A&nbsp;huge bomb blast occurred just moments ago inside the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in Darul Aman, west of Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city.

The blast is alleged to have occurred while a huge crowd was present inside the mosque.&nbsp;

It is the 11th terrorist attack in Afghanistan in the last ten days.

In today's blast, a Sufi mosque/Khanqah in Kabul's Darul Aman district was attacked during congregational prayers.

The death toll is expected to be "huge."

According to some reports, the mosque's roof fell as a result of the explosion.&nbsp;

A nurse at a neighbouring hospital who did not want to be identified claimed the incident had left several injured individuals in severe condition.

In recent weeks, a number of Afghan civilians have been killed in bombings, some of which have been claimed by the Islamic State.

Since taking power in August, Afghanistan's Taliban rulers claim to have secured the country and mostly eradicated the Islamic State's local offshoot, but international authorities and analysts fear the potential of militancy return remains.

The Shia religious minority has been targeted in many of the attacks, but Sunni mosques have also been targeted. 
 
The latest attack came on the holy Islamic day of Friday, the last in the month of Ramadan in which most Muslims fast and before the religious holiday of Eid next week.

A huge bomb blast occurred just moments ago inside the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in Darul Aman, west of Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city. The blast is alleged to have occurred while a huge crowd was present inside the mosque.

A huge bomb blast occurred just moments ago inside the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in Darul Aman, west of Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city. The blast is alleged to have occurred while a huge crowd was present inside the mosque. It is the 11th terrorist attack in Afghanistan in the last ten days. In today's blast, a Sufi mosque/Khanqah in Kabul's Darul Aman district was attacked during congregational prayers. The death toll is expected to be "huge." According to some reports, the mosque's roof fell as a result of the explosion. A nurse at a neighbouring hospital who did not want to be identified claimed the incident had left several injured individuals in severe condition. In recent weeks, a number of Afghan civilians have been killed in bombings, some of which have been claimed by the Islamic State. Since taking power in August, Afghanistan's Taliban rulers claim to have secured the country and mostly eradicated the Islamic State's local offshoot, but international authorities and analysts fear the potential of militancy return remains. The Shia religious minority has been targeted in many of the attacks, but Sunni mosques have also been targeted. The latest attack came on the holy Islamic day of Friday, the last in the month of Ramadan in which most Muslims fast and before the religious holiday of Eid next week.

Another bloody carnage in Afghanistan: Powerful blast hits mosque in Kabul

In Afghanistan twin explosions have killed at least nine people and wounded 13 others in Mazar-i-Sharif the capital of Balkh province. The blasts are the latest in a series of deadly bombings to rattle Afghanistan.

Explosions rock Afghanistan: Two bomb blasts aboard minibuses kill 9

An oil refinery blast in Nigeria has killed over 100 people now. The extent of damage is yet to be assessed. Watch this report to know more.

Nigeria oil refinery blast kills 100: crackdown on illegal refinery likely

A blast rocked the Karachi University area and claimed four lives including that of Chinese nationals. The authorities are investigating the incident and have not ruled out terrorism angle.

Pakistan: Three Chinese nationals among Four killed in Karachi University blast

Three Chinese nationals killed in the blast that rocked Karachi University in Pakistan

A blast rocked the Karachi University area and claimed four lives. The authorities are investigating the incident and have not ruled out terrorism angle.

Four people killed in the blast at Karachi University, Terrorism angle not ruled out

Nigeria oil refinery blast claims over 100 lives, extent of damage yet to be assessed

Africa's biggest oil producer and exporter Nigeria, where more than110 have been killed in deadly explosion at an illegal oil refinery.

More than 110 killed in deadly explosion at Nigeria's illegal refinery

Afghanistan has been rocked by twin explosions; one explosion tore through a mosque in Kunduz while another one hit the capital city Kabul and as of now at least 33 have been killed in these blasts.

Explosion hits capital city of Kabul, UN condemns the string of terror attacks in Afghanistan

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of&nbsp;Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid. &nbsp;

At around 2:30 pm, the explosion occurred in Mullah Sikandar mosque in Imam Sahib, a witness told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

After Friday prayers, when some worshippers were ritualising Zikr, which is a special religious practice&nbsp;during the holy month of Ramzan, the explosion happened. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-mosque-attack-mastermind-arrested-by-taliban-says-police-472993" hreflang="en">Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police</a>

On social media, the spokesman wrote, "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province this afternoon. As a result, 33 villagers, including several children, were killed and 43 were wounded." &nbsp;&nbsp;

While criticising the blast, Mujahid said the culprits will be brought to justice, Xinhua news agency reported. &nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Taliban is allowing foreign terrorists to thrive in Afghanistan

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In the incident, the building was severely damaged but the type of the blast was not clear immediately. &nbsp;

Another explosion happened in Police District 7 of the national capital, Kabul. In the roadside blast, one person was wounded, an IANS report said citing security source. &nbsp;

For the attacks, no group has claimed responsibility till now. &nbsp;

"This week's tragic events are a painful reminder of the insecurity and dangers facing the Afghan people daily. The indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, which has already caused more than a hundred civilian casualties this week, is unacceptable and must cease immediately," UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told ANI. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a bomb blast at a mosque, around 33 people have been killed and 43 others injured in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, said chief spokesman of Taliban-led caretaker government Zabihullah Mujahid. At around 2:30 pm, the explosion occurred in Mullah Sikandar mosque in Imam Sahib, a witness told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. After Friday prayers, when some worshippers were ritualising Zikr, which is a special religious practice during the holy month of Ramzan, the explosion happened. Also Read: Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police On social media, the spokesman wrote, "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province this afternoon. As a result, 33 villagers, including several children, were killed and 43 were wounded." While criticising the blast, Mujahid said the culprits will be brought to justice, Xinhua news agency reported. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban is allowing foreign terrorists to thrive in Afghanistan × In the incident, the building was severely damaged but the type of the blast was not clear immediately. Another explosion happened in Police District 7 of the national capital, Kabul. In the roadside blast, one person was wounded, an IANS report said citing security source. For the attacks, no group has claimed responsibility till now. "This week's tragic events are a painful reminder of the insecurity and dangers facing the Afghan people daily. The indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, which has already caused more than a hundred civilian casualties this week, is unacceptable and must cease immediately," UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

In another blast, 33 killed, 43 injured at mosque in Kunduz province of Afghanistan, says Taliban official

Three separate blasts ripped through major cities in Afghanistan yesterday, at least 12 people have been killed in an explosion at a Shiite Mosque in the northern Afghan city.

Blast at Shiite Mosque in Afghanistan rips through 3 major cities

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blast in a mosque in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city located in Balkh province. The group has released a statement on its Telegram channel. As per an Afghan health official quoted by Reuters, the blast caused at least 11 deaths.&nbsp;

A Shi'ite mosque was targetted in the blast.

"The soldiers of the caliphate managed to get a booby-trapped bag" inside the mosque, detonating it from afar after it was packed with worshippers, the group said in a statement.

"Blood and fear are everywhere," Ahmad Zia Zindani, spokesman for the Balkh provincial public health department, told AFP, adding "people were screaming" while seeking news of their relatives at the hospital.

"Relatives of victims were arriving at city hospitals looking for their near and dear ones. Many residents were also coming to donate blood," Zindani said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-over-30-killed-as-multiple-blasts-hit-kabul-balkh-and-kunduz-472672">Afghanistan: Over 30 killed as multiple blasts hit Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz</a>

Afghanistan was rocked by three&nbsp;blasts on Thursday including the one in Mazar-e-Sharif.

In Kunduz, at least four people were killed and 18 wounded by a blast police spokesman Obaidullah Abedi told AFP was caused by a bicycle bomb targeting a vehicle carrying mechanics working for the Taliban.

Shiite Hazara community, which makes up between 10 to 20 per cent of the Afghan population, has often been targetted by the Islamic State group which considers them to be heretics.

Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group is a key security challenge.&nbsp;

Since seizing power, the Taliban have regularly raided suspected IS hideouts in the eastern Nangarhar province.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blast in a mosque in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city located in Balkh province. The group has released a statement on its Telegram channel.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blast in a mosque in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city located in Balkh province. The group has released a statement on its Telegram channel. As per an Afghan health official quoted by Reuters, the blast caused at least 11 deaths. A Shi'ite mosque was targetted in the blast. "The soldiers of the caliphate managed to get a booby-trapped bag" inside the mosque, detonating it from afar after it was packed with worshippers, the group said in a statement. "Blood and fear are everywhere," Ahmad Zia Zindani, spokesman for the Balkh provincial public health department, told AFP, adding "people were screaming" while seeking news of their relatives at the hospital. "Relatives of victims were arriving at city hospitals looking for their near and dear ones. Many residents were also coming to donate blood," Zindani said. Also Read | Afghanistan: Over 30 killed as multiple blasts hit Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz Afghanistan was rocked by three blasts on Thursday including the one in Mazar-e-Sharif. In Kunduz, at least four people were killed and 18 wounded by a blast police spokesman Obaidullah Abedi told AFP was caused by a bicycle bomb targeting a vehicle carrying mechanics working for the Taliban. Shiite Hazara community, which makes up between 10 to 20 per cent of the Afghan population, has often been targetted by the Islamic State group which considers them to be heretics. Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group is a key security challenge. Since seizing power, the Taliban have regularly raided suspected IS hideouts in the eastern Nangarhar province. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Islamic State claims responsibility for Mazar-e-Sharif mosque blast

At least 5 people were killed and 60 injured in a powerful explosion in a mosque in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif on Thursday.

Explosion inside mosque in northern Afghanistan city

At least three blasts have rocked a boys' school on Tuesday in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, local police said. Six people were killed and dozens injured, a local source confirmed.

Afghanistan: At least 6 killed in multiple blasts at Kabul's Dasht-e-Barchi

Multiple explosions hit Kabul: At least 6 killed in blasts

Multiple blasts rock boys school in Afghan capital Kabul, at least 6 people killed

A powerful explosion has ripped through a building in southern Lebanon killing at least one person and wounding several others. WION tells you more in this report.

Lebanon: One killed, several injured in a powerful explosion

A Russian&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;hit the&nbsp;regional&nbsp;administration building in the southern Ukrainian port&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Mykolaiv&nbsp;on Tuesday (March 29), killing at least&nbsp;three&nbsp;people and wounding 22, local authorities said.

Surveillance footage said to be filmed from the&nbsp;Mykolaiv&nbsp;regional&nbsp;state administration building showed a large plume of smoke after the missile impact. The footage matched landmarks seen from publicly-available satellite imagery of the local shipyard and a local bridge, as well as third-party drone images taken from before the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-accord-needed-to-guarantee-security-say-ukrainian-negotiators-466674">International accord needed to guarantee security, say Ukrainian negotiators</a>

Eighteen of the wounded were pulled from the rubble by rescue workers, who continue to work at the scene, the emergencies service said in an online post.

An image shared by local governor Vitaliy Kim showed a large&nbsp;hole&nbsp;in the side of the building. On Tuesday, Reuters witnesses saw the destruction from a distance and ambulances and fire engines heading to the scene. The area was cordoned off.

Russian forces have attacked&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;southern ports including Kherson, Odesa,&nbsp;Mykolaiv&nbsp;and Mariupol as they try to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and establish a land corridor from Russia to Crimea, the peninsula Russia seized in 2014.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wiping-off-the-blood-to-oppose-ukraine-war-russians-adopt-new-national-flag-466517">Wiping off the blood: To oppose Ukraine war, Russians adopt new national flag&nbsp;</a>

Kim said there was an upside to the strike - it suggested Russia had given up trying to take over the&nbsp;city.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour. It denies targeting civilians and did not comment on the strike on&nbsp;Mykolaiv.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

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A Russian rocket hit the regional administration building in the southern Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv on Tuesday (March 29), killing at least three people and wounding 22, local authorities said.

A Russian rocket hit the regional administration building in the southern Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv on Tuesday (March 29), killing at least three people and wounding 22, local authorities said. Surveillance footage said to be filmed from the Mykolaiv regional state administration building showed a large plume of smoke after the missile impact. The footage matched landmarks seen from publicly-available satellite imagery of the local shipyard and a local bridge, as well as third-party drone images taken from before the war. Also read | International accord needed to guarantee security, say Ukrainian negotiators Eighteen of the wounded were pulled from the rubble by rescue workers, who continue to work at the scene, the emergencies service said in an online post. An image shared by local governor Vitaliy Kim showed a large hole in the side of the building. On Tuesday, Reuters witnesses saw the destruction from a distance and ambulances and fire engines heading to the scene. The area was cordoned off. Russian forces have attacked Ukraine's southern ports including Kherson, Odesa, Mykolaiv and Mariupol as they try to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and establish a land corridor from Russia to Crimea, the peninsula Russia seized in 2014. Also read | Wiping off the blood: To oppose Ukraine war, Russians adopt new national flag Kim said there was an upside to the strike - it suggested Russia had given up trying to take over the city. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour. It denies targeting civilians and did not comment on the strike on Mykolaiv. Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

Ukraine Crisis: Three killed in Mykolaiv as rocket blasts in regional headquaters

A mysterious loud blast rocked Southampton on Monday shows a video that has surfaced on social media. In the video, flickers of light and smoke can be seen forming up in the sky. As per British transport police, the blast took place due to an electrical failure, after a bunch of teenagers tossed a scooter over the railway tracks.&nbsp;

"St Denys train station... No idea why, honestly thought the aliens had returned for Fallon Carrington...," read the caption of the video.&nbsp;

The video footage shows the sky turning into vibrant blue and orange. As per local media reports, an eyewitness referred to the incident as the return of aliens.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-burn-hazard-fitbit-recalls-17-million-ionic-smartwatches-458500">Also read |&nbsp;After burn hazard, Fitbit recalls 1.7 million 'Ionic' smartwatches</a>

While speaking to BBC, a resident said, "It sounded like a bomb had gone off."

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St Denys train station... No idea why, honestly thought the aliens had returned for Fallon Carrington... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/southampton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#southampton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stdenys?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stdenys</a> <a href="https://t.co/bVGyZw7Oh1">pic.twitter.com/bVGyZw7Oh1</a>
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&nbsp;"Aliens have returned," wrote a person on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Felt my heart stop a moment when my whole window went white! Wonder what caused it," wrote another person.

While speaking to Daily Echo, a student said,&nbsp;"It was bright white and orange, and a plume of smoke - it's hard to describe as it was so bright. We could see the colours of the grass and it looked like daytime!"

Due to the incident,&nbsp;the railway services&nbsp;were disrupted.&nbsp;

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

A mysterious loud blast rocked Southampton on Monday shows a video that has surfaced on social media. In the video, flickers of light and smoke can be seen forming up in the sky.

A mysterious loud blast rocked Southampton on Monday shows a video that has surfaced on social media. In the video, flickers of light and smoke can be seen forming up in the sky. As per British transport police, the blast took place due to an electrical failure, after a bunch of teenagers tossed a scooter over the railway tracks. "St Denys train station... No idea why, honestly thought the aliens had returned for Fallon Carrington...," read the caption of the video. The video footage shows the sky turning into vibrant blue and orange. As per local media reports, an eyewitness referred to the incident as the return of aliens. Also read | After burn hazard, Fitbit recalls 1.7 million 'Ionic' smartwatches While speaking to BBC, a resident said, "It sounded like a bomb had gone off." St Denys train station... No idea why, honestly thought the aliens had returned for Fallon Carrington... #southampton #stdenys pic.twitter.com/bVGyZw7Oh1 — Anthony Weldon (@Antlv426) February 28, 2022 × "Aliens have returned," wrote a person on Twitter. "Felt my heart stop a moment when my whole window went white! Wonder what caused it," wrote another person. While speaking to Daily Echo, a student said, "It was bright white and orange, and a plume of smoke - it's hard to describe as it was so bright. We could see the colours of the grass and it looked like daytime!" Due to the incident, the railway services were disrupted. (With inputs from agencies)

The return of aliens? Blast in Southampton leaves people puzzled, watch video here

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said.

"The convoy... was targeted in an attack by separatists who placed explosives" on the highway between Ekondo-Titi and Bekora in Southwest Region, a senior police officer said.

A local official said the deputy prefect -- the second highest local representative of the state -- and the mayor of Ekondo-Titi were among the dead.

The attack and the death of the two were confirmed by an official at the ministry of communication.

The other fatalities were a gendarme, a local leader in Cameroon's ruling party and the deputy prefect's driver, the local official said.

Cameroon has been torn by violence since October 2017 when militants declared an independent state in the Northwest and neighbouring Southwest Region, home to most of the anglophone minority in the majority French-speaking country.

The authorities responded with a crackdown, and a spiral of violence began that has claimed more than 6,000 lives and forced a million to flee their homes, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank.

Eighty-percent of Cameroon's population of 24 million are French-speaking.

The presence of the large anglophone minority is a legacy of the colonial era.

The former German possession of Cameroon was partitioned after World War I between Britain and France.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-talkshows-describe-reports-of-military-losses-as-fake-458218">Also read |&nbsp;Russian talkshows describe reports of military losses as 'fake'</a>

In 1961, part of the British territory, the Southern Cameroons, joined Cameroon after it gained independence from France. Over the years, resentment brewed among anglophones over perceived discrimination in key areas, such as education and the judicial system.

But demands for change or a federated state were resisted by President Paul Biya, who at 89 has been in power for nearly 40 years.

The anglophone separatists call their entity the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, from the Ambas Bay on the coastline. It is not recognised internationally.

Monitors of the conflict say that atrocities and other abuses have been carried out by the security forces and the separatists alike.

In November 2021, four students and a teacher were killed in Ekondo-Titi when a secondary school was attacked by armed men.

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said. "The convoy.

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said. "The convoy... was targeted in an attack by separatists who placed explosives" on the highway between Ekondo-Titi and Bekora in Southwest Region, a senior police officer said. A local official said the deputy prefect -- the second highest local representative of the state -- and the mayor of Ekondo-Titi were among the dead. The attack and the death of the two were confirmed by an official at the ministry of communication. The other fatalities were a gendarme, a local leader in Cameroon's ruling party and the deputy prefect's driver, the local official said. Cameroon has been torn by violence since October 2017 when militants declared an independent state in the Northwest and neighbouring Southwest Region, home to most of the anglophone minority in the majority French-speaking country. The authorities responded with a crackdown, and a spiral of violence began that has claimed more than 6,000 lives and forced a million to flee their homes, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank. Eighty-percent of Cameroon's population of 24 million are French-speaking. The presence of the large anglophone minority is a legacy of the colonial era. The former German possession of Cameroon was partitioned after World War I between Britain and France. Also read | Russian talkshows describe reports of military losses as 'fake' In 1961, part of the British territory, the Southern Cameroons, joined Cameroon after it gained independence from France. Over the years, resentment brewed among anglophones over perceived discrimination in key areas, such as education and the judicial system. But demands for change or a federated state were resisted by President Paul Biya, who at 89 has been in power for nearly 40 years. The anglophone separatists call their entity the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, from the Ambas Bay on the coastline. It is not recognised internationally. Monitors of the conflict say that atrocities and other abuses have been carried out by the security forces and the separatists alike. In November 2021, four students and a teacher were killed in Ekondo-Titi when a secondary school was attacked by armed men.

Cameroon blast: At least five people killed, including senior official and mayor

For a man who sought to disappear, the leader of the Islamic State group seemed to have done everything right.

He hid out far from where his enemies expected. He never left the house, relying on trusted couriers to communicate with his far-flung underlings. He was the group’s only leader to never issue a video or voice address, for fear it would make him easier to track. Most of his most fervent followers would not have recognized him on the street.

But American commandos came for him anyway, and on Thursday, the leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, blew himself up during a raid on his hideout in northwestern Syria, U.S. officials said.

American leaders hailed al-Qurayshi’s death as a fresh wound to a fearsome organization whose reach and power had already been greatly diminished. But terrorism analysts warned that killing yet another leader would not erase a group whose members have continued to seek refuge and plan attacks in chaotic parts of the globe.

“It is another painful blow to an organization that just a few years ago cast a broad shadow across the entire region,” said Pratibha Thaker, editorial director for the Middle East and Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit. “But I think everyone is wondering deep down how much taking down the top leader really matters since the organization is very decentralized.”

The United States has invested great resources in killing leaders of terrorist organizations. U.S. forces took out Osama bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaida, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who led al-Qaida in Iraq, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Qurayshi’s predecessor at the helm of the Islamic State group.

While such attacks generate dramatic headlines, the groups they sought to undermine have often resurfaced in new and more powerful forms or simply replaced old heads with new ones, Hydra-style.

The killing of al-Qurayshi deprived the Islamic State of a key religious and military authority at a time when the group had already been routed from its territory and lost a huge number of fighters. Now it faces a potential leadership vacuum.

But terrorism experts said the group had become more diffuse and decentralized, allowing it to carry on. Even if it no longer has the power to hold territory as it once did, diminishing its ability to market itself as a “state,” it has proved that it can still carry out devastating, coordinated military attacks.

In recent weeks, its fighters in Iraq killed 10 Iraqi soldiers and an officer in a nighttime attack on an army post and beheaded a police officer on camera. In Syria, the jihadis attacked a prison in an attempt to free thousands of their former comrades and occupied the compound for more than a week before a Kurdish-led militia supported by the United States drove them out.

Still, the group is a shadow of its former self.

At its height around 2015, the Islamic State controlled a territory the size of Britain in Syria and Iraq and displaced al-Qaida as the world’s richest and most dangerous terrorist organization. It controlled large cities, collected taxes, provided public services and built a war machine.

Its propagandists attracted aspiring jihadis from around the world. Its operatives directed and inspired deadly attacks in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.

The loss of its last patch of territory in 2019, after 4 1/2 years of war, was a major defeat. Now, it is a caliphate in name only. And persistent attacks by the United States and its partners in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere have disrupted its financing networks and led to the deaths of many of its cadres.

Al-Qurayshi was anointed the group’s leader, or caliph, in 2019 after his predecessor, al-Baghdadi, similarly blew himself up during a raid by U.S. Special Forces on his hideout in northwestern Syria.

From the start, al-Qurayshi lacked his predecessor’s public profile, and even his followers knew little about his background. The United States filled in some gaps by releasing notes of interrogation sessions from when he was detained by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2008.

But the revelations that he said he had served in the Iraqi army under Saddam Hussein and earned a master’s degree in Islamic studies in 2007 were overshadowed by what appeared to be his willingness to inform on his fellow jihadis.

After al-Qurayshi took control, the United States put a bounty of up to $10 million on his head and said he “helped drive and justify the abduction, slaughter and trafficking of members of Yazidi religious minority groups” in Iraq and oversaw “the group’s global operations.”

As it searches for a replacement, the militant group no longer has a large pool to draw from because years of concerted counterterrorism operations by the United States and its partners have killed so much of the group’s inner circle, an expert on the Islamic State, Hassan Hassan, wrote Thursday in New Lines, an online magazine.

“The leaders it can trust are a dying breed — quite literally,” Hassan wrote.

That leadership vacuum, the waning attractiveness of international jihadism and the increasing strength of enemy governments and competing militant groups could hinder the group’s ability to bounce back, he wrote. “The death of its leader under these circumstances will further disorient the group and weaken its ability to focus on international terrorism.”

The group already appears to be less dangerous in Iraq, according to a recent analysis of attack data by Michael Knights, the Jill and Jay Bernstein Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and his colleague, Alex Almeida.

They found that Islamic State attacks increased in 2019 and 2020, but have declined since, in both quantity and quality.

“For now, at the outset of 2022, the Islamic State insurgency in Iraq is at a very low ebb, with recorded attack numbers that rival the lowest ever recorded,” they wrote.

They said increased Iraqi security deployments in rural areas, frequent counterterrorism raids and “decapitation strikes” against Islamic State leaders had contributed to the decline.

But terrorism analysts hesitate to write off the group, noting that it was regarded as a spent force just a few years before it came roaring back and solidified its control over entire cities in Syria and Iraq in 2014.

The group has long found it easiest to operate in failed states, conflict zones and poorly governed places, and its fighters still have many such territories to choose from, including in Afghanistan and parts of Africa.

In Syria, it remains most active in the east, which was badly battered in the country’s 10-year civil war and is only loosely controlled by a Kurdish-led militia whose administration is not internationally recognized and is short on resources.

The draw of chaotic places likely explains why al-Qurayshi sought refuge in Idlib province, in Syria’s northwest, miles from his organization’s past strongholds.

The area is one of the last territories still controlled by the rebels who set out to topple President Bashar Assad, and it is packed with millions of people who fled from elsewhere during the war, making it easier for strangers to blend in.

The Islamic State’s future could depend less on who its leaders are than on the opportunities for expansion that present themselves, and the group’s ability to take advantage of them.

“What we have seen in the jihadi movement on the whole over the last two decades is that it is highly pragmatic in the pursuit of its goals,” said Shiraz Maher, author of a book on the history of the global jihadi movement. “Their next move is to continue to hold out and bide their time and react to the realities as they pan out.”

For a man who sought to disappear, the leader of the Islamic State group seemed to have done everything right. He hid out far from where his enemies expected. He never left the house, relying on trusted couriers to communicate with his far-flung underlings.

For a man who sought to disappear, the leader of the Islamic State group seemed to have done everything right. He hid out far from where his enemies expected. He never left the house, relying on trusted couriers to communicate with his far-flung underlings. He was the group’s only leader to never issue a video or voice address, for fear it would make him easier to track. Most of his most fervent followers would not have recognized him on the street. But American commandos came for him anyway, and on Thursday, the leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, blew himself up during a raid on his hideout in northwestern Syria, U.S. officials said. American leaders hailed al-Qurayshi’s death as a fresh wound to a fearsome organization whose reach and power had already been greatly diminished. But terrorism analysts warned that killing yet another leader would not erase a group whose members have continued to seek refuge and plan attacks in chaotic parts of the globe. “It is another painful blow to an organization that just a few years ago cast a broad shadow across the entire region,” said Pratibha Thaker, editorial director for the Middle East and Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit. “But I think everyone is wondering deep down how much taking down the top leader really matters since the organization is very decentralized.” The United States has invested great resources in killing leaders of terrorist organizations. U.S. forces took out Osama bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaida, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who led al-Qaida in Iraq, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, al-Qurayshi’s predecessor at the helm of the Islamic State group. While such attacks generate dramatic headlines, the groups they sought to undermine have often resurfaced in new and more powerful forms or simply replaced old heads with new ones, Hydra-style. The killing of al-Qurayshi deprived the Islamic State of a key religious and military authority at a time when the group had already been routed from its territory and lost a huge number of fighters. Now it faces a potential leadership vacuum. But terrorism experts said the group had become more diffuse and decentralized, allowing it to carry on. Even if it no longer has the power to hold territory as it once did, diminishing its ability to market itself as a “state,” it has proved that it can still carry out devastating, coordinated military attacks. In recent weeks, its fighters in Iraq killed 10 Iraqi soldiers and an officer in a nighttime attack on an army post and beheaded a police officer on camera. In Syria, the jihadis attacked a prison in an attempt to free thousands of their former comrades and occupied the compound for more than a week before a Kurdish-led militia supported by the United States drove them out. Still, the group is a shadow of its former self. At its height around 2015, the Islamic State controlled a territory the size of Britain in Syria and Iraq and displaced al-Qaida as the world’s richest and most dangerous terrorist organization. It controlled large cities, collected taxes, provided public services and built a war machine. Its propagandists attracted aspiring jihadis from around the world. Its operatives directed and inspired deadly attacks in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. The loss of its last patch of territory in 2019, after 4 1/2 years of war, was a major defeat. Now, it is a caliphate in name only. And persistent attacks by the United States and its partners in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere have disrupted its financing networks and led to the deaths of many of its cadres. Al-Qurayshi was anointed the group’s leader, or caliph, in 2019 after his predecessor, al-Baghdadi, similarly blew himself up during a raid by U.S. Special Forces on his hideout in northwestern Syria. From the start, al-Qurayshi lacked his predecessor’s public profile, and even his followers knew little about his background. The United States filled in some gaps by releasing notes of interrogation sessions from when he was detained by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2008. But the revelations that he said he had served in the Iraqi army under Saddam Hussein and earned a master’s degree in Islamic studies in 2007 were overshadowed by what appeared to be his willingness to inform on his fellow jihadis. After al-Qurayshi took control, the United States put a bounty of up to $10 million on his head and said he “helped drive and justify the abduction, slaughter and trafficking of members of Yazidi religious minority groups” in Iraq and oversaw “the group’s global operations.” As it searches for a replacement, the militant group no longer has a large pool to draw from because years of concerted counterterrorism operations by the United States and its partners have killed so much of the group’s inner circle, an expert on the Islamic State, Hassan Hassan, wrote Thursday in New Lines, an online magazine. “The leaders it can trust are a dying breed — quite literally,” Hassan wrote. That leadership vacuum, the waning attractiveness of international jihadism and the increasing strength of enemy governments and competing militant groups could hinder the group’s ability to bounce back, he wrote. “The death of its leader under these circumstances will further disorient the group and weaken its ability to focus on international terrorism.” The group already appears to be less dangerous in Iraq, according to a recent analysis of attack data by Michael Knights, the Jill and Jay Bernstein Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and his colleague, Alex Almeida. They found that Islamic State attacks increased in 2019 and 2020, but have declined since, in both quantity and quality. “For now, at the outset of 2022, the Islamic State insurgency in Iraq is at a very low ebb, with recorded attack numbers that rival the lowest ever recorded,” they wrote. They said increased Iraqi security deployments in rural areas, frequent counterterrorism raids and “decapitation strikes” against Islamic State leaders had contributed to the decline. But terrorism analysts hesitate to write off the group, noting that it was regarded as a spent force just a few years before it came roaring back and solidified its control over entire cities in Syria and Iraq in 2014. The group has long found it easiest to operate in failed states, conflict zones and poorly governed places, and its fighters still have many such territories to choose from, including in Afghanistan and parts of Africa. In Syria, it remains most active in the east, which was badly battered in the country’s 10-year civil war and is only loosely controlled by a Kurdish-led militia whose administration is not internationally recognized and is short on resources. The draw of chaotic places likely explains why al-Qurayshi sought refuge in Idlib province, in Syria’s northwest, miles from his organization’s past strongholds. The area is one of the last territories still controlled by the rebels who set out to topple President Bashar Assad, and it is packed with millions of people who fled from elsewhere during the war, making it easier for strangers to blend in. The Islamic State’s future could depend less on who its leaders are than on the opportunities for expansion that present themselves, and the group’s ability to take advantage of them. “What we have seen in the jihadi movement on the whole over the last two decades is that it is highly pragmatic in the pursuit of its goals,” said Shiraz Maher, author of a book on the history of the global jihadi movement. “Their next move is to continue to hold out and bide their time and react to the realities as they pan out.”

Leader’s death is another blow for the Islamic State, but it’s hardly the end

A strong explosion has rocked the Greek capital of Athens. The explosion has damaged buildings and cars on the street. Several eyewitnesses explain and recount the horrific encounter.

Greece: An explosion in Athens damages buildings & cars, eyewitness recount the horror

Greek capital of Athens was rocked by an explosion that led to a fire. Officials and eyewitnesses were quoted to say that the explosion took place in early hours of Wednesday (January 26). One person was injured and several buildings were extensively damaged due to explosion and fire.

Giorgos Mathiopoulos, the head of workers at the National Centre for Emergency Care told Skai TV that the person who suffered burns was taken to hospital.

Windows of the buildings were smashed due to the blasts and even facades were damaged. The damage took place along the major traffic artery of Syngrou Avenue.

Syngrous Avenue links the city centre to the southern suburbs. Buildings up tp 200 metres (656 ft) away were damaged.

Debris littered the street a day after a severe snowstorm swept the capital disrupting traffic and stranding thousands of people.

At least 18 firefighters used seven engines to battle a blaze at one buildings and have nearly brought it under control, the fire brigade said.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast or the fire, officials said.

"We have a fire, there was a blast before that," said a fire brigade commander at the scene.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greek capital of Athens was rocked by an explosion that led to a fire. Officials and eyewitnesses were quoted to say that the explosion took place in early hours of Wednesday (January 26).

Greek capital of Athens was rocked by an explosion that led to a fire. Officials and eyewitnesses were quoted to say that the explosion took place in early hours of Wednesday (January 26). One person was injured and several buildings were extensively damaged due to explosion and fire. Giorgos Mathiopoulos, the head of workers at the National Centre for Emergency Care told Skai TV that the person who suffered burns was taken to hospital. Windows of the buildings were smashed due to the blasts and even facades were damaged. The damage took place along the major traffic artery of Syngrou Avenue. Syngrous Avenue links the city centre to the southern suburbs. Buildings up tp 200 metres (656 ft) away were damaged. Debris littered the street a day after a severe snowstorm swept the capital disrupting traffic and stranding thousands of people. At least 18 firefighters used seven engines to battle a blaze at one buildings and have nearly brought it under control, the fire brigade said. It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast or the fire, officials said. "We have a fire, there was a blast before that," said a fire brigade commander at the scene. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosion in Athens causes extensive damage to buildings

A blast rips through a minivan in the western Afghan city of Herat on Saturday. Officials say at least six people have been killed and nine have been injured.

A blast rips through a minivan in the western Afghan city of Herat

At least seven&nbsp;people have been killed and nine have been injured after a blast ripped through a minivan in Afghanistan's Herat on Saturday.&nbsp;The blast was confirmed by Herat's intelligence office.

The&nbsp;bomb was attached to the fuel tank of the bus.&nbsp;No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

A health official in Herat,&nbsp;on the condition of anonymity, said that an explosion hit a small van which was used for public transport. He further revealed that three of the injured people were in serious condition.

The head of Herat's provincial hospital, Arif Jalali, while speaking to AFP said, "Four women were among the seven killed. "

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The blast took place in Haji Abbas area of Herat city. 
Local officials have not yet commented on the incident or the number of casualties. But eyewitnesses say the blast caused financial and personal damage.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/HkkjVepSJO">pic.twitter.com/HkkjVepSJO</a>
— Rohullah Parwani (@official_rohpar) <a href="https://twitter.com/official_rohpar/status/1484915917788221441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a series of blasts and attacks have been taking place. This has added to the security challenges for the Taliban. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watchdog-had-warned-of-afghan-force-collapse-way-before-us-pullout-446442">Also read |&nbsp;Watchdog had warned of Afghan force collapse way before US pullout</a>

Earlier in November, a blast took place at a mosque in the Spin Ghar area in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

The explosives were reportedly planted inside the mosque. The blast was confirmed by Taliban officials as reports claimed the bomb was hidden inside a loudspeaker.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least seven people have been killed and nine have been injured after a blast ripped through a minivan in Afghanistan's Herat on Saturday. The blast was confirmed by Herat's intelligence office.

At least seven people have been killed and nine have been injured after a blast ripped through a minivan in Afghanistan's Herat on Saturday. The blast was confirmed by Herat's intelligence office. The bomb was attached to the fuel tank of the bus. No group has so far taken responsibility for the attack. A health official in Herat, on the condition of anonymity, said that an explosion hit a small van which was used for public transport. He further revealed that three of the injured people were in serious condition. The head of Herat's provincial hospital, Arif Jalali, while speaking to AFP said, "Four women were among the seven killed. " The blast took place in Haji Abbas area of Herat city. Local officials have not yet commented on the incident or the number of casualties. But eyewitnesses say the blast caused financial and personal damage.#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/HkkjVepSJO — Rohullah Parwani (@official_rohpar) January 22, 2022 × Ever since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a series of blasts and attacks have been taking place. This has added to the security challenges for the Taliban. Also read | Watchdog had warned of Afghan force collapse way before US pullout Earlier in November, a blast took place at a mosque in the Spin Ghar area in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. The explosives were reportedly planted inside the mosque. The blast was confirmed by Taliban officials as reports claimed the bomb was hidden inside a loudspeaker. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 7 killed, nine injured after a blast hit Afghanistan's Herat

At least three people have been killed and over 20 have been injured after a blast in Lahore's Lohari Gate area. DIG Operations Lahore Dr Muhammad Abid Khan while speaking to media said that over 20 people have been injured and the investigation is at its initial stage.

He also said the blast has created a 1.5 feet-deep crater in the ground.

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Heartbreaking newsBroken heart Blast in Lahore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/anarkali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#anarkali</a> bazar.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prayforlahore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prayforlahore</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LahoreBlast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LahoreBlast</a> <a href="https://t.co/BbSH8jCfQF">pic.twitter.com/BbSH8jCfQF</a>
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The police have so far revealed that it was a planted device. It is not yet confirmed whether it was an improvised explosive device or a time device.

Images and videos that have emerged on social media show burning vehicles and shops.&nbsp;

As per local media,&nbsp;Mayo hospital officials have said that four people are in critical condition. Also, the medics have given first aid to other injured people.&nbsp;

The area has been sealed as the police are trying to gather evidence.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan urged authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that those responsible for the blast will not be able to escape.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-2-dead-and-23-injured-in-bomb-blast-in-lahores-anarkali-market-446195/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

At least three people have been killed and over 20 have been injured after a blast in Lahore's Lohari Gate area. DIG Operations Lahore Dr Muhammad Abid Khan while speaking to media said that over 20 people have been injured and the investigation is at its initial stage.

At least three people have been killed and over 20 have been injured after a blast in Lahore's Lohari Gate area. DIG Operations Lahore Dr Muhammad Abid Khan while speaking to media said that over 20 people have been injured and the investigation is at its initial stage. He also said the blast has created a 1.5 feet-deep crater in the ground. Heartbreaking newsBroken heart Blast in Lahore #anarkali bazar.#prayforlahore #LahoreBlast pic.twitter.com/BbSH8jCfQF — EMP (@Emp0ffical) January 20, 2022 × The police have so far revealed that it was a planted device. It is not yet confirmed whether it was an improvised explosive device or a time device. Images and videos that have emerged on social media show burning vehicles and shops. As per local media, Mayo hospital officials have said that four people are in critical condition. Also, the medics have given first aid to other injured people. The area has been sealed as the police are trying to gather evidence. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan urged authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the injured. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that those responsible for the blast will not be able to escape.

At least 3 killed, over 20 injured after a blast in Pakistan's Lahore

According to the head of the city's emergency services, a car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people.

Mohamed Osman, a Mogadishu local, said the blast shattered the walls and ceiling of a mosque where he was worshipping nearby.&nbsp;

“A car bomb targeted a convoy, including bulletproof cars using Avisione street, we do not know who owns the convoy,” the head of the city’s ambulance service, Abdikadir Abdirahman, was quoted as saying by&nbsp;news agencies.

“We carried eight dead people from the scene.”

The Somali National News Agency reported “unspecified casualties”.

The founder of the Aamin ambulance service, Abdulkadir Adan, tweeted that he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries” in Mogadishu. He posted a photo from the scene of a mangled vehicle.

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I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries in Mogadishu,Somalia <a href="https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarunMaruf</a> <a href="https://t.co/5ennWL5hms">pic.twitter.com/5ennWL5hms</a>
— Dr. Abdulkadir Adan (@DrAadem) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAadem/status/1481202867851640833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group that controls parts of Somalia often carries out bombings at high-profile locations in the capital. 
 
Watch | UN: Somalia drought affects 2.3 million people, one in four Somalis face acute hunger

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-somalia-drought-affects-23-million-people-one-in-four-somalis-face-acute-hunger-438769/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

According to the head of the city's emergency services, a car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people.

According to the head of the city's emergency services, a car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people. Mohamed Osman, a Mogadishu local, said the blast shattered the walls and ceiling of a mosque where he was worshipping nearby. “A car bomb targeted a convoy, including bulletproof cars using Avisione street, we do not know who owns the convoy,” the head of the city’s ambulance service, Abdikadir Abdirahman, was quoted as saying by news agencies. “We carried eight dead people from the scene.” The Somali National News Agency reported “unspecified casualties”. The founder of the Aamin ambulance service, Abdulkadir Adan, tweeted that he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries” in Mogadishu. He posted a photo from the scene of a mangled vehicle. I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries in Mogadishu,Somalia @HarunMaruf pic.twitter.com/5ennWL5hms — Dr. Abdulkadir Adan (@DrAadem) January 12, 2022 × The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group that controls parts of Somalia often carries out bombings at high-profile locations in the capital. Watch | UN: Somalia drought affects 2.3 million people, one in four Somalis face acute hunger (With inputs from agencies)

Massive blast goes off in Somalia's capital; at least eight killed

In Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, a bomb went off, killing at least four people while 15 others had been wounded in the blast.

Pakistan: At least four people were killed while 15 others were wounded in a blast in Quetta city

In Germany today, the alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab was nabbed. The accused is a top member of "Sikhs for Justice" - a banned pro-Khalistani group. Reports say he was in touch with Pakistan's ISI.

Alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab nabbed

In Germany today, the alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab was nabbed. The accused is a top member of "Sikhs for Justice" - a banned pro-Khalistani group. Reports say he was in touch with Pakistan's ISI. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Khalistani terrorists behind court blast in India's Punjab?

Saudi crown prince MBS is on a whirlwind Gulf tour, adding to a flurry of diplomacy seeking to resolve long-simmering regional tensions. This comes as leaders in West Asia are on a diplomatic spree. They are ending regional rifts that have defined the region for over a decade. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what this tour means for West Asia.

The West Asia Post | Saudi MBS on a gulf tour | Beirut blast probe resumes

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