Six secondary school children were among nine Hong Kongers arrested on terror charges for allegedly trying to manufacture a powerful explosive, police announced Tuesday.

Five males and four females aged between 15 and 39 were arrested Monday on suspicion of "conspiracy to use explosives for terrorist activities", police said.

"The operation we conducted yesterday was against gangsters (who) tried to manufacture TATP explosive inside a home-made laboratory inside a hostel," senior superintendent Steve Li, from the city's new national security unit, told reporters. TATP is a high-powered explosive.

Police said the nine people belonged to a pro-independence group that called itself "Returning Valiant". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-is-a-human-rights-emergency-amnesty-394852">Also read | Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty</a>

Those arrested included six teenage students and three adults who worked at a local university, a secondary school, and as a driver.

Li said they were planning to attack public facilities including a cross-harbour tunnel, the railway network, and courtrooms to "maximise damage to society".

Anti-government sentiment exploded in 2019 during massive and often violent pro-democracy protests that were stamped out with arrests and a new national security law. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-citizens-snap-up-final-edition-of-apple-daily-taiwan-edition-to-continue-operations-393571">Also read | Hong Kong citizens snap up final edition of Apple Daily, Taiwan edition to continue operations</a>

While stability has been widely enforced, Hong Kong remains a deeply polarised city where many residents still seethe under Beijing's rule.

News of Tuesday's arrests came just days after a 50-year-old man took his own life after stabbing a police officer in what authorities said was a "lone wolf" attack.

Police said Tuesday they seized various items from the group, including a small amount of explosives, raw materials to produce TATP, air guns, mobile phones, SIM cards, an operating manual on how to plant bombs, and plans to leave the city.

They also found some HK$90,000 ($11,585) in cash and froze around HK$600,000 in related bank accounts.

Police have made multiple arrests in the last two years for alleged bomb plots although no major attack has been carried out successfully. 
 
In April, a 29-year-old man was jailed for 12-years for manufacturing a kilogramme of TATP.

Six secondary school children were among nine Hong Kongers arrested on terror charges for allegedly trying to manufacture a powerful explosive, police announced Tuesday.

Six secondary school children were among nine Hong Kongers arrested on terror charges for allegedly trying to manufacture a powerful explosive, police announced Tuesday. Five males and four females aged between 15 and 39 were arrested Monday on suspicion of "conspiracy to use explosives for terrorist activities", police said. "The operation we conducted yesterday was against gangsters (who) tried to manufacture TATP explosive inside a home-made laboratory inside a hostel," senior superintendent Steve Li, from the city's new national security unit, told reporters. TATP is a high-powered explosive. Police said the nine people belonged to a pro-independence group that called itself "Returning Valiant". Also read | Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty Those arrested included six teenage students and three adults who worked at a local university, a secondary school, and as a driver. Li said they were planning to attack public facilities including a cross-harbour tunnel, the railway network, and courtrooms to "maximise damage to society". Anti-government sentiment exploded in 2019 during massive and often violent pro-democracy protests that were stamped out with arrests and a new national security law. Also read | Hong Kong citizens snap up final edition of Apple Daily, Taiwan edition to continue operations While stability has been widely enforced, Hong Kong remains a deeply polarised city where many residents still seethe under Beijing's rule. News of Tuesday's arrests came just days after a 50-year-old man took his own life after stabbing a police officer in what authorities said was a "lone wolf" attack. Police said Tuesday they seized various items from the group, including a small amount of explosives, raw materials to produce TATP, air guns, mobile phones, SIM cards, an operating manual on how to plant bombs, and plans to leave the city. They also found some HK$90,000 ($11,585) in cash and froze around HK$600,000 in related bank accounts. Police have made multiple arrests in the last two years for alleged bomb plots although no major attack has been carried out successfully. In April, a 29-year-old man was jailed for 12-years for manufacturing a kilogramme of TATP.

Six school kids among nine Hong Kongers arrested for ‘bomb plot’

At least seven people were dead and 50 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped apart a three-storey building in Dhaka on Sunday, as per Bangladeshi officials. They cited a gas pipeline as the likely cause. The explosion was so forceful that windows of at least four moving buses were shattered. This injured dozens of passengers on board.

Dhaka police chief Shafiqur Rahman said at least seven people were killed in the explosion, though the fire service offered a lower death toll of three. Police and fire service officials said 50 people were injured.

"Fire service officers are at the scene. They will investigate the reason of the explosion. But primarily we believe methane gas accumulated and concentrated in the pipeline and then exploded in the ground floor," Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Syed Nurul Islam told AFP.

The police chief ruled out foul play stating that Dhaka has seen several similar explosions in recent years.

Witnesses told local media the blast had reduced the building -- which houses a restaurant, an electronics shop and several other stores -- to rubble.

Police said at least two adjacent buildings were also partially damaged.&nbsp;

"At least four of the injured are in critical condition," said Samanta Lal Sen, a top doctor at the Sheikh Hasina Burn Hospital, where a dozen of the injured were taken for treatment.&nbsp;

A police bomb disposal unit rushed to the spot.

"We are analysing the nature of the explosion as the ground floor of the building was destroyed," unit leader Rahmatullah Chowdhury told The Daily Star.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least seven people were dead and 50 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped apart a three-storey building in Dhaka on Sunday, as per Bangladeshi officials.

At least seven people were dead and 50 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped apart a three-storey building in Dhaka on Sunday, as per Bangladeshi officials. They cited a gas pipeline as the likely cause. The explosion was so forceful that windows of at least four moving buses were shattered. This injured dozens of passengers on board. Dhaka police chief Shafiqur Rahman said at least seven people were killed in the explosion, though the fire service offered a lower death toll of three. Police and fire service officials said 50 people were injured. "Fire service officers are at the scene. They will investigate the reason of the explosion. But primarily we believe methane gas accumulated and concentrated in the pipeline and then exploded in the ground floor," Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Syed Nurul Islam told AFP. The police chief ruled out foul play stating that Dhaka has seen several similar explosions in recent years. Witnesses told local media the blast had reduced the building -- which houses a restaurant, an electronics shop and several other stores -- to rubble. Police said at least two adjacent buildings were also partially damaged. "At least four of the injured are in critical condition," said Samanta Lal Sen, a top doctor at the Sheikh Hasina Burn Hospital, where a dozen of the injured were taken for treatment. A police bomb disposal unit rushed to the spot. "We are analysing the nature of the explosion as the ground floor of the building was destroyed," unit leader Rahmatullah Chowdhury told The Daily Star. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh: Seven dead, 50 hurt in powerful blast

At least two soldiers and a police officer were killed Saturday when their vehicle hit an explosive device in northeast Ivory Coast near the border with Burkina Faso, a security source told AFP.

At least two soldiers and a police officer were killed Saturday when their vehicle hit an explosive device in northeast Ivory Coast near the border with Burkina Faso, a security source told AFP. "The explosion also left three wounded," the source said. It comes a week after another attack by suspected jihadists killed an Ivorian soldier in Tougbo town a few kilometres from the border. It also comes just two days after Ivory Coast and France inaugurated a counter-terrorism academy near Abidjan intended to ramp up the Sahel region's ability to counter a widespread jihadist threat. Security experts have warned that the area's bloody jihadist insurgency could spread southwards to countries on the Gulf of Guinea. It was the fourth attack in the West African region in just over two months. Also Read | Thousands protest far-right ideas in France The latest spate of assaults dating back to March, when dozens of suspected Islamists killed three members of the Ivorian security forces in a twin raid on army positions near the border with Burkina. "Three terrorists" were killed and four were arrested, the army said. These attacks have been blamed on jihadists who are active in Burkina Faso, as well as neighbouring Mali and Niger. The Sahel insurgency sprang up in northern Mali in 2012 before advancing into Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015. Ivory Coast was first hit in a jihadist attack in March 2016, when 19 people died in a raid on Grand-Bassam, a seaside resort near Abidjan. In June 2020, 14 soldiers were killed in an attack on Kafolo. "Northern Ivory Coast along the border with Burkina Faso is coming under the heel of jihadist groups. This region constitutes an important security aspect for the Ivorian state," Ivorian anti-terrorism expert Lassina Diarra told AFP recently. On Thursday Ivorian Prime Minister Patrick Achi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian attended the formal inauguration of the International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism just outside Abidjan. Ivorian Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara said the academy would be "a focal point of regional competence in the anti-terror fight to benefit the stability of our states and the security of our populations." Former colonial power France already plays a strategic role in the region with a 5,100-strong military presence at the head of Operation Barkhane. But French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced a troop drawdown and a new international task force, promising "a profound transformation of our military presence in the Sahel".

Police officer, two soldiers killed in Ivory Coast IED blast

Blasts targetting two mini buses in Kabul claimed at least 7 lives, police said on Saturday. The blasts took place in the neighbourhood dominated by minority Hazara community. Similar attacks on buses this month killed 12 civilians in this neighbourhood.

Basir Mujahid, Kabul's police spokesman, added that six people had also been wounded in Saturday's blasts.

As foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the violence is increasing in the country.

It was not immediately clear who was behind Saturday's attacks.

The Hazara community has also been the target of a number of attacks from the Islamic State militant group. In May an unclaimed attack on a school in the area left around 80, mostly school girls, dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

Blasts targetting two mini buses in Kabul claimed at least 7 lives, police said on Saturday. The blasts took place in the neighbourhood dominated by minority Hazara community.

Blasts targetting two mini buses in Kabul claimed at least 7 lives, police said on Saturday. The blasts took place in the neighbourhood dominated by minority Hazara community. Similar attacks on buses this month killed 12 civilians in this neighbourhood. Basir Mujahid, Kabul's police spokesman, added that six people had also been wounded in Saturday's blasts. As foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the violence is increasing in the country. It was not immediately clear who was behind Saturday's attacks. The Hazara community has also been the target of a number of attacks from the Islamic State militant group. In May an unclaimed attack on a school in the area left around 80, mostly school girls, dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul: Blasts in buses kill at least 7

Teenager Fatima Noori and her fellow pupils hug and pray as they gather in their Kabul classroom, just weeks after bombs exploded right outside the school gates, killing scores of their classmates. 
 
The Sayed Ul-Shuhada High School in the west of the city has remained closed since the May 8 bombings, but a local NGO and the Ministry of Public Health have been holding psychotherapy classes there for girls to help with any trauma. 
 
"When I first entered the school (after the blast) to attend the psychotherapy class, I was very scared and worried that the same incident might happen again," 15-year-old Fatima said last month. "I even fainted near the school gate." 
 
But Fatima said her resolve had grown since then and she was determined to return to school, even with the potential threat of another explosion. 
 
"I want to come back to school even more strongly than before and continue my studies," she said. "I want to continue the path of those who were martyred." 
 
Girls and boys at the high school study in three shifts. The May 8 attack targeted the second shift, which is for female students, Najiba Arian, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said. 
 
Fatima was in the school corridor getting ready to go home when the first bomb exploded outside the school gate. Two more bombs detonated as people rushed to escape. At least 80 people were killed and 160 injured, most of them schoolgirls. 
 
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the Taliban denied responsibility. But the minority Hazara neighbourhood where the school is located has repeatedly been targeted by militants. 
 
The United States and many other Western nations have touted girls' education as one of the key successes of years of foreign presence in Afghanistan. 
 
More than 3.5 million girls are now enrolled in school in the country, according to USAID, compared to none during the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001. But an estimated 3.7 million children remain out of school, 60% of them girls, according to UNICEF. 
 
Security is deteriorating as foreign forces prepare to leave Afghanistan later this year, emboldening some hardline Islamist groups to threaten the progress made in girls' education. 
 
Fatima's father, 36-year-old Taqi Noori, said he thought about, but decided against, leaving the country. 
 
"There is always war in Afghanistan, but what can we do? This is our country ... if we go somewhere else, my children would be deprived of education," he said from their hillside home, about a 10-minute walk from Fatima's school.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Fatima has continued her studies at home as she waits for the school to reopen, the timing of which remains uncertain. 
 
"I am interested in medical science, and I want to become a good doctor in the future to treat our security forces injured while defending our people, land, and our borders." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Teenager Fatima Noori and her fellow pupils hug and pray as they gather in their Kabul classroom, just weeks after bombs exploded right outside the school gates, killing scores of their classmates.

Teenager Fatima Noori and her fellow pupils hug and pray as they gather in their Kabul classroom, just weeks after bombs exploded right outside the school gates, killing scores of their classmates. The Sayed Ul-Shuhada High School in the west of the city has remained closed since the May 8 bombings, but a local NGO and the Ministry of Public Health have been holding psychotherapy classes there for girls to help with any trauma. "When I first entered the school (after the blast) to attend the psychotherapy class, I was very scared and worried that the same incident might happen again," 15-year-old Fatima said last month. "I even fainted near the school gate." But Fatima said her resolve had grown since then and she was determined to return to school, even with the potential threat of another explosion. "I want to come back to school even more strongly than before and continue my studies," she said. "I want to continue the path of those who were martyred." Girls and boys at the high school study in three shifts. The May 8 attack targeted the second shift, which is for female students, Najiba Arian, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said. Fatima was in the school corridor getting ready to go home when the first bomb exploded outside the school gate. Two more bombs detonated as people rushed to escape. At least 80 people were killed and 160 injured, most of them schoolgirls. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the Taliban denied responsibility. But the minority Hazara neighbourhood where the school is located has repeatedly been targeted by militants. The United States and many other Western nations have touted girls' education as one of the key successes of years of foreign presence in Afghanistan. More than 3.5 million girls are now enrolled in school in the country, according to USAID, compared to none during the Taliban's rule from 1996 to 2001. But an estimated 3.7 million children remain out of school, 60% of them girls, according to UNICEF. Security is deteriorating as foreign forces prepare to leave Afghanistan later this year, emboldening some hardline Islamist groups to threaten the progress made in girls' education. Fatima's father, 36-year-old Taqi Noori, said he thought about, but decided against, leaving the country. "There is always war in Afghanistan, but what can we do? This is our country ... if we go somewhere else, my children would be deprived of education," he said from their hillside home, about a 10-minute walk from Fatima's school. Fatima has continued her studies at home as she waits for the school to reopen, the timing of which remains uncertain. "I am interested in medical science, and I want to become a good doctor in the future to treat our security forces injured while defending our people, land, and our borders." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan girl determined to return to school after deadly blast

A bus blast in Kabul claimed at least four lives on Thursday. The attack is latest on commuters in the capital of Afghanistan. In past two days, two other attacks targetted buses in the city. This has given rise to fears that more violence is in store as USA withdraws troops from the country.

Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said the explosion happened on a road in southwestern Kabul near a neighbourhood largely populated by the Shiite Hazara community, who have been the frequent target of militant attacks.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet.

Earlier this week, the Islamic State group's Afghan affiliate claimed back-to-back attacks on two buses in Kabul that killed at least 10 people.&nbsp;

Violence has soared in Afghanistan in recent weeks. Government forces and the Taliban are clashing almost daily in the countryside. Militants are appearing to focus on battering checkpoints and bases near Kabul.

The surge in violence comes as the US military continues to withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden has ordered complete pullout by September 11, 2021, the day of 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks.

But as the Americans pack up, experts fear Afghanistan will remain home to a number of jihadist groups.

In a report published by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, the body warned that IS continues "to pose a threat to both the country and the wider region", saying the group had approximately 2,000 fighters inside Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A bus blast in Kabul claimed at least four lives on Thursday. The attack is latest on commuters in the capital of Afghanistan. In past two days, two other attacks targetted buses in the city.

A bus blast in Kabul claimed at least four lives on Thursday. The attack is latest on commuters in the capital of Afghanistan. In past two days, two other attacks targetted buses in the city. This has given rise to fears that more violence is in store as USA withdraws troops from the country. Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said the explosion happened on a road in southwestern Kabul near a neighbourhood largely populated by the Shiite Hazara community, who have been the frequent target of militant attacks. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet. Earlier this week, the Islamic State group's Afghan affiliate claimed back-to-back attacks on two buses in Kabul that killed at least 10 people. Violence has soared in Afghanistan in recent weeks. Government forces and the Taliban are clashing almost daily in the countryside. Militants are appearing to focus on battering checkpoints and bases near Kabul. The surge in violence comes as the US military continues to withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden has ordered complete pullout by September 11, 2021, the day of 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. But as the Americans pack up, experts fear Afghanistan will remain home to a number of jihadist groups. In a report published by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, the body warned that IS continues "to pose a threat to both the country and the wider region", saying the group had approximately 2,000 fighters inside Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Kabul bus blast claims four lives

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country.

The blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries occurred at 2330 GMT. Mansour Shisheforoush, head of the province's crisis management organisation said that the blast took place due to "unclear reasons still being investigated"

He added that nine factory workers were injured and transferred to hospital, he added. Shisheforoush said several investigation teams were at the scene to determine the cause of the blast.

The factory is located about 45 kilometres (just under 30 miles) northwest of Isfahan city

The company manufactures "industrial-commercial explosive materials" and was established in 1941, according to its website.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country.

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country. The blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries occurred at 2330 GMT. Mansour Shisheforoush, head of the province's crisis management organisation said that the blast took place due to "unclear reasons still being investigated" He added that nine factory workers were injured and transferred to hospital, he added. Shisheforoush said several investigation teams were at the scene to determine the cause of the blast. The factory is located about 45 kilometres (just under 30 miles) northwest of Isfahan city The company manufactures "industrial-commercial explosive materials" and was established in 1941, according to its website. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Nine people injured in explosives factory blast

Explosions caused by a car bomb and mortars outside a school in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday killed at least 55 people and wounded over 150, mostly female students.

Afghanistan: Car bombing at Afghan school in Kabul injures over 150, kills 55

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed is conscious after life-saving surgery, his family said on Saturday, as police made two arrests in connection with a blast they said was being treated as a terror attack.&nbsp;

Nasheed, the president of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party and the current parliament speaker, was critically injured after a bomb exploded as he left his family home in the capital Male on Thursday. &nbsp;

Police on Saturday said they had made two arrests in connection with the blast, without giving further details. &nbsp;

"I'm good," Nasheed said after coming off life support, according to a tweet by his sister Nashida Sattar.&nbsp;

His brother, Ibrahim Nashid, said doctors were happy with Nasheed's recovery.&nbsp;

"He is out of life support and breathing on his own," he said in a tweet. "Managed to exchange a few words. Promised to come back stronger. I believe him." &nbsp;

Nasheed, the Maldives' first democratically-elected president, is an outspoken critic of Islamic extremism in the Sunni Muslim island archipelago, and has been instrumental in investigating graft allegations against opposition leaders.&nbsp;

The country has a reputation for political unrest. &nbsp;

Nasheed was deposed and exiled in what he called a coup in 2012, while in 2015, former President Abdulla Yameen escaped unharmed after an explosion on his speedboat. &nbsp;

In 2007, a blast that was blamed on Islamist militants targeted foreign tourists and injured 12 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed is conscious after life-saving surgery, his family said on Saturday, as police made two arrests in connection with a blast they said was being treated as a terror attack.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed is conscious after life-saving surgery, his family said on Saturday, as police made two arrests in connection with a blast they said was being treated as a terror attack. Nasheed, the president of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party and the current parliament speaker, was critically injured after a bomb exploded as he left his family home in the capital Male on Thursday. Police on Saturday said they had made two arrests in connection with the blast, without giving further details. "I'm good," Nasheed said after coming off life support, according to a tweet by his sister Nashida Sattar. His brother, Ibrahim Nashid, said doctors were happy with Nasheed's recovery. "He is out of life support and breathing on his own," he said in a tweet. "Managed to exchange a few words. Promised to come back stronger. I believe him." Nasheed, the Maldives' first democratically-elected president, is an outspoken critic of Islamic extremism in the Sunni Muslim island archipelago, and has been instrumental in investigating graft allegations against opposition leaders. The country has a reputation for political unrest. Nasheed was deposed and exiled in what he called a coup in 2012, while in 2015, former President Abdulla Yameen escaped unharmed after an explosion on his speedboat. In 2007, a blast that was blamed on Islamist militants targeted foreign tourists and injured 12 people. (With inputs from agencies)

'I'm good', says former Maldives president Nasheed after surviving bomb blast 

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.

Quetta is capital of Pakistani province of Balochistan where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency.

"At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP, describing it as "an act of terrorism".

"The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-probe-opened-after-senior-journalist-critical-of-military-attacked-379077">Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked</a>

Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources -- a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth.

The resentment has increased after CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects that locals allege have very little benefit to them as jobs went to outsiders.

Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast.

"Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said. 
No group immediately claimed the attack.

In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project -- the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea -- killing at least eight people.

And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies.

All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army.

(With inputs from agencies)

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel.

A deadly blast at a luxury hotel rocked Pakistani city of Quetta late on Wednesday. The blast killed at least four people. Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP that a Chinese delegation led by the ambassador was lodging in the hotel. Quetta is capital of Pakistani province of Balochistan where Pakistan military has been fighting a decade-long low-level insurgency. "At least four people have been killed and 12 others were injured," Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told AFP, describing it as "an act of terrorism". "The ambassador was out for a meeting when the explosion took place," he added. Also Read | Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked Balochistan is poor despite its natural resources -- a source of great anger to residents who complain they do not receive a fair share of the gas and mineral wealth. The resentment has increased after CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects that locals allege have very little benefit to them as jobs went to outsiders. Azhar Ikram, a senior police official in the city, confirmed the death toll and said that the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel, but was not present at the time of the blast. "Initial probe suggests it was an IED planted in one of the vehicles," Ikram said. No group immediately claimed the attack. In 2019 gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking a flagship CPEC project -- the deep-water seaport in Gwadar that gives China strategic access to the Arabian Sea -- killing at least eight people. And in June, Baloch insurgents targeted the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which is partly owned by Chinese companies. All the attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Deadly blast at luxury hotel housing Chinese ambassador kills four

The Czech Republic said on Sunday it had informed NATO and European Union allies about suspected Russian involvement in a 2014 ammunition depot explosion and the matter would be addressed at an EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday.&nbsp;

The central European country expelled 18 Russian embassy staff on Saturday over the issue and said investigations had linked Russian intelligence to the explosion, which killed two people. &nbsp;

Russia's Interfax news agency cited Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the Russian upper house's international affairs committee, on Saturday as saying Prague's assertions were absurd and Russia's response should be proportionate.&nbsp;

The expulsions and allegations come at a time of heightened Russian-Western tensions and have triggered the biggest dispute between the Czechs and Russia since the 1989 end of Communist rule, when Prague was under Moscow's domination for decades.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the EU’s executive commission confirmed remarks by acting Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek on Twitter that the dispute would be addressed during a previously schedule EU foreign ministers' video conference on Monday.&nbsp;

Separately, Czech police said they were searching for two men in connection with serious criminal activity, who were carrying Russian passports in the names of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, and that the men were in the country in the days leading up to the 2014 explosion.&nbsp;

Those were the aliases used by two Russian military intelligence (GRU) officers, who British prosecutors charged with the attempted poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in 2018. Moscow denied involvement in that incident. &nbsp;

The United States and Britain said they stood in full solidarity with the Czech Republic in the dispute with Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Czech Republic said on Sunday it had informed NATO and European Union allies about suspected Russian involvement in a 2014 ammunition depot explosion and the matter would be addressed at an EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday.

The Czech Republic said on Sunday it had informed NATO and European Union allies about suspected Russian involvement in a 2014 ammunition depot explosion and the matter would be addressed at an EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday. The central European country expelled 18 Russian embassy staff on Saturday over the issue and said investigations had linked Russian intelligence to the explosion, which killed two people. Russia's Interfax news agency cited Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the Russian upper house's international affairs committee, on Saturday as saying Prague's assertions were absurd and Russia's response should be proportionate. The expulsions and allegations come at a time of heightened Russian-Western tensions and have triggered the biggest dispute between the Czechs and Russia since the 1989 end of Communist rule, when Prague was under Moscow's domination for decades. On Sunday, the EU’s executive commission confirmed remarks by acting Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek on Twitter that the dispute would be addressed during a previously schedule EU foreign ministers' video conference on Monday. Separately, Czech police said they were searching for two men in connection with serious criminal activity, who were carrying Russian passports in the names of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, and that the men were in the country in the days leading up to the 2014 explosion. Those were the aliases used by two Russian military intelligence (GRU) officers, who British prosecutors charged with the attempted poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with the nerve agent Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in 2018. Moscow denied involvement in that incident. The United States and Britain said they stood in full solidarity with the Czech Republic in the dispute with Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

EU to discuss alleged Russian link to 2014 blast in Czech Republic 

A powerful explosion has rocked east Baghdad on Thursday, killing one person and injuring 12 others. The cause of the blast in the Baghdad's Sadr City area is not immediately known.

Powerful explosion rocks east Baghdad, 1 killed and 12 injured

At least 12 people were injured in an attack staged by members of the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit at a mosque in Bangladesh`s Gaibandha district. 
 
Police claimed the incident in the Sundarganj area took place on Friday afternoon due to a conflict over the Silamoni mosque`s management committee. 
 
Motlob Uddin, the mosque's Imam, said the attackers had long been identified themselves as Hefazat activists. 
 
The militants snatched the microphone from the Imam after the Friday prayers and threatened the devotees to go out and support the Hefazat`s violence. 
 
The militants attacked the devotees when they tried to intervene, Imam (the priest) Motlob informed the police. 
 
The injured are being treated at various hospitals in the district. 
 
A case is being filed at Sundarganj Police Station regarding this issue. 
 
Officer in Charge of the police station Bulbul Islam said it was not an attack by Hefazat activists. 
 
"Disagreements over the mosque`s committee is the reason for this untoward incident," he added. 
 
The Bangladesh government has instructed not to hold any meeting at mosques and other religious places across the country before and after prayers. 
 
On Monday, the Religious Affairs Ministry issued some guidelines on offering prayers and maintaining health guidelines at mosques during the lockdown. 
 
It also said the instruction had been issued to discourage mass gatherings at all mosques centring Friday`s and other prayers, in addition to other religious places.

At least 12 people were injured in an attack staged by members of the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit at a mosque in Bangladesh`s Gaibandha district. Police claimed the incident in the Sundarganj area took place on Friday afternoon due to a conflict over the Silamoni mosque`s management committee.

At least 12 people were injured in an attack staged by members of the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit at a mosque in Bangladesh`s Gaibandha district. Police claimed the incident in the Sundarganj area took place on Friday afternoon due to a conflict over the Silamoni mosque`s management committee. Motlob Uddin, the mosque's Imam, said the attackers had long been identified themselves as Hefazat activists. The militants snatched the microphone from the Imam after the Friday prayers and threatened the devotees to go out and support the Hefazat`s violence. The militants attacked the devotees when they tried to intervene, Imam (the priest) Motlob informed the police. The injured are being treated at various hospitals in the district. A case is being filed at Sundarganj Police Station regarding this issue. Officer in Charge of the police station Bulbul Islam said it was not an attack by Hefazat activists. "Disagreements over the mosque`s committee is the reason for this untoward incident," he added. The Bangladesh government has instructed not to hold any meeting at mosques and other religious places across the country before and after prayers. On Monday, the Religious Affairs Ministry issued some guidelines on offering prayers and maintaining health guidelines at mosques during the lockdown. It also said the instruction had been issued to discourage mass gatherings at all mosques centring Friday`s and other prayers, in addition to other religious places.

12 injured in Bangladesh mosque attack

Seven miners were killed in a blast at a coal mine in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Monday night, the second such deadly incident in the region in a week.&nbsp;

A buildup of methane gas in the mine in the Torghar gas field in the district of Harnai caused an explosion as the workers were inside, Deputy Commissioner Sohail Anwar Hashmi said.&nbsp;

“Rescue teams recovered the bodies of all seven coal miners this morning, who burnt to death as a huge fire broke out in the mine after the blast,” Chief Inspector of Mines Shafqat Fayyaz said.&nbsp;

Fayyaz said the workers, who lost their lives, were working at a depth of about 1,500 feet when the explosion occurred, adding that mine has been closed and a probe has been ordered into the incident.&nbsp;

On March 12, eight miners were trapped around 1,000 feet below ground in a mine in the district of Marwar, near the border with Afghanistan, when a buildup of methane gas exploded. Six workers were killed and two others rescued.&nbsp;

Sparsely populated and impoverished Balochistan is home to large deposits of coal, natural gas, copper and gold, many of which are being extracted by Chinese-backed operations. Separatist militants often target workers and security forces.&nbsp;

In the past year, 102 coal miners have been killed in Balochistan in 72 different incidents, according to Sultan Muhammad Lala, president of the Balochistan Coal Mines Workers Federation.&nbsp;

Lacking proper safety measures in the mines, workers have repeatedly been killed in explosions caused by the accumulation of methane gas. At least 27 workers died in two separate incidents in Balochistan in 2018, and 45 were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in 2011 in the province.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Seven miners were killed in a blast at a coal mine in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Monday night, the second such deadly incident in the region in a week.

Seven miners were killed in a blast at a coal mine in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Monday night, the second such deadly incident in the region in a week. A buildup of methane gas in the mine in the Torghar gas field in the district of Harnai caused an explosion as the workers were inside, Deputy Commissioner Sohail Anwar Hashmi said. “Rescue teams recovered the bodies of all seven coal miners this morning, who burnt to death as a huge fire broke out in the mine after the blast,” Chief Inspector of Mines Shafqat Fayyaz said. Fayyaz said the workers, who lost their lives, were working at a depth of about 1,500 feet when the explosion occurred, adding that mine has been closed and a probe has been ordered into the incident. On March 12, eight miners were trapped around 1,000 feet below ground in a mine in the district of Marwar, near the border with Afghanistan, when a buildup of methane gas exploded. Six workers were killed and two others rescued. Sparsely populated and impoverished Balochistan is home to large deposits of coal, natural gas, copper and gold, many of which are being extracted by Chinese-backed operations. Separatist militants often target workers and security forces. In the past year, 102 coal miners have been killed in Balochistan in 72 different incidents, according to Sultan Muhammad Lala, president of the Balochistan Coal Mines Workers Federation. Lacking proper safety measures in the mines, workers have repeatedly been killed in explosions caused by the accumulation of methane gas. At least 27 workers died in two separate incidents in Balochistan in 2018, and 45 were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in 2011 in the province. (With inputs from agencies)

Seven coal miners killed in Pakistan in second incident in a week 

An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on Sunday that the "resistance axis" of Iran and its regional allies may have been behind an explosion that hit an Israeli-owned "spy" vessel four days ago

The vessel, MV Helios Ray, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Singapore when the blast took place on Thursday, &nbsp;according to the London-based Dryad Global maritime security group.

Citing unnamed "military experts," Kayhan, Iran's leading ultraconservative daily, wrote in a front-page report that "the targeted ship in the Gulf of Oman is a military ship belonging to the Israeli army".

It was "gathering information about the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman" when it was targeted, the newspaper said.

"This spy ship, although it was sailing secretly, may have fallen into the ambush of one of the branches of the resistance axis," it added, without offering further details.

The term "resistance axis" usually refers to the Islamic republic and its allied forces in the region.

Israel's defence minister Benny Gantz said on Saturday that the Jewish state's "initial assessment" is that Iran is responsible for the explosion aboard the vessel.

"This... takes into account the proximity (with Iran) and the context" in which the blast occurred, he added.

"This is what I believe."

Rami Ungar, an Israeli businessman who owns the Helios Ray, told Israeli state television Kan on Friday that the explosion caused "two holes about a metre and a half (five feet) in diameter". It was "not yet clear" if the damage was caused by missiles or mines attached to the ship, Ungar added.

He said that the explosion did not cause any casualties among the crew or damage to the engine.

Israel has always accused Iran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge that Iran denies.

Iran blames the November 27 assassination outside Tehran of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on the Jewish state.

(With AFP inputs)

An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on Sunday that the "resistance axis" of Iran and its regional allies may have been behind an explosion that hit an Israeli-owned "spy" vessel four days ago The vessel, MV Helios Ray, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Singapore when the blast took place on Thursday, according to the London-based Dryad Global maritime security group.

An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on Sunday that the "resistance axis" of Iran and its regional allies may have been behind an explosion that hit an Israeli-owned "spy" vessel four days ago The vessel, MV Helios Ray, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Singapore when the blast took place on Thursday, according to the London-based Dryad Global maritime security group. Citing unnamed "military experts," Kayhan, Iran's leading ultraconservative daily, wrote in a front-page report that "the targeted ship in the Gulf of Oman is a military ship belonging to the Israeli army". It was "gathering information about the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman" when it was targeted, the newspaper said. "This spy ship, although it was sailing secretly, may have fallen into the ambush of one of the branches of the resistance axis," it added, without offering further details. The term "resistance axis" usually refers to the Islamic republic and its allied forces in the region. Israel's defence minister Benny Gantz said on Saturday that the Jewish state's "initial assessment" is that Iran is responsible for the explosion aboard the vessel. "This... takes into account the proximity (with Iran) and the context" in which the blast occurred, he added. "This is what I believe." Rami Ungar, an Israeli businessman who owns the Helios Ray, told Israeli state television Kan on Friday that the explosion caused "two holes about a metre and a half (five feet) in diameter". It was "not yet clear" if the damage was caused by missiles or mines attached to the ship, Ungar added. He said that the explosion did not cause any casualties among the crew or damage to the engine. Israel has always accused Iran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge that Iran denies. Iran blames the November 27 assassination outside Tehran of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on the Jewish state. (With AFP inputs)

Iran and its allies may be behind Israeli ship blast, says newspaper

The prosecutor investigating last year's massive blast in Beirut was formally notified on Friday that he would no longer lead an enquiry into last year's deadly port explosion, state-run Lebanon's National News Agency reported.&nbsp;

Thursday's decision by the country's highest court to remove Investigating Judge Fadi Sawwan came after legal challenges by senior officials he had accused of negligence that led to the blast, considered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.&nbsp;

The agency said Sawwan was officially informed about the Court of Cassation's decision after he arrived at his office in Beirut on Friday morning. The court called for a new investigating judge to be appointed to lead the probe, nearly six months after it started.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-snowfall-hits-syria-lebanon-israel-in-winter-storm-364344">Heavy snowfall hits Syria, Lebanon, Israel in winter storm</a>

The move angered families of the victims of the August 4 blast, some of whom held a protest in Beirut on Thursday. More sit-ins are planned for Friday. The families of the victims said Sawwan was removed as a result of political pressure.&nbsp;

The development is likely to further delay the investigation into the horrific explosion that killed 211 people, wounded over 6,000 and damaged much of Beirut. Families of the victims and survivors have accused the ruling political class of corruption and negligence that led to the explosion of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material used in fertilizers that had been stored in the port for years.&nbsp;

The explosion has been one of the most traumatic national experiences the Lebanese have faced. Family members of those killed are sceptical that any investigation into the explosion can be transparent and independent in a country where a culture of impunity has prevailed for decades.&nbsp;

Judge Sawwan had accused and summoned for questioning Lebanon's caretaker prime minister and three former ministers on suspicion of negligence that led to the deadly explosion.&nbsp;

The prosecutor investigating last year's massive blast in Beirut was formally notified on Friday that he would no longer lead an enquiry into last year's deadly port explosion, state-run Lebanon's National News Agency reported.

The prosecutor investigating last year's massive blast in Beirut was formally notified on Friday that he would no longer lead an enquiry into last year's deadly port explosion, state-run Lebanon's National News Agency reported. Thursday's decision by the country's highest court to remove Investigating Judge Fadi Sawwan came after legal challenges by senior officials he had accused of negligence that led to the blast, considered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. The agency said Sawwan was officially informed about the Court of Cassation's decision after he arrived at his office in Beirut on Friday morning. The court called for a new investigating judge to be appointed to lead the probe, nearly six months after it started. Also Read: Heavy snowfall hits Syria, Lebanon, Israel in winter storm The move angered families of the victims of the August 4 blast, some of whom held a protest in Beirut on Thursday. More sit-ins are planned for Friday. The families of the victims said Sawwan was removed as a result of political pressure. The development is likely to further delay the investigation into the horrific explosion that killed 211 people, wounded over 6,000 and damaged much of Beirut. Families of the victims and survivors have accused the ruling political class of corruption and negligence that led to the explosion of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material used in fertilizers that had been stored in the port for years. The explosion has been one of the most traumatic national experiences the Lebanese have faced. Family members of those killed are sceptical that any investigation into the explosion can be transparent and independent in a country where a culture of impunity has prevailed for decades. Judge Sawwan had accused and summoned for questioning Lebanon's caretaker prime minister and three former ministers on suspicion of negligence that led to the deadly explosion.

Lebanese port blast investigator removed formally

Afghanistan on Monday sent investigators to its western border with Iran to investigate the fire that tore through customs post. At least 60 people were injured in the fire on Saturday (January 13) &nbsp;as hundreds of fuel vehicles exploded in the blaze this disrupted power supply and caused millions of dollars of damage. The cause of the fire was unknown.

Herat police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said a 10-person investigating team included four officials from Kabul, including a director of the criminal division of the interior ministry.

Herat's governor Waheed Qatali told media that there were no reports of deaths and they were still investigating.

A tanker caught fire, triggering the blaze, but the cause of that fire was still unclear, he said.

Amin Babak, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said around 600 vehicles waiting to complete customs inspections had been damaged in the fire. More than half contained fuel and gas and some had been looted, he said.

Babak said the losses for Afghan traders were estimated at around USD 100 million. This is another blow for Afghanistan economy which is already struggling due COVID pandemic.

Omar Joya, chief economist at the Kabul-based Biruni Institute, said that the blaze could lead to a temporary increase in domestic oil prices, but that importers had sufficient capital to import new oil so prices would likely stabilise relatively quickly.

(With Reuters inputs)

Afghanistan on Monday sent investigators to its western border with Iran to investigate the fire that tore through customs post. At least 60 people were injured in the fire on Saturday (January 13) as hundreds of fuel vehicles exploded in the blaze this disrupted power supply and caused millions of dollars of damage.

Afghanistan on Monday sent investigators to its western border with Iran to investigate the fire that tore through customs post. At least 60 people were injured in the fire on Saturday (January 13) as hundreds of fuel vehicles exploded in the blaze this disrupted power supply and caused millions of dollars of damage. The cause of the fire was unknown. Herat police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said a 10-person investigating team included four officials from Kabul, including a director of the criminal division of the interior ministry. Herat's governor Waheed Qatali told media that there were no reports of deaths and they were still investigating. A tanker caught fire, triggering the blaze, but the cause of that fire was still unclear, he said. Amin Babak, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said around 600 vehicles waiting to complete customs inspections had been damaged in the fire. More than half contained fuel and gas and some had been looted, he said. Babak said the losses for Afghan traders were estimated at around USD 100 million. This is another blow for Afghanistan economy which is already struggling due COVID pandemic. Omar Joya, chief economist at the Kabul-based Biruni Institute, said that the blaze could lead to a temporary increase in domestic oil prices, but that importers had sufficient capital to import new oil so prices would likely stabilise relatively quickly. (With Reuters inputs)

Afghanistan sends investigators to look into the massive fire at Afghan-Iran border

Three&nbsp;blasts rocked Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday morning as per news reports. Ariana News said that an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) targetted a land cruiser in Kart-e-Parwan. There are no reports of any casualties as of now. Afghanistan's Tolo News reported that there were three&nbsp;blasts and four people were injured in total.

Reportedly, first explosion took place in&nbsp;Qala-e-Abdul Ali area in Kabul province. It targetted a police vehicle. Second blast hit Ministry of Labour vehicle on Qoway Markaz in Kabul. Third blast targetted a police vehicle in downtown Kabul.

Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz told reporters that two people were killed and another wounded in their vehicle by a bomb in downtown Kabul.

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP that one of those killed was a district police chief in the capital.

An AFP photograph at the scene said the bomb had ripped through the rear of what was appeared to be an armoured vehicle.

Minutes earlier, another blast targeting a vehicle in the same district wounded four people, Faramarz added.

(With AFP inputs)

Three blasts rocked Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday morning as per news reports. Ariana News said that an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) targetted a land cruiser in Kart-e-Parwan.

Three blasts rocked Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday morning as per news reports. Ariana News said that an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) targetted a land cruiser in Kart-e-Parwan. There are no reports of any casualties as of now. Afghanistan's Tolo News reported that there were three blasts and four people were injured in total. Reportedly, first explosion took place in Qala-e-Abdul Ali area in Kabul province. It targetted a police vehicle. Second blast hit Ministry of Labour vehicle on Qoway Markaz in Kabul. Third blast targetted a police vehicle in downtown Kabul. Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz told reporters that two people were killed and another wounded in their vehicle by a bomb in downtown Kabul. Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP that one of those killed was a district police chief in the capital. An AFP photograph at the scene said the bomb had ripped through the rear of what was appeared to be an armoured vehicle. Minutes earlier, another blast targeting a vehicle in the same district wounded four people, Faramarz added. (With AFP inputs)

Blasts rock Kabul, IED targets land cruiser

A blast in a residential area of Hamas-ruled Gaza strip injured more than 20 people, said Palestinian officials. The explosion took place inside home of a member of Gaza's armed groups.

"An explosion occurred in a house in Beit Hanoun this morning, resulting in a number of injuries," the interior ministry said.

An investigation had been launched into the cause of the blast but it is understood to be accidental. AFP cited medical sources who said that 20 people were injured and condition of 2 of them is serious.

Witnesses said several homes were damaged as a result of the explosion in the home of an "activist". Police cordoned off the area.

There was no immediate official explanation of the explosion, but the Israeli military said it was the result of militants "storing weapons in residential homes".

Houses "have been turned into warehouses for weapons... and missiles for terrorist organisations, and those who pay the price in the end are innocent civilians," the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said on Twitter.

Islamist group Hamas seized control of Gaza from rival Palestinian movement Fatah in a near civil war in 2007.

Since then, Hamas has fought three devastating wars with Israel, which has maintained a crippling blockade on the territory of some two million people.

A blast in a residential area of Hamas-ruled Gaza strip injured more than 20 people, said Palestinian officials. The explosion took place inside home of a member of Gaza's armed groups.

A blast in a residential area of Hamas-ruled Gaza strip injured more than 20 people, said Palestinian officials. The explosion took place inside home of a member of Gaza's armed groups. "An explosion occurred in a house in Beit Hanoun this morning, resulting in a number of injuries," the interior ministry said. An investigation had been launched into the cause of the blast but it is understood to be accidental. AFP cited medical sources who said that 20 people were injured and condition of 2 of them is serious. Witnesses said several homes were damaged as a result of the explosion in the home of an "activist". Police cordoned off the area. There was no immediate official explanation of the explosion, but the Israeli military said it was the result of militants "storing weapons in residential homes". Houses "have been turned into warehouses for weapons... and missiles for terrorist organisations, and those who pay the price in the end are innocent civilians," the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said on Twitter. Islamist group Hamas seized control of Gaza from rival Palestinian movement Fatah in a near civil war in 2007. Since then, Hamas has fought three devastating wars with Israel, which has maintained a crippling blockade on the territory of some two million people.

Gaza blast injures more than 20 people

A bomb attack slightly wounded Russian embassy staff in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, Russian's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

An improvised explosive device exploded not far from the embassy as one of their cars was driving past, it said. Several embassy staff on board were slightly hurt.

An initial assessment suggests the attack had been intended for the Afghan security forces, the statement continued. But they had not ruled out that embassy staff were in fact the target, and the embassy was tightening its security.

The ministry also called on the Afghan authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of the Russian embassy staff there.

Violence has also surged in Kabul in recent weeks, with more than 50 people killed in two assaults on educational centres and a rocket attack.&nbsp;

And a suicide car bomb attack Sunday killed at least 30 security personnel at an army base on the outskirts of Ghazni city, capital of the eastern province of Ghazni, one of the deadliest attacks targeting government forces in months.

A bomb attack slightly wounded Russian embassy staff in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, Russian's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. An improvised explosive device exploded not far from the embassy as one of their cars was driving past, it said.

A bomb attack slightly wounded Russian embassy staff in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, Russian's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. An improvised explosive device exploded not far from the embassy as one of their cars was driving past, it said. Several embassy staff on board were slightly hurt. An initial assessment suggests the attack had been intended for the Afghan security forces, the statement continued. But they had not ruled out that embassy staff were in fact the target, and the embassy was tightening its security. The ministry also called on the Afghan authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of the Russian embassy staff there. Violence has also surged in Kabul in recent weeks, with more than 50 people killed in two assaults on educational centres and a rocket attack. And a suicide car bomb attack Sunday killed at least 30 security personnel at an army base on the outskirts of Ghazni city, capital of the eastern province of Ghazni, one of the deadliest attacks targeting government forces in months.

Afghanistan blast injures Russian embassy staff

At least 18&nbsp;people were killed and 57 others wounded in a bomb explosion near an education centre in west of Kabul on Saturday, the interior ministry said.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the&nbsp;attack. A suicide bomber "set off towards a gathering... in Kabul, where he detonated his explosives jacket among" the crowd, IS said in a statement posted on its social media channels.

The attack happened late afternoon.&nbsp;The interior ministry said the blast was caused by a suicide bombing, and the target was the Kawsar-e Danish educational centre -- which offers training and courses for students in higher education in a western district of Kabul.

To this end,&nbsp;Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, tweeted to condemn the dastardly attack.

He wrote, "I strongly condemn today’s coward suicide attack on a learning centre in #Kabul. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time. Targeting innocent people and terrorising the population is not the solution to the country’s issues."

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I strongly condemn today’s coward suicide attack on a learning centre in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time. Targeting innocent people and terrorising the population is not the solution to the country’s issues.
— Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrabdullahCE/status/1320034736211972096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility for a similar suicide attack at an education centre in August 2018, in which 34 students were killed. Within Afghanistan, IS has launched large-scale attacks on minority Shiites, Sikhs and Hindus, whom it views as apostates.

Earlier Saturday a roadside bomb killed nine people in eastern Afghanistan after it struck a minivan full of civilians, a local official said.

Ghazni province police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat said that a second roadside bomb killed two policemen, after it struck their vehicle that was making its way to the victims of the first explosion.

Sirat added that the bombings had wounded several others, and that the attacks were under investigation.

(with inputs from agencies)

At least 18 people were killed and 57 others wounded in a bomb explosion near an education centre in west of Kabul on Saturday, the interior ministry said. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 18 people were killed and 57 others wounded in a bomb explosion near an education centre in west of Kabul on Saturday, the interior ministry said. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. A suicide bomber "set off towards a gathering... in Kabul, where he detonated his explosives jacket among" the crowd, IS said in a statement posted on its social media channels. The attack happened late afternoon. The interior ministry said the blast was caused by a suicide bombing, and the target was the Kawsar-e Danish educational centre -- which offers training and courses for students in higher education in a western district of Kabul. To this end, Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, tweeted to condemn the dastardly attack. He wrote, "I strongly condemn today’s coward suicide attack on a learning centre in #Kabul. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time. Targeting innocent people and terrorising the population is not the solution to the country’s issues." I strongly condemn today’s coward suicide attack on a learning centre in #Kabul. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this difficult time. Targeting innocent people and terrorising the population is not the solution to the country’s issues. — Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) October 24, 2020 × An Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility for a similar suicide attack at an education centre in August 2018, in which 34 students were killed. Within Afghanistan, IS has launched large-scale attacks on minority Shiites, Sikhs and Hindus, whom it views as apostates. Earlier Saturday a roadside bomb killed nine people in eastern Afghanistan after it struck a minivan full of civilians, a local official said. Ghazni province police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat said that a second roadside bomb killed two policemen, after it struck their vehicle that was making its way to the victims of the first explosion. Sirat added that the bombings had wounded several others, and that the attacks were under investigation. (with inputs from agencies)

Suicide bomb rocks Afghan education centre; IS claims responsibility

A major blast was heard in Paris that reverberated over the entire city.

Eyewitnesses reported their buildings rocking and people from several central districts as well as in nearby suburbs reported hearing the blast.

There were no immediate reports of any smoke or fire.

(More details awaited)

A major blast was heard in Paris that reverberated over the entire city. Eyewitnesses reported their buildings rocking and people from several central districts as well as in nearby suburbs reported hearing the blast.

A major blast was heard in Paris that reverberated over the entire city. Eyewitnesses reported their buildings rocking and people from several central districts as well as in nearby suburbs reported hearing the blast. There were no immediate reports of any smoke or fire. (More details awaited)

Major blast heard all over Paris and nearby suburbs, source unclear

Rescue and salvage teams are still working in Beirut, large parts of which lie in devastated condition one&nbsp;month after the blast.

September 4 marked the completion of a month of the blast that killed at least 180 people and injured around 6,000. The blast took place at Beirut port where 2759 tonnes of highly flammable ammonium nitrate was stored.

Rescue workers are still digging the rubble in the hope&nbsp;of finding survivors.

Rescue workers detect&nbsp;"heartbeat"&nbsp;under debris:

Rescue workers had detected a 'heartbeat' or a pulse on their sensor equipments in Mar Mikhael in Beirut. Head of the Chilean rescue team even told reporters on Friday that slow breathing had been detected under the rubble.

The workers then set about digging the area. However, no living person or a body was found till Saturday afternoon.

Rescuers are using scanning equipment to create 3D images of the wrecked building, which once housed a bar on its ground floor, to try to locate anyone alive, television showed.

The localities of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael have been hardest hit due to the explosion.

City mourns the tragedy:

Authorities in Beirut held ceremonies on September 4 to mark one month of the tragedy that dealt a heavy blow to the city already reeling under economic crisis.

Lebanese government under Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of the blast. New government has a huge task ahead of it as Beirut residents are angry and not afraid to express it. Residents still feel that the government is not doing enough to address the situation.

"The government has been completely complacent, has been completely absent," said Stephanie Bou Chedid, a volunteer from a group helping victims of the blast. She was quoted by Reuters.

President Michel Aoun followed up on the operation in a phone call with the civil defence head, the presidency said.

Mohamed Houry, 65, said he hoped someone was alive but, even if only bodies were uncovered, "it`s important their families can find peace". 
&nbsp;

Rescue and salvage teams are still working in Beirut, large parts of which lie in devastated condition one month after the blast. September 4 marked the completion of a month of the blast that killed at least 180 people and injured around 6,000.

Rescue and salvage teams are still working in Beirut, large parts of which lie in devastated condition one month after the blast. September 4 marked the completion of a month of the blast that killed at least 180 people and injured around 6,000. The blast took place at Beirut port where 2759 tonnes of highly flammable ammonium nitrate was stored. Rescue workers are still digging the rubble in the hope of finding survivors. Rescue workers detect "heartbeat" under debris: Rescue workers had detected a 'heartbeat' or a pulse on their sensor equipments in Mar Mikhael in Beirut. Head of the Chilean rescue team even told reporters on Friday that slow breathing had been detected under the rubble. The workers then set about digging the area. However, no living person or a body was found till Saturday afternoon. Rescuers are using scanning equipment to create 3D images of the wrecked building, which once housed a bar on its ground floor, to try to locate anyone alive, television showed. The localities of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael have been hardest hit due to the explosion. City mourns the tragedy: Authorities in Beirut held ceremonies on September 4 to mark one month of the tragedy that dealt a heavy blow to the city already reeling under economic crisis. Lebanese government under Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of the blast. New government has a huge task ahead of it as Beirut residents are angry and not afraid to express it. Residents still feel that the government is not doing enough to address the situation. "The government has been completely complacent, has been completely absent," said Stephanie Bou Chedid, a volunteer from a group helping victims of the blast. She was quoted by Reuters. President Michel Aoun followed up on the operation in a phone call with the civil defence head, the presidency said. Mohamed Houry, 65, said he hoped someone was alive but, even if only bodies were uncovered, "it`s important their families can find peace".

Beirut blast: One month later, rescue workers still search for survivors

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night.&nbsp;

Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday.&nbsp;

All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning. Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night. Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday. All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

12 dead, dozens suffer burn injuries in Bangladesh mosque air conditioner explosion

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