesting the long-delayed legislative elections.&nbsp;

At least nine candidates have died so far, most of them in targeted killings, according to the Independent Election Commission.&nbsp;

A candidate was among eight people killed in a suicide attack in the southern province of Helmand -- a Taliban stronghold -- on October 9. No group has claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

That incident came a day after the Taliban warned candidates to pull out of the "bogus" election, describing it as a "malicious American conspiracy".

The group vowed to attack the ballot and those involved in it.

An attack on a rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar on October 2 killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. The Islamic State group claimed the attack, which the candidate survived.

Violence had been expected to escalate ahead of the poll.

Preparations for the ballot, which is a test run for next year's presidential vote, have been in turmoil for months and there has been debate about whether the vote should go ahead.

Bureaucratic inefficiency, allegations of industrial-scale fraud and an eleventh-hour pledge for biometric verification of voters threaten to derail the process, which is three years late.

Some 54,000 members of Afghanistan's beleaguered security forces will be responsible for protecting more than 5,000 polling centres on election day.

But there are concerns over how they will manage as the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up attacks across the country.

A motorcycle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 14 people, officials said, in the latest attack on a political rally.

A motorcycle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 14 people, officials said, in the latest attack on a political rally. Violence related to the parliamentary vote has killed or wounded hundreds of people in recent months and more militant attacks are expected ahead of Afghanistan's October 20 poll. More than 30 people were wounded in the explosion in the northeastern province of Takhar where candidate Nazifa Yousefibek had been campaigning, provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hejri told AFP. Interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said most of the 14 killed were civilians. "The explosives were placed in a motorcycle and detonated behind a tent where Nazifa Yousefibek was campaigning," Rahimi said. Yousefibek was not hurt in the blast. No group has claimed responsibility. Ambulances have been sent to the remote district of Rustaq where the attack happened, but officials also are seeking to airlift the wounded to hospitals, Hejri said. Khan Jan, who told AFP he saw the explosion, said there had been a powerful blast and "a lot of people" had been killed. More than 2,500 candidates are contesting the long-delayed legislative elections. At least nine candidates have died so far, most of them in targeted killings, according to the Independent Election Commission. A candidate was among eight people killed in a suicide attack in the southern province of Helmand -- a Taliban stronghold -- on October 9. No group has claimed responsibility. That incident came a day after the Taliban warned candidates to pull out of the "bogus" election, describing it as a "malicious American conspiracy". The group vowed to attack the ballot and those involved in it. An attack on a rally in the eastern province of Nangarhar on October 2 killed 13 people and wounded more than 40. The Islamic State group claimed the attack, which the candidate survived. Violence had been expected to escalate ahead of the poll. Preparations for the ballot, which is a test run for next year's presidential vote, have been in turmoil for months and there has been debate about whether the vote should go ahead. Bureaucratic inefficiency, allegations of industrial-scale fraud and an eleventh-hour pledge for biometric verification of voters threaten to derail the process, which is three years late. Some 54,000 members of Afghanistan's beleaguered security forces will be responsible for protecting more than 5,000 polling centres on election day. But there are concerns over how they will manage as the Taliban and the Islamic State group step up attacks across the country.

At least 14 killed in bomb attack on Afghan election rally

A motorcyle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 12 people, officials said, in the latest violence to strike a political gathering.

Another 32 people were wounded in the explosion in the northeastern province of Takhar where parliamentary candidate Nazifa Yousefibek had been campaigning, provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hejri told AFP.

Provincial police spokesman Khalil Assir put the death toll slightly higher at 13. Yousefibek was not hurt in the blast.&nbsp;

"The bomb had been placed on a motorcycle and detonated among the supporters of a female candidate in Rustaq district," Assir told AFP.

At least nine election candidates have been killed in the lead-up to Afghanistan's long-delayed parliamentary elections on October 20.

A motorcyle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 12 people, officials said, in the latest violence to strike a political gathering.

A motorcyle carrying explosives blew up among supporters of an Afghan election candidate on Saturday, killing at least 12 people, officials said, in the latest violence to strike a political gathering. Another 32 people were wounded in the explosion in the northeastern province of Takhar where parliamentary candidate Nazifa Yousefibek had been campaigning, provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hejri told AFP. Provincial police spokesman Khalil Assir put the death toll slightly higher at 13. Yousefibek was not hurt in the blast. "The bomb had been placed on a motorcycle and detonated among the supporters of a female candidate in Rustaq district," Assir told AFP. At least nine election candidates have been killed in the lead-up to Afghanistan's long-delayed parliamentary elections on October 20.

At least 12 killed in bomb attack on Afghan election rally: Officials

Bhilai Steel Plant CEO, two senior officials, have been suspended after Tuesday's blast that claimed 11 lives, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, a team of four doctors from AIIMS was despatched on Wednesday by the Centre to treat the patients who suffered burn injuries in an explosion at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh, officials said.

The blast claimed 11 lives, wounding 14 others. The plant is owned by the government's Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in Chhattisgarh's Durg district.

Of the 14 injured people admitted to the burns unit of the Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital in Bhilai, two succumbed Tuesday late night, a public relations officer of the Bhilai Steel Plant told PTI.

"The two had received over 80 per cent burns," he said, adding that a few other injured people were also in a critical condition.

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GM Safety T Pandiaraja, DGM of Energy Department Naveen Kumar suspended, while COO has been removed. New appointment will be done today itself: Union Minister Birender Singh after pipeline blast in Bhilai Steel Plant yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/2aXeVCPsOX">pic.twitter.com/2aXeVCPsOX</a>
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The explosion had taken place in the gas pipeline connected to the coke oven section of the plant during a maintenance job, the SAIL had said.

Of the nine people who died on Tuesday, six worked in the plant's energy management department, while three were employees of its fire brigade unit, the official said.&nbsp;

Two employees, who were critically injured in an explosion at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh, succumbed to injuries at a hospital, taking the death toll in the blast to 11, an official said Wednesday.

Union Minister of State for Steel Vishnudeo Sai had said Tuesday that a four-member high-level committee was constituted by SAIL to probe the incident. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Bhilai Steel Plant CEO, two senior officials, have been suspended after Tuesday's blast that claimed 11 lives, news agency PTI reported. According to reports, a team of four doctors from AIIMS was despatched on Wednesday by the Centre to treat the patients who suffered burn injuries in an explosion at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh, officials said.

Bhilai Steel Plant CEO, two senior officials, have been suspended after Tuesday's blast that claimed 11 lives, news agency PTI reported. According to reports, a team of four doctors from AIIMS was despatched on Wednesday by the Centre to treat the patients who suffered burn injuries in an explosion at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh, officials said. The blast claimed 11 lives, wounding 14 others. The plant is owned by the government's Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in Chhattisgarh's Durg district. Of the 14 injured people admitted to the burns unit of the Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital in Bhilai, two succumbed Tuesday late night, a public relations officer of the Bhilai Steel Plant told PTI. "The two had received over 80 per cent burns," he said, adding that a few other injured people were also in a critical condition. GM Safety T Pandiaraja, DGM of Energy Department Naveen Kumar suspended, while COO has been removed. New appointment will be done today itself: Union Minister Birender Singh after pipeline blast in Bhilai Steel Plant yesterday. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/2aXeVCPsOX — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The explosion had taken place in the gas pipeline connected to the coke oven section of the plant during a maintenance job, the SAIL had said. Of the nine people who died on Tuesday, six worked in the plant's energy management department, while three were employees of its fire brigade unit, the official said. Two employees, who were critically injured in an explosion at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh, succumbed to injuries at a hospital, taking the death toll in the blast to 11, an official said Wednesday. Union Minister of State for Steel Vishnudeo Sai had said Tuesday that a four-member high-level committee was constituted by SAIL to probe the incident. (With inputs from PTI)

Bhilai Steel Plant blast: CEO, 2 senior officials suspended 

Around 12,000 people were evacuated after a fire and explosions at a rate of two to three a second hit a Ukrainian Defence Ministry ammunition depot early on Tuesday morning, officials said.

No casualties were reported.

Ukraine's state security service said it was investigating possible sabotage, and the defence ministry's spokesman said the fact that explosions were set off in different parts of the depot pointed to sabotage.

The depot is located in the Chernihiv region, 176 km (109 miles) east of the capital, Kiev. A woman who lived 50 km away told the TV channel 112 she could hear the explosions.

"There are no victims, wounded, injured or killed among military personnel, personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the local population," a Defence Ministry statement said. "As of 7 a.m. (0400 GMT), the intensity of explosions is two to three explosions per second."

The airspace in a 30 km radius was closed and road and rail transport suspended. The emergency services reported gas and electricity supplies to the area have been disrupted.

Hundreds of people and equipment were deployed to the site, a statement by the emergency services said, joined by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and the head of Ukraine's armed forces Viktor Muzhenko. The president has called for a report.

Several large fires have hit ammunition and weapons depots in recent years, an additional drain on Ukraine's military. Fighting between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatist rebels has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014.

Last year, massive explosions at a military depot in the Vynnytsya region, 270 km west of Kiev, forced the authorities to evacuate 24,000 people.

Following that, a parliamentary defence committee inspected other depots. It warned that there were significant shortcomings in how the depot in the Chernihiv region was managed, according to a lawmaker who was on the committee.

A "number of shortcomings, including significant ones, were identified," Dmitry Tymchuk wrote on Facebook,.

"As a result of this trip, I sent an address to the heads of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces, which listed the shortcomings identified with a request to intervene in the situation and solve existing problems."

The defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.

Around 12,000 people were evacuated after a fire and explosions at a rate of two to three a second hit a Ukrainian Defence Ministry ammunition depot early on Tuesday morning, officials said.

Around 12,000 people were evacuated after a fire and explosions at a rate of two to three a second hit a Ukrainian Defence Ministry ammunition depot early on Tuesday morning, officials said. No casualties were reported. Ukraine's state security service said it was investigating possible sabotage, and the defence ministry's spokesman said the fact that explosions were set off in different parts of the depot pointed to sabotage. The depot is located in the Chernihiv region, 176 km (109 miles) east of the capital, Kiev. A woman who lived 50 km away told the TV channel 112 she could hear the explosions. "There are no victims, wounded, injured or killed among military personnel, personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the local population," a Defence Ministry statement said. "As of 7 a.m. (0400 GMT), the intensity of explosions is two to three explosions per second." The airspace in a 30 km radius was closed and road and rail transport suspended. The emergency services reported gas and electricity supplies to the area have been disrupted. Hundreds of people and equipment were deployed to the site, a statement by the emergency services said, joined by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and the head of Ukraine's armed forces Viktor Muzhenko. The president has called for a report. Several large fires have hit ammunition and weapons depots in recent years, an additional drain on Ukraine's military. Fighting between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatist rebels has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014. Last year, massive explosions at a military depot in the Vynnytsya region, 270 km west of Kiev, forced the authorities to evacuate 24,000 people. Following that, a parliamentary defence committee inspected other depots. It warned that there were significant shortcomings in how the depot in the Chernihiv region was managed, according to a lawmaker who was on the committee. A "number of shortcomings, including significant ones, were identified," Dmitry Tymchuk wrote on Facebook,. "As a result of this trip, I sent an address to the heads of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces, which listed the shortcomings identified with a request to intervene in the situation and solve existing problems." The defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.

Watch: Thousands evacuated after explosions at Ukrainian ammunition depot

At least six police officers were killed in an ambush with a homemade explosive device in the northern Burkina Faso town of Solle near the border with Mali, security sources told AFP Saturday.

"A police convoy ran into an ambush in Solle" late Friday, a security source said. "The leading vehicle ran over a mine and six were killed."

At least six police officers were killed in an ambush with a homemade explosive device in the northern Burkina Faso town of Solle near the border with Mali, security sources told AFP Saturday.

At least six police officers were killed in an ambush with a homemade explosive device in the northern Burkina Faso town of Solle near the border with Mali, security sources told AFP Saturday. "A police convoy ran into an ambush in Solle" late Friday, a security source said. "The leading vehicle ran over a mine and six were killed."

At least six police dead in Burkina Faso blast: Sources

A seven-year-old boy was killed and nine people, including his mother, were injured in a low-intensity explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata's northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said.

"A child, who was severely injured in the blast, has died in hospital. A total of nine people are injured," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore Commissionerate, Ananda Roy said.

As per initial investigation, ammonium nitrate was used in carrying out the low-intensity blast outside the building, which also houses the office of South Dum Dum Municipality chairman Panchu Roy.

"It was a socket bomb explosion. Forensic team and the bomb squad of CID are examining the spot. We have started further investigation," a police officer said.

The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, the officer said.

"Initially, we thought it was a gas cylinder blast. But it is not so. We have found a few iron nails but there is no smell of gunpowder," another senior police officer said.

Trinamool Congress leader Roy claimed that he was the target of the blast.

Roy, stopping short of naming any political party, said the forces, which are currently attacking the ruling TMC all over Bengal, are behind the attack.

"It was a pre-planned blast... They had planned to kill me and other TMC workers, as it would create panic and help them gain foothold in the area," he told PTI.

Asked whether the explosion was a result of infighting within the TMC, Roy said there was no such issue in south Bengal.

A seven-year-old boy was killed and nine people, including his mother, were injured in a low-intensity explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata's northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said.

A seven-year-old boy was killed and nine people, including his mother, were injured in a low-intensity explosion in front of a multi-storey building in the Nagerbazar area in Kolkata's northern suburbs on Tuesday, police said. "A child, who was severely injured in the blast, has died in hospital. A total of nine people are injured," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore Commissionerate, Ananda Roy said. As per initial investigation, ammonium nitrate was used in carrying out the low-intensity blast outside the building, which also houses the office of South Dum Dum Municipality chairman Panchu Roy. "It was a socket bomb explosion. Forensic team and the bomb squad of CID are examining the spot. We have started further investigation," a police officer said. The explosion was reported outside a fruit shop on the ground floor of the building in the congested Kazipara area under the jurisdiction of Dum Dum Police Station around 9 am, the officer said. "Initially, we thought it was a gas cylinder blast. But it is not so. We have found a few iron nails but there is no smell of gunpowder," another senior police officer said. Trinamool Congress leader Roy claimed that he was the target of the blast. Roy, stopping short of naming any political party, said the forces, which are currently attacking the ruling TMC all over Bengal, are behind the attack. "It was a pre-planned blast... They had planned to kill me and other TMC workers, as it would create panic and help them gain foothold in the area," he told PTI. Asked whether the explosion was a result of infighting within the TMC, Roy said there was no such issue in south Bengal.

Kolkata: Blast in northern suburbs kills one, nine injured 

At least five people were killed and twenty suffered injuries on Monday after a bomb exploded in&nbsp;Afghanistan Capital Kabul.

The bomb exploded in front of the gate of Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development building in Darulaman area.

According to media reports, the explosion occurred around 1 pm while employees were leaving the building.

Local Afghan media suggested that the explosion was a suicide bombing.

No individual or group has owned responsibility for the incident while filing this report. 
&nbsp;

No individual or group has owned responsibility for the incident while filing this report.

At least five people were killed and twenty suffered injuries on Monday after a bomb exploded in Afghanistan Capital Kabul. The bomb exploded in front of the gate of Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development building in Darulaman area. According to media reports, the explosion occurred around 1 pm while employees were leaving the building. Local Afghan media suggested that the explosion was a suicide bombing. No individual or group has owned responsibility for the incident while filing this report.

Afghanistan: 5 killed, 20 injured in Kabul suicide bombing

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was jolted by an explosion earlier today. An explosion went off in a residential neighbourhood.

According to reports, the blast was caused by an explosive that was placed near a park. One person has been reported wounded so far.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has been hit by a series of attacks since the beginning of the year. Hundreds of civilians lost their lives in attacks that targetted Kabul this year.&nbsp;

Last week, gunmen mounted coordinated attacks in Kabul and battled security forces for hours in the main commercial area after setting off three large explosions.

The latest incidents of violence and unrest in the country have put heavy pressure on the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

According to reports, the blast was caused by an explosive that was placed near a park

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul was jolted by an explosion earlier today. An explosion went off in a residential neighbourhood. According to reports, the blast was caused by an explosive that was placed near a park. One person has been reported wounded so far. Afghanistan has been hit by a series of attacks since the beginning of the year. Hundreds of civilians lost their lives in attacks that targetted Kabul this year. Last week, gunmen mounted coordinated attacks in Kabul and battled security forces for hours in the main commercial area after setting off three large explosions. The latest incidents of violence and unrest in the country have put heavy pressure on the Western-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani. (With inputs from Reuters)

Afghanistan: Blast wounds one in capital city Kabul 

Explosions in and around a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed at least 20 people on Tuesday, police said.

The blasts in the town of Mubi bore the hallmarks of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in Africa's most populous country since 2009 and often deploys suicide bombers in crowded places.

Adamawa State police spokesman Othman Abubakar says an explosion occurred during prayers Tuesday afternoon and many people died as they fled and were caught by a second blast.

The jihadist group on Thursday carried out an attack in Maiduguri, capital of neighbouring Borno state, that killed four people.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in the insurgency, which has also forced some two million to flee their homes.

Abdullahi Yerima, police commissioner in Adamawa state, said a suicide bomber struck at the mosque at around 01:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) and a second bomber detonated a device some 200 metres (220 yards) away as worshippers fled.

"About 20 people have died", he said, adding that more than a dozen were hurt.

&nbsp;

The blasts in the town of Mubi bore the hallmarks of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in Africa's most populous country since 2009 and often deploys suicide bombers in crowded places

Explosions in and around a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed at least 20 people on Tuesday, police said. The blasts in the town of Mubi bore the hallmarks of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in Africa's most populous country since 2009 and often deploys suicide bombers in crowded places. Adamawa State police spokesman Othman Abubakar says an explosion occurred during prayers Tuesday afternoon and many people died as they fled and were caught by a second blast. The jihadist group on Thursday carried out an attack in Maiduguri, capital of neighbouring Borno state, that killed four people. More than 30,000 people have been killed in the insurgency, which has also forced some two million to flee their homes. Abdullahi Yerima, police commissioner in Adamawa state, said a suicide bomber struck at the mosque at around 01:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) and a second bomber detonated a device some 200 metres (220 yards) away as worshippers fled. "About 20 people have died", he said, adding that more than a dozen were hurt.

Blasts at mosque kill at least 20 in northeast Nigeria: Police

Five police officials were killed and eight were injured in a third suicide bombing in Quetta on Tuesday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

A suicide bomber targeted a police van on Airport Road, martyring at least five policemen and injuring seven others, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, another explosion happened in Mina Gundi area close to the western bypass, targeting a Frontier Corps post.&nbsp;

The military’s media wing said that three suicide bombers attempted to attack the FC post. However, the attack was foiled by the personnel deployed at the check post, killing two attackers.

The Civil Defence DG has confirmed that all were suicide attacks. He said two suicide bombers loaded with 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives attacked the FC post.

There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions.

The injured security personnel have been shifted to CMH Quetta where two personnel are said to be in critical condition.

There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions

Five police officials were killed and eight were injured in a third suicide bombing in Quetta on Tuesday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said. A suicide bomber targeted a police van on Airport Road, martyring at least five policemen and injuring seven others, reports said. As per reports, another explosion happened in Mina Gundi area close to the western bypass, targeting a Frontier Corps post. The military’s media wing said that three suicide bombers attempted to attack the FC post. However, the attack was foiled by the personnel deployed at the check post, killing two attackers. The Civil Defence DG has confirmed that all were suicide attacks. He said two suicide bombers loaded with 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives attacked the FC post. There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions. The injured security personnel have been shifted to CMH Quetta where two personnel are said to be in critical condition.

Suicide bombers in Quetta kill 5 security personnel, injure 8

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, killing at least 57 people and injuring more than 100, in the most serious attack yet on preparations for elections scheduled for October.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a project of key importance to the credibility of President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said a bomber on foot approached the centre where officials were issuing identity cards as part of the registration process for around 10 million voters across Afghanistan. Registration began this month.

President Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process".

A spokesman for the ministry of public health said at least 57 people were confirmed dead and 119 wounded, but the total could still rise.

The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street.

It was the deadliest blast in Kabul since about 100 people were killed in January by a bomb concealed in an ambulance and it came after repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process.

Tadamichi Yamamoto, the senior United Nations official in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the attack.

"Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said.

After weeks of relative calm, the blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

"There were women, children. Everyone had come to get their identity cards," said Bashir Ahmad who had been near the blast, which occurred despite heightened security after the January attack.

According to UN&nbsp;figures, more than 750 people have been killed or maimed in suicide attacks and bombings by militant groups during the three months to March ahead of an expected start of the Taliban's usual spring offensive.

Bitter reaction

Afghanistan's international partners have insisted that the elections should be held this year before a presidential vote due in 2019, although there has been widespread scepticism that they will go ahead.

More than 7,000 voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan to handle about 10 million registrations in a process that has been repeatedly disrupted by technical and organisational problems.

Officials had pledged tight security to ensure the process proceeded safely. But those caught by Sunday's attack voiced frustration at what many Kabul residents see as government shortcomings in securing the capital.

"They should be keeping the country safe, if they can't, someone else should be in their place," said Sajeda, who was wounded in the blast along with three other members of her family as they lined up for their cards.

The voter registration process, designed to reduce the electoral fraud that has marred past ballots, began this month but there have already been several security incidents.

On Sunday, a roadside bomb near a registration centre in the northern city of Pul-i Khumri killed six members of a family and wounded three, although there was no indication that the incident was directly linked to the Kabul attack.

Last week, two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed outside a voter registration centre, while a voter centre in the central province of Ghor was burned down last week and electoral officials briefly abducted.

The vote could be postponed to next year if registration of voters, many of whom do not have national identity cards, is not completed before winter sets.

Parliament is still sitting three years after its term officially expired and further delays would seriously weaken already fragile confidence in the political system.

There was an additional scare on Sunday when a NATO military convoy in Kabul accidentally hit and injured a child and triggered a protest that police dispersed by firing into the air. A NATO spokesman said the child had been taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

The blast took place in an area of Shia Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State.

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, killing at least 57 people and injuring more than 100, in the most serious attack yet on preparations for elections scheduled for October. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a project of key importance to the credibility of President Ashraf Ghani's government, which has been under international pressure to ensure long-delayed parliamentary polls take place this year. Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danesh said a bomber on foot approached the centre where officials were issuing identity cards as part of the registration process for around 10 million voters across Afghanistan. Registration began this month. President Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process". A spokesman for the ministry of public health said at least 57 people were confirmed dead and 119 wounded, but the total could still rise. The explosion destroyed cars and shattered windows in nearby buildings, leaving rubble strewn across the blood-stained street. It was the deadliest blast in Kabul since about 100 people were killed in January by a bomb concealed in an ambulance and it came after repeated warnings that militants could try to disrupt the election process. Tadamichi Yamamoto, the senior United Nations official in Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the attack. "Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said. After weeks of relative calm, the blast took place in Dasht-e Barchi, an area of western Kabul inhabited by many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority, which has been repeatedly hit by attacks claimed by Islamic State. "There were women, children. Everyone had come to get their identity cards," said Bashir Ahmad who had been near the blast, which occurred despite heightened security after the January attack. According to UN figures, more than 750 people have been killed or maimed in suicide attacks and bombings by militant groups during the three months to March ahead of an expected start of the Taliban's usual spring offensive. Bitter reaction Afghanistan's international partners have insisted that the elections should be held this year before a presidential vote due in 2019, although there has been widespread scepticism that they will go ahead. More than 7,000 voter registration centres have been set up across Afghanistan to handle about 10 million registrations in a process that has been repeatedly disrupted by technical and organisational problems. Officials had pledged tight security to ensure the process proceeded safely. But those caught by Sunday's attack voiced frustration at what many Kabul residents see as government shortcomings in securing the capital. "They should be keeping the country safe, if they can't, someone else should be in their place," said Sajeda, who was wounded in the blast along with three other members of her family as they lined up for their cards. The voter registration process, designed to reduce the electoral fraud that has marred past ballots, began this month but there have already been several security incidents. On Sunday, a roadside bomb near a registration centre in the northern city of Pul-i Khumri killed six members of a family and wounded three, although there was no indication that the incident was directly linked to the Kabul attack. Last week, two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed outside a voter registration centre, while a voter centre in the central province of Ghor was burned down last week and electoral officials briefly abducted. The vote could be postponed to next year if registration of voters, many of whom do not have national identity cards, is not completed before winter sets. Parliament is still sitting three years after its term officially expired and further delays would seriously weaken already fragile confidence in the political system. There was an additional scare on Sunday when a NATO military convoy in Kabul accidentally hit and injured a child and triggered a protest that police dispersed by firing into the air. A NATO spokesman said the child had been taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 57

The resignation of NIA special court judge Ravinder Reddy, who delivered the verdict in &nbsp;Mecca Masjid blast case, has been rejected by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.&nbsp; 
 
Reddy has been asked to attend to his duties immediately, ANI reported sources as saying.&nbsp;

Nine people had died in the 2007 blast, which took place in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

10 people had been accused in the case, five of whom stood trial.&nbsp;

Reddy had acquitted all five earlier this week.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mecca-blast-verdict-asaduddin-owaisi-terms-nia-blind-deaf-131332">Asaduddin Owaisi calls NIA 'blind and deaf'</a>

Right after the verdict, he had resigned.&nbsp;

Special court judge Ravinder Reddy's resignation has been rejected by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana High Court. He has reportedly been asked to attend to his duties immediately

The resignation of NIA special court judge Ravinder Reddy, who delivered the verdict in Mecca Masjid blast case, has been rejected by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Reddy has been asked to attend to his duties immediately, ANI reported sources as saying. Nine people had died in the 2007 blast, which took place in Hyderabad. 10 people had been accused in the case, five of whom stood trial. Reddy had acquitted all five earlier this week. Also read: Asaduddin Owaisi calls NIA 'blind and deaf' Right after the verdict, he had resigned.

Resignation of judge who delivered Mecca Masjid blast verdict rejected: Sources

A blast from explosives placed on a motorbike killed at least six people, including four children, and wounded nine other children in Herat province in western Afghanistan, a government official said.

The explosion happened near a mosque in Shindand district, said Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat's governor said.

More details are awaited.&nbsp

The explosion happened near a mosque in Shindand district

A blast from explosives placed on a motorbike killed at least six people, including four children, and wounded nine other children in Herat province in western Afghanistan, a government official said. The explosion happened near a mosque in Shindand district, said Jilani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat's governor said. More details are awaited.

Afghanistan: Blast kills at least 6 in Herat province

A man in Kolkata was left critically injured after an explosion in Dum Dum Cantonment railway line on Monday morning.&nbsp;

The police and railway officials immediately rushed to the site and recovered 10 crude bombs at the spot of the&nbsp;explosion.&nbsp;

As per PTI, the bomb exploded when Basudeb Biswas (28), a rag picker, tried to open a metallic container which he found near a rail track between Dum Dum Cantonment and Dum Dum Junction stations. Superintendent of Railway Police (SRP), Asesh Biswas said that a bomb disposal squad from the Sealdah GRP was rushed to the spot and recovered about 29 crude bombs.

The rag picker, who sustained splinter injuries on his right arm, was admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a> Explosion on Kolkata's Dum Dum cantonment railway line. Ten crude bombs recovered at the spot of the explosion, police and railway police present at the spot. One person critically. <a href="https://t.co/EGWk8rFpDi">pic.twitter.com/EGWk8rFpDi</a>
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The police along with the railway police have started investigating the matter. Further details awaited.

The explosion comes just two days after a&nbsp;bomb was recovered on Saturday night from an under-construction metro tunnel in Kolkata. The bomb was recovered from Subhas Sarovar under-construction metro tunnel.

The police and railway officials immediately rushed to the side and recovered 10 crude bombs at the spot of explosion

A man in Kolkata was left critically injured after an explosion in Dum Dum Cantonment railway line on Monday morning. The police and railway officials immediately rushed to the site and recovered 10 crude bombs at the spot of the explosion. As per PTI, the bomb exploded when Basudeb Biswas (28), a rag picker, tried to open a metallic container which he found near a rail track between Dum Dum Cantonment and Dum Dum Junction stations. Superintendent of Railway Police (SRP), Asesh Biswas said that a bomb disposal squad from the Sealdah GRP was rushed to the spot and recovered about 29 crude bombs. The rag picker, who sustained splinter injuries on his right arm, was admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Further investigation into the incident is underway. #SpotVisuals Explosion on Kolkata's Dum Dum cantonment railway line. Ten crude bombs recovered at the spot of the explosion, police and railway police present at the spot. One person critically. pic.twitter.com/EGWk8rFpDi — ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2018 × The police along with the railway police have started investigating the matter. Further details awaited. The explosion comes just two days after a bomb was recovered on Saturday night from an under-construction metro tunnel in Kolkata. The bomb was recovered from Subhas Sarovar under-construction metro tunnel.

Explosion at Kolkata's cantonment railway station, 10 crude bombs discovered

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