5 people have been killed in a blast in Northwestern Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan. It's the first major bombing in over a decade in an area that was once a Battleground between security forces and rebel fighters.

5 killed in bombing in Pakistan; Tehreek-i-Taliban claims responsibility

Russia launched rockets early on Monday at cities in southern Ukraine, to the west of the continent's largest nuclear power plant, while Kyiv, the country's capital, has forbidden celebrations of the country's independence&nbsp;from Soviet authority this week out of concern for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-topless-protestors-surround-olaf-scholz-at-a-public-event-demand-ban-on-russian-gas-imports-508977">Russian </a>assaults.

There have been requests for the demilitarisation of the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor complex, which is near to artillery and rocket fire, on the Russian-occupied south bank of the Dnipro River.

The frequent shelling, some of which grazed the plant, has been blamed on both Russia and Ukraine. Despite being controlled mostly by Ukrainian experts, it was taken over by Russian forces soon after their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gears-up-for-intensified-attacks-following-moscow-car-bombing-509001">invasion of Ukraine</a> in February.

At least four people were hurt by Russian rocket salvos that were launched overnight into Nikopol, across the Dnipro from Russian-occupied Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia plant is located, as well as the surrounding Krivyi Rih and Synelnykovsky districts, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko reported on Telegram on Monday.

<img alt="Russia- ukraine war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="815c9b49-576b-4bcb-8711-9a52d867a681" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2022-08-22T072529Z_2_LYNXMPEI7L03T_RTROPTP_4_UKRAINE-CRISIS-BAKHMUT.JPG" />

Son hugs his mom, during the evacuation from war-affected&nbsp;areas&nbsp;in eastern Ukraine, as&nbsp;Russia's attack in Ukraine continues, in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine August 20, 2022. Photo credits: Reuters

In addition, Ukraine said that Russia had launched a missile attack on Voznesensk, which is southwest of the nation's second-largest nuclear power plant.

In a phone discussion on Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and US President Joe Biden emphasised the significance of protecting the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear plants.

While reiterating their "steadfast commitment" to assist Ukraine in the situation, they also welcomed recent discussions on permitting a mission by the U.N. nuclear watchdog&nbsp;

On February 24, Russia launched a "special military operation" to demilitarise its smaller neighbour and defend Russian-speaking areas. Moscow is accused of pursuing an imperial-style war of conquest by Ukraine and its Western sponsors.

The war, which is the largest to affect Europe since World War Two, has destroyed towns and cities, claimed thousands of lives, driven millions from their homes, and widened the geopolitical divide between Russia and the West.

The fighting has been centred in the east and south where frontlines have remained virtually stagnant for weeks since Ukraine successfully resisted a Russian assault to capture Kyiv early in the conflict.

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY IS PROHIBITED

Prior to Wednesday's 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Russian-dominated Soviet government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a warning about the possibility of additional serious attacks.

According to a statement made public by the Kyiv military administration and signed by its head Mykola Zhyrnov, big public events, demonstrations, and other commemorative gatherings have been outlawed in the capital city from Monday through Thursday owing to the potential for rocket strikes.

In the days leading up to Wednesday, which also happens to be the halfway point since Russia's invasion, Zelenskiy warned that Moscow might try "something extremely unpleasant."

Zelenskiy claimed that he had spoken with his French counterpart about "all the threats," and that he had also informed other world leaders, such as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In his nightly video message, Zelenskiy stated of Russia, "All of Ukraine's partners have been notified of what the terrorist state can prepare for this week."

Erdogan attempted to encourage communication, according to Gennady Gatilov, the Russian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, who was reported by The Financial Times in a piece that was published on Sunday.

However, he denied rumours that Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed meeting, claiming that there was no "practical basis for doing so," according to the ne

RUSSIA'S SMALL PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH

The city of Mykolaiv, a significant target in the south, has come under attack by Russian forces, according to the Ukraine's General Staff, which reported the development in its morning briefing on Monday.

Additionally, Russia was attempting to restore momentum in the direction of Pisky, Bakhmut, and Kramatorsk, important towns in the Donetsk province that together with the neighbouring Luhansk, which was taken by Moscow's forces earlier in the summer, make up the eastern Donbas region.

The Soledar, Zaytseve, and Bilogorivka regions near Bakhmut were heavily targeted by Russian artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems, according to an update from the Ukrainian military command.

The regional administration said that at least two citizens died. Russia denies committing civilian targets. The daughter of Alexander Dugin, an ultra-nationalist Russian theorist who favours Russia absorbing Ukraine, was killed in a suspected car bomb attack outside of Moscow, according to Russian authorities who are looking into the incident.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said there might be a connection to Ukraine, which a Zelenskiy advisor downplayed, even though investigators stated they were evaluating "all possibilities" while determining who was to blame.

Mykhailo Podolyak claimed on Ukrainian TV that Ukraine has nothing to do with this because it is neither a terrorist or criminal state like the Russian Federation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine: Russian missiles hit Bakhmut

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-russian-missiles-hit-bakhmut-508981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia launched rockets early on Monday at cities in southern Ukraine, to the west of the continent's largest nuclear power plant, while Kyiv, the country's capital, has forbidden celebrations of the country's independence from Soviet authority this week out of concern for Russian assaults.

Russia launched rockets early on Monday at cities in southern Ukraine, to the west of the continent's largest nuclear power plant, while Kyiv, the country's capital, has forbidden celebrations of the country's independence from Soviet authority this week out of concern for Russian assaults. There have been requests for the demilitarisation of the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor complex, which is near to artillery and rocket fire, on the Russian-occupied south bank of the Dnipro River. The frequent shelling, some of which grazed the plant, has been blamed on both Russia and Ukraine. Despite being controlled mostly by Ukrainian experts, it was taken over by Russian forces soon after their invasion of Ukraine in February. At least four people were hurt by Russian rocket salvos that were launched overnight into Nikopol, across the Dnipro from Russian-occupied Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia plant is located, as well as the surrounding Krivyi Rih and Synelnykovsky districts, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko reported on Telegram on Monday. Son hugs his mom, during the evacuation from war-affected areas in eastern Ukraine, as Russia's attack in Ukraine continues, in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine August 20, 2022. Photo credits: Reuters In addition, Ukraine said that Russia had launched a missile attack on Voznesensk, which is southwest of the nation's second-largest nuclear power plant. In a phone discussion on Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and US President Joe Biden emphasised the significance of protecting the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear plants. While reiterating their "steadfast commitment" to assist Ukraine in the situation, they also welcomed recent discussions on permitting a mission by the U.N. nuclear watchdog On February 24, Russia launched a "special military operation" to demilitarise its smaller neighbour and defend Russian-speaking areas. Moscow is accused of pursuing an imperial-style war of conquest by Ukraine and its Western sponsors. The war, which is the largest to affect Europe since World War Two, has destroyed towns and cities, claimed thousands of lives, driven millions from their homes, and widened the geopolitical divide between Russia and the West. The fighting has been centred in the east and south where frontlines have remained virtually stagnant for weeks since Ukraine successfully resisted a Russian assault to capture Kyiv early in the conflict. CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY IS PROHIBITED Prior to Wednesday's 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Russian-dominated Soviet government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a warning about the possibility of additional serious attacks. According to a statement made public by the Kyiv military administration and signed by its head Mykola Zhyrnov, big public events, demonstrations, and other commemorative gatherings have been outlawed in the capital city from Monday through Thursday owing to the potential for rocket strikes. In the days leading up to Wednesday, which also happens to be the halfway point since Russia's invasion, Zelenskiy warned that Moscow might try "something extremely unpleasant." Zelenskiy claimed that he had spoken with his French counterpart about "all the threats," and that he had also informed other world leaders, such as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In his nightly video message, Zelenskiy stated of Russia, "All of Ukraine's partners have been notified of what the terrorist state can prepare for this week." Erdogan attempted to encourage communication, according to Gennady Gatilov, the Russian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, who was reported by The Financial Times in a piece that was published on Sunday. However, he denied rumours that Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed meeting, claiming that there was no "practical basis for doing so," according to the ne RUSSIA'S SMALL PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH The city of Mykolaiv, a significant target in the south, has come under attack by Russian forces, according to the Ukraine's General Staff, which reported the development in its morning briefing on Monday. Additionally, Russia was attempting to restore momentum in the direction of Pisky, Bakhmut, and Kramatorsk, important towns in the Donetsk province that together with the neighbouring Luhansk, which was taken by Moscow's forces earlier in the summer, make up the eastern Donbas region. The Soledar, Zaytseve, and Bilogorivka regions near Bakhmut were heavily targeted by Russian artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems, according to an update from the Ukrainian military command. The regional administration said that at least two citizens died. Russia denies committing civilian targets. The daughter of Alexander Dugin, an ultra-nationalist Russian theorist who favours Russia absorbing Ukraine, was killed in a suspected car bomb attack outside of Moscow, according to Russian authorities who are looking into the incident. The Russian Foreign Ministry said there might be a connection to Ukraine, which a Zelenskiy advisor downplayed, even though investigators stated they were evaluating "all possibilities" while determining who was to blame. Mykhailo Podolyak claimed on Ukrainian TV that Ukraine has nothing to do with this because it is neither a terrorist or criminal state like the Russian Federation. Also watch | Ukraine: Russian missiles hit Bakhmut

Ukraine bans Independence day celebrations as Russia launches rockets at locations near nuclear plant

13 civilians have been killed in attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists. Now, Somalian forces have claimed to defeat attackers. On Friday, Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a famous hotel

Somalia hotel attack: 30-hour-long siege comes to an end; Somalian forces claim to defeat attackers

Over a dozen people have died and many are being held hostage in Somalia's capital Mogadishu. Al-Shabab terrorists attacked a famous hotel and as per reports, the terror group is linked to the Al-Qaeda.

Terror attack in Mogadishu: Al-Shabab group attacks a hotel in Somalia

An Indonesian man jailed for his role in the deadly 2002 Bali bombings could be released on parole in days after his sentence was reduced, a law official said on Friday, news that shocked those impacted by the attack at home and abroad.

Umar Patek, a member of the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah, was jailed for 20 years in 2012 after he was found guilty of mixing bombs that ripped through two Bali nightclubs a decade earlier, killing 202 people, including 88 Australians.

Patek, who was also convicted for his role in deadly church bombings in 2000, was this week granted the latest of several small reductions to his sentence as part of remissions regularly given to inmates to mark Indonesia's Aug. 17 independence day.

The bomber is now eligible for parole this month because he has served two-thirds of his sentence, said Zaeroji, head of the law and human rights office in East Java where Patek is jailed.

The matter has been passed to the justice ministry for final approval, added Zaeroji, who goes by one name. The ministry did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

VICTIMS' PAIN

"I hope the government, especially President Joko Widodo, will please suspend this decision," Thiolina F Marpaung, a victim of the attack, told Reuters from her home in Bali's capital Denpasar.

"Because for us, the survivors, while our tears have dried the pain inside our bodies, our body parts, persist," she added, showing a burn mark on her arm she suffered while passing by the nightclub when the bombs went off 20 years ago.

The decision has also sparked criticism in Australia, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Patek's release would have a devastating impact on the victims' families.

"They have a system whereby when anniversaries occur, quite often sentences are reduced and commuted for people," Albanese told reporters in Queensland.

"But when it comes to someone who's committed such a heinous crime... then we have a very strong view," he said, adding his government would raise the issue with Indonesia.

On the run for nine years, there had been a $1 million dollar bounty on Patek's head before he was finally apprehended in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011, in the same town where Osama bin Laden was killed several months after his arrest.

Bali bombing mastermind Hambali, also known as Encep Nurjaman, is currently being detained at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and has been awaiting trial since 2006.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

An Indonesian man jailed for his role in the deadly 2002 Bali bombings could be released on parole in days after his sentence was reduced, a law official said on Friday, news that shocked those impacted by the attack at home and abroad.

An Indonesian man jailed for his role in the deadly 2002 Bali bombings could be released on parole in days after his sentence was reduced, a law official said on Friday, news that shocked those impacted by the attack at home and abroad. Umar Patek, a member of the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah, was jailed for 20 years in 2012 after he was found guilty of mixing bombs that ripped through two Bali nightclubs a decade earlier, killing 202 people, including 88 Australians. Patek, who was also convicted for his role in deadly church bombings in 2000, was this week granted the latest of several small reductions to his sentence as part of remissions regularly given to inmates to mark Indonesia's Aug. 17 independence day. The bomber is now eligible for parole this month because he has served two-thirds of his sentence, said Zaeroji, head of the law and human rights office in East Java where Patek is jailed. The matter has been passed to the justice ministry for final approval, added Zaeroji, who goes by one name. The ministry did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. VICTIMS' PAIN "I hope the government, especially President Joko Widodo, will please suspend this decision," Thiolina F Marpaung, a victim of the attack, told Reuters from her home in Bali's capital Denpasar. "Because for us, the survivors, while our tears have dried the pain inside our bodies, our body parts, persist," she added, showing a burn mark on her arm she suffered while passing by the nightclub when the bombs went off 20 years ago. The decision has also sparked criticism in Australia, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Patek's release would have a devastating impact on the victims' families. "They have a system whereby when anniversaries occur, quite often sentences are reduced and commuted for people," Albanese told reporters in Queensland. "But when it comes to someone who's committed such a heinous crime... then we have a very strong view," he said, adding his government would raise the issue with Indonesia. On the run for nine years, there had been a $1 million dollar bounty on Patek's head before he was finally apprehended in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011, in the same town where Osama bin Laden was killed several months after his arrest. Bali bombing mastermind Hambali, also known as Encep Nurjaman, is currently being detained at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and has been awaiting trial since 2006. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bali bomber could be released in days, law official says

Russian bombing of a school in Ukraine's village of Bilohorivka has claim two lives and 60 trapped in the debris are feared dead, said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the Luhansk region.

The governor said that Russia dropped a bomb on the school on Saturday afternoon. About 90 people were sheltering in the school. The bombing caused a fire in the building. Thirty people have been rescued.

"The fire was extinguished after nearly four hours, then the rubble was cleared, and, unfortunately, the bodies of two people were found," Gaidai wrote on wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app. "Sixty people were likely to have died under the rubble of buildings."

Watch | Russia-Ukraine crisis: China rejects America's claim, says countries distorting our position 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-crisis-china-rejects-americas-claim-says-countries-distorting-our-position-477253/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Separately, Gaidai said that according to preliminary information, shelling in the village of Shypilovo destroyed a house and 11 people remained under the building's debris.

News agency Reuters said that it could not immediately verify the reports.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300-people-evacuated-from-azovstal-steel-plant-says-ukrainian-president-zelensky-477243">Over 300 civilians evacuated from Azovstal steel plant, says Ukrainian President Zelensky</a>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that over 300 people (civilians) have been evacuated from Mariupol steel plant. Ukrainian soldiers are still holed-up inside the Azovstal steel factory. It is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the key port city. Russia has already declared that Mariupol is under its control.

(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Russian bombing of a school in Ukraine's village of Bilohorivka has claim two lives and 60 trapped in the debris are feared dead, said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the Luhansk region.

Russian bombing of a school in Ukraine's village of Bilohorivka has claim two lives and 60 trapped in the debris are feared dead, said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the Luhansk region. The governor said that Russia dropped a bomb on the school on Saturday afternoon. About 90 people were sheltering in the school. The bombing caused a fire in the building. Thirty people have been rescued. "The fire was extinguished after nearly four hours, then the rubble was cleared, and, unfortunately, the bodies of two people were found," Gaidai wrote on wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app. "Sixty people were likely to have died under the rubble of buildings." Watch | Russia-Ukraine crisis: China rejects America's claim, says countries distorting our position × Separately, Gaidai said that according to preliminary information, shelling in the village of Shypilovo destroyed a house and 11 people remained under the building's debris. News agency Reuters said that it could not immediately verify the reports. Also Read | Over 300 civilians evacuated from Azovstal steel plant, says Ukrainian President Zelensky Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that over 300 people (civilians) have been evacuated from Mariupol steel plant. Ukrainian soldiers are still holed-up inside the Azovstal steel factory. It is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the key port city. Russia has already declared that Mariupol is under its control. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian bombing of Ukrainian school kills 2, sixty trapped under rubble: Governor

The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on passenger bus that killed one woman in Kabul, Afghanistan capital.

Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in deadly attacks that have punctuated the last two weeks of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ends Sunday.

A woman was killed and three others were wounded in the bus attack, Kabul police said.

The bus bombing took place just two days after a bomb blast in a mosque that claimed lives of 10 people. The blast took place on Friday just when worshippers were performing rituals.

No group claimed Friday's mosque bombing but IS took responsibility for the attack on the bus.

IS has claimed several bombings in recent weeks. The militant group has been targetting Shi'ite and Sufi minorities in the country. Afghanistan is mainly a Sunni Muslim nation.

Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge.&nbsp;

Kabul police meanwhile vowed to "ensure security" during the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Meanwhile United Nations sectretary general condemned bomb blast in the mosque.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday's deadly attack on the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in western Kabul during Friday prayers," a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on passenger bus that killed one woman in Kabul, Afghanistan capital. Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in deadly attacks that have punctuated the last two weeks of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ends Sunday.

The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on passenger bus that killed one woman in Kabul, Afghanistan capital. Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in deadly attacks that have punctuated the last two weeks of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ends Sunday. A woman was killed and three others were wounded in the bus attack, Kabul police said. The bus bombing took place just two days after a bomb blast in a mosque that claimed lives of 10 people. The blast took place on Friday just when worshippers were performing rituals. No group claimed Friday's mosque bombing but IS took responsibility for the attack on the bus. IS has claimed several bombings in recent weeks. The militant group has been targetting Shi'ite and Sufi minorities in the country. Afghanistan is mainly a Sunni Muslim nation. Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge. Kabul police meanwhile vowed to "ensure security" during the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Meanwhile United Nations sectretary general condemned bomb blast in the mosque. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × "The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday's deadly attack on the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in western Kabul during Friday prayers," a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State claims responsibility for bus bombing in Kabul

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an explosion that it said killed or injured 30 people at a market where alcohol was sold in Taraba State, Nigeria, marking an expansion of the area where the extremist group operates in the country.

Northeast Nigeria, especially the states of Borno and Yobe, have been in the grip of Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, but Taraba, located at the eastern end of Nigeria's Middle Belt central region, has not previously been attacked.

The explosion took place on Tuesday in Iware, a rural town, and local police initially said three people were killed and 19 injured. They could not immediately be reached on Thursday to comment on the Islamic State claim or casualty count.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-seminary-student-dies-while-re-enacting-jesus-christs-crucifixion-471916">Nigeria: Seminary student&nbsp;dies while re-enacting Jesus Christ's crucifixion</a>

In a statement posted late on Wednesday on a Telegram messaging channel used by Islamic State to distribute its propaganda, the group described those who detonated the bomb in the market as "soldiers of the caliphate in central Nigeria".

The statement said the attack had struck "a gathering of infidel Christians" and expressed satisfaction that the drinking spot had been damaged. It did not break down the casualty figure into dead and injured.

Watch |&nbsp;Social enterprise in Kenya treats human waste, turns waste into fuel

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/social-enterprise-in-kenya-treats-human-waste-turns-waste-into-fuel-471906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The whole of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has been suffering from a rise in crime and violence, exacerbated by the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.</div>

Armed robberies are rife everywhere, kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common, and the northwest has been hit by mass abductions of children from schools as well as indiscriminate attacks on towns and village by armed gangs.

The worst and longest-running crisis, however, is in the northeast, where rival Islamist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have killed, abducted and looted on a massive scale whilst fighting against the Nigerian military.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-condemns-reports-of-racism-at-ukraine-border-457416">Nigeria condemns reports of racism at Ukraine border</a>

In the latest attack, on the town of Geidam in Yobe State, Boko Haram fighters came in the early hours of Thursday and burnt down a school and several private buildings, according to two residents and two security sources.

The residents said a local drinking spot selling beer had been attacked. One said he had seen nine dead bodies, while the other said he had seen several dead including two women. The authorities were yet to release a death toll.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an explosion that it said killed or injured 30 people at a market where alcohol was sold in Taraba State, Nigeria, marking an expansion of the area where the extremist group operates in the country.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an explosion that it said killed or injured 30 people at a market where alcohol was sold in Taraba State, Nigeria, marking an expansion of the area where the extremist group operates in the country. Northeast Nigeria, especially the states of Borno and Yobe, have been in the grip of Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, but Taraba, located at the eastern end of Nigeria's Middle Belt central region, has not previously been attacked. The explosion took place on Tuesday in Iware, a rural town, and local police initially said three people were killed and 19 injured. They could not immediately be reached on Thursday to comment on the Islamic State claim or casualty count. Also read | Nigeria: Seminary student dies while re-enacting Jesus Christ's crucifixion In a statement posted late on Wednesday on a Telegram messaging channel used by Islamic State to distribute its propaganda, the group described those who detonated the bomb in the market as "soldiers of the caliphate in central Nigeria". The statement said the attack had struck "a gathering of infidel Christians" and expressed satisfaction that the drinking spot had been damaged. It did not break down the casualty figure into dead and injured. Watch | Social enterprise in Kenya treats human waste, turns waste into fuel The whole of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has been suffering from a rise in crime and violence, exacerbated by the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Armed robberies are rife everywhere, kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common, and the northwest has been hit by mass abductions of children from schools as well as indiscriminate attacks on towns and village by armed gangs. The worst and longest-running crisis, however, is in the northeast, where rival Islamist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have killed, abducted and looted on a massive scale whilst fighting against the Nigerian military. Also read | Nigeria condemns reports of racism at Ukraine border In the latest attack, on the town of Geidam in Yobe State, Boko Haram fighters came in the early hours of Thursday and burnt down a school and several private buildings, according to two residents and two security sources. The residents said a local drinking spot selling beer had been attacked. One said he had seen nine dead bodies, while the other said he had seen several dead including two women. The authorities were yet to release a death toll.

Islamic State claims Nigeria bombing, says about 30 killed or hurt

At least eight people were killed after Russian bombs destroyed a shopping centre in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, according to local officials.

The Retroville shopping mall and cars parked in the adjacent lot caught fire following Russian shelling in Podilskyi district, Ukraine State Emergency Service said late Sunday.

Sixty-three firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames that had reached as high as the third and fourth floors of the shopping centre,&nbsp;reports CNN.

“According to the information we have at the moment, several homes and one of the&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;centres [were hit],” city mayor Vitali Klitschko said on his Telegram channel, according to Reuters.

In the last few days, Russians have been consistently launching attacks on Kyiv while trying to surround the capital.

British intelligence on Monday said that Russian forces are advancing on the capital city - which remains under Ukrainian control nearly a month into the invasion - from the northeast had stalled.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-breakthrough-yet-at-russian-ukraine-peace-talks-says-kremlin-464321">No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremli</a>n

It said Ukrainian resistance had kept the bulk of Russian forces more than 25 km from the city centre, but Kyiv remains the “primary military objective” in the war.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of people, displaced more than 3 million and raised fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the “special military operation”, which started on Feb. 24, is aimed at disarming Ukraine and rooting out dangerous nationalists.

Even as Russian troops show no sign of easing down, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heavy-bombardment-follows-mariupol-forced-to-bury-dead-on-roadside-in-makeshift-graves-464161">As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside</a>&nbsp;

He, however, added that the negotiations could lead to a much bigger global conflict if the talks break down.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine crisis: Blast rocks Kyiv's shopping district, 8 killed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-crisis-blast-rocks-kyivs-shopping-district-8-killed-464326/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

At least eight people were killed after Russian bombs destroyed a shopping centre in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, according to local officials. The Retroville shopping mall and cars parked in the adjacent lot caught fire following Russian shelling in Podilskyi district, Ukraine State Emergency Service said late Sunday.

At least eight people were killed after Russian bombs destroyed a shopping centre in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, according to local officials. The Retroville shopping mall and cars parked in the adjacent lot caught fire following Russian shelling in Podilskyi district, Ukraine State Emergency Service said late Sunday. Sixty-three firefighters were deployed to extinguish the flames that had reached as high as the third and fourth floors of the shopping centre, reports CNN. “According to the information we have at the moment, several homes and one of the shopping centres [were hit],” city mayor Vitali Klitschko said on his Telegram channel, according to Reuters. In the last few days, Russians have been consistently launching attacks on Kyiv while trying to surround the capital. British intelligence on Monday said that Russian forces are advancing on the capital city - which remains under Ukrainian control nearly a month into the invasion - from the northeast had stalled. Also read | No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin It said Ukrainian resistance had kept the bulk of Russian forces more than 25 km from the city centre, but Kyiv remains the “primary military objective” in the war. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of people, displaced more than 3 million and raised fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the “special military operation”, which started on Feb. 24, is aimed at disarming Ukraine and rooting out dangerous nationalists. Even as Russian troops show no sign of easing down, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. Also read | As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside He, however, added that the negotiations could lead to a much bigger global conflict if the talks break down. Watch | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Blast rocks Kyiv's shopping district, 8 killed (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bombs shopping centre in Kyiv, at least 8 killed: Reports

According to reports, at least about 15 people have been killed and dozens of others being wounded in a suicide bombing attack at a restaurant in central Somalia.

Suicide bombing in central Somalia: Prime Minister condemns the attack

Suicide bombing in central Somalia: Prime Minister condemns

A Sri Lankan court began the trial of 25 men accused of plotting the Easter Sunday bombings that killed nearly 270 people back in 2019, as lawyers warned of a protracted and complicated legal battle ahead.

Trial begins of 25 accused in Easter Sunday bombings

Sunao Tsuboi, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing who made opposing nuclear weapons the message of his life died at 96, had also met US President Barack Obama in 2016 when he visited Hiroshima.

Hiroshima atomic bombing survivor Sunao Tsuboi dies at 96

A minivan carrying civilian passengers in northwest Afghanistan was hit by a roadside bomb, leaving at least 11 passengers dead, including three children, an Afghan official said on Sunday.

The minivan fell into a valley with the wave of the explosion on Saturday, said Badghis provincial Gov Hesamuddin Shams, adding that rescuers were still searching for bodies in the valley.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion but the provincial government accuses the Taliban of placing the bomb to target security forces. There was no immediate response from the Taliban.&nbsp;

A minivan carrying civilian passengers in northwest Afghanistan was hit by a roadside bomb, leaving at least 11 passengers dead, including three children, an Afghan official said on Sunday.

A minivan carrying civilian passengers in northwest Afghanistan was hit by a roadside bomb, leaving at least 11 passengers dead, including three children, an Afghan official said on Sunday. The minivan fell into a valley with the wave of the explosion on Saturday, said Badghis provincial Gov Hesamuddin Shams, adding that rescuers were still searching for bodies in the valley. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion but the provincial government accuses the Taliban of placing the bomb to target security forces. There was no immediate response from the Taliban.

Afghan official: 11 killed in roadside bombing in north

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said.

The congregation had been inside the church on the island of Sulawesi at the time of the explosion, police said, just as the mass was ending.

Local police had previously said the bomber had acted alone.

Authorities were looking into which radical networks the bombers came from and whether the attack was linked to recent arrests of suspected militants, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said.

In January, a counter-terrorism unit raided a militant hideout in Makassar and killed two men suspected by police of involvement in twin bombings at a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people.

Father Wilhemus Tulak, a priest at the church, told Indonesian media that a suspected bomber tried to enter the church grounds on a motorbike, but had been stopped by a security guard.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A Bomb just exploded in cathedral church ,Makassar,Indonesia<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bomakassar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bomakassar</a> <a href="https://t.co/7lDyxSoPmu">pic.twitter.com/7lDyxSoPmu</a>
— Anarchy1412 (@Dannyk717273) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dannyk717273/status/1376013013367410690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Security camera footage showed a blast that blew flame, smoke and debris into the middle of the road.

Police did not say who might be responsible for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Police blamed the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah group for suicide attacks in 2018 on churches and a police post in the city of Surabaya that killed over 30 people.

Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described Sunday's attack as an act of terrorism.

Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said the blast could have caused far more casualties if it had taken place at the church's main gate instead of a side entrance.

Makassar, Sulawesi's biggest city, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a substantial Christian minority and followers of other religions.

"Whatever the motive is, this act isn't justified by any religion because it harms not just one person but others, too," Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said in a statement.

Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, described the attack as a "cruel incident" as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, and urged people to remain calm and trust the authorities.

Indonesia's deadliest Islamist militant attack took place on the tourist island of Bali in 2002, when bombers killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists.

In subsequent years, security forces in Indonesia scored some major successes in tackling militancy, but more recently there has been a resurgence of militant violence.

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said.

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said. The congregation had been inside the church on the island of Sulawesi at the time of the explosion, police said, just as the mass was ending. Local police had previously said the bomber had acted alone. Authorities were looking into which radical networks the bombers came from and whether the attack was linked to recent arrests of suspected militants, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said. In January, a counter-terrorism unit raided a militant hideout in Makassar and killed two men suspected by police of involvement in twin bombings at a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people. Father Wilhemus Tulak, a priest at the church, told Indonesian media that a suspected bomber tried to enter the church grounds on a motorbike, but had been stopped by a security guard. A Bomb just exploded in cathedral church ,Makassar,Indonesia#Bomakassar pic.twitter.com/7lDyxSoPmu — Anarchy1412 (@Dannyk717273) March 28, 2021 × Security camera footage showed a blast that blew flame, smoke and debris into the middle of the road. Police did not say who might be responsible for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Police blamed the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah group for suicide attacks in 2018 on churches and a police post in the city of Surabaya that killed over 30 people. Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described Sunday's attack as an act of terrorism. Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said the blast could have caused far more casualties if it had taken place at the church's main gate instead of a side entrance. Makassar, Sulawesi's biggest city, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a substantial Christian minority and followers of other religions. "Whatever the motive is, this act isn't justified by any religion because it harms not just one person but others, too," Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said in a statement. Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, described the attack as a "cruel incident" as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, and urged people to remain calm and trust the authorities. Indonesia's deadliest Islamist militant attack took place on the tourist island of Bali in 2002, when bombers killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists. In subsequent years, security forces in Indonesia scored some major successes in tackling militancy, but more recently there has been a resurgence of militant violence.

Suspected suicide bombers injure many at Indonesian church as Easter week begins

The Philadelphia City Council this week formally apologized for the decision in 1985 to drop an improvised bomb on a row house occupied by the MOVE separatist group, a desperate action that resulted in a fire that killed 11 people and destroyed 61 homes.

The resolution, approved on Thursday, marked the first time that the city had formally apologized for the action. The measure, which also calls for an annual day of remembrance on May 13, the anniversary of the bombing, was sponsored by Jamie Gauthier, a city councilwoman who grew up near the West Philadelphia neighborhood where the bombing happened.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-says-tigray-forces-fired-into-neighbouring-region-343138" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says Tigray forces fired into neighbouring region</a>

Gauthier recalled watching the aftermath of the bombing on television as a child, and said that the neighborhood was only now starting to fully recover from the devastation.

“There have been divisions in our city between police and community for decades, and I think if we had done the true work of acknowledging what happened with MOVE and with other acts of police violence, and we had really worked on not only the acknowledgment but building better relationships and working towards reconciliation, we wouldn’t find ourselves in the place we are now,” she said in an interview on Friday.

“It was always striking to me that we did this, that our city did this and that no one ever was held accountable,” she added. “I thought that was unconscionable.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-says-al-qaedas-no-2-leader-was-killed-in-august-iran-refutes-claim-343091" hreflang="en">Report says al Qaeda’s No 2 leader was killed in August; Iran refutes claim</a>

Gautier began circulating a draft resolution before the May 13 anniversary of the MOVE attack, but the effort stalled and then was delayed because of coronavirus restrictions. The May 25 killing of George Floyd gave renewed energy to the resolution, she said, and the need to recognize the effects that police killings of Black people have had on the community grew even more with the Oct. 26 killing of Walter Wallace Jr., who was fatally shot by the police during an encounter in the same neighborhood where the MOVE home once stood.

In a statement, Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia acknowledged the resolution’s importance. “In an effort to learn from our past and do better by our residents in the future, this annual day of observation is a positive step in the healing process our city desperately needs,” he said. “This year we saw the pain and trauma caused by the MOVE bombing are still alive in West Philadelphia, so I commend Council for taking this step toward healing.”

The mayor acknowledged missteps in the city’s attempts to rebuild the neighborhood in the years immediately following the attack, but said a recent public-private partnership had succeeded in reconstructing homes in the affected area.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-of-ugandan-activist-killed-in-us-files-270-mn-claim-343087" hreflang="en">Family of Ugandan activist killed in US files $270 mn claim</a>

MOVE, a group described by members as a “a back-to-nature movement” that would return the United States to Native Americans and do away with all government, was deemed an “authoritarian, violence-threatening cult” by city officials, who said that the group used threats, abuse and intimidation to terrify their neighbors and to bring about confrontation. At the time of the attack, the police were acting to clear the group out of a row house at 6221 Osage Ave. in response to neighbors’ complaints of filthy conditions in the house and nightlong amplified lectures from MOVE members.

At 6 a.m. on May 13, 1985, the Philadelphia police came under gunfire from people inside the home, which led to a daylong standoff. Throughout the day, the Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission later found, the police fired more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition in less than 90 minutes at the row house, which was occupied by men, women and children. Calling the police officers’ actions “clearly excessive and unreasonable,” the commission’s report acknowledged that the police were unable to fully suppress the gunfire coming from the home and that efforts to negotiate with the people inside had been haphazard and fruitless.

Police bomb squad members fashioned an improvised bomb out of plastic explosives, and an officer dropped the charge from a helicopter onto the roof of the MOVE row house in an effort to destroy a fortified bunker the group had built there. At 5:27 p.m. the bomb detonated, which started a fire that the police ordered firefighters to let burn. The blaze spread, ultimately destroying 60 other nearby homes.

“The plan to bomb the MOVE house was reckless, ill-conceived and hastily approved,” the commission’s report said in 1986. “Dropping a bomb on an occupied row house was unconscionable and should have been rejected out-of-hand.”

“The hasty, reckless and irresponsible decision by the police commissioner and the fire commissioner to use the fire as a tactical weapon was unconscionable,” the report added.

The deaths of 11 people, six adults and five children, in the police action were classified as “unjustified homicides.”

Police Commissioner Gregore J. Sambor, who directed the aerial bombing, resigned in November 1985. A grand jury in 1988 cleared Mayor W. Wilson Goode and other top city officials of criminal liability for death and destruction resulting from the operation.

In an op-ed published by The Guardian on May 10, Goode, the former mayor, called on the city to issue a formal apology for the attack. “I apologize and encourage others do the same,” Goode wrote. “We will be a better city for it.”

The Philadelphia City Council this week formally apologized for the decision in 1985 to drop an improvised bomb on a row house occupied by the MOVE separatist group, a desperate action that resulted in a fire that killed 11 people and destroyed 61 homes.

The Philadelphia City Council this week formally apologized for the decision in 1985 to drop an improvised bomb on a row house occupied by the MOVE separatist group, a desperate action that resulted in a fire that killed 11 people and destroyed 61 homes. The resolution, approved on Thursday, marked the first time that the city had formally apologized for the action. The measure, which also calls for an annual day of remembrance on May 13, the anniversary of the bombing, was sponsored by Jamie Gauthier, a city councilwoman who grew up near the West Philadelphia neighborhood where the bombing happened. Also read| Ethiopia says Tigray forces fired into neighbouring region Gauthier recalled watching the aftermath of the bombing on television as a child, and said that the neighborhood was only now starting to fully recover from the devastation. “There have been divisions in our city between police and community for decades, and I think if we had done the true work of acknowledging what happened with MOVE and with other acts of police violence, and we had really worked on not only the acknowledgment but building better relationships and working towards reconciliation, we wouldn’t find ourselves in the place we are now,” she said in an interview on Friday. “It was always striking to me that we did this, that our city did this and that no one ever was held accountable,” she added. “I thought that was unconscionable.” Also read| Report says al Qaeda’s No 2 leader was killed in August; Iran refutes claim Gautier began circulating a draft resolution before the May 13 anniversary of the MOVE attack, but the effort stalled and then was delayed because of coronavirus restrictions. The May 25 killing of George Floyd gave renewed energy to the resolution, she said, and the need to recognize the effects that police killings of Black people have had on the community grew even more with the Oct. 26 killing of Walter Wallace Jr., who was fatally shot by the police during an encounter in the same neighborhood where the MOVE home once stood. In a statement, Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia acknowledged the resolution’s importance. “In an effort to learn from our past and do better by our residents in the future, this annual day of observation is a positive step in the healing process our city desperately needs,” he said. “This year we saw the pain and trauma caused by the MOVE bombing are still alive in West Philadelphia, so I commend Council for taking this step toward healing.” The mayor acknowledged missteps in the city’s attempts to rebuild the neighborhood in the years immediately following the attack, but said a recent public-private partnership had succeeded in reconstructing homes in the affected area. Also read| Family of Ugandan activist killed in US files $270 mn claim MOVE, a group described by members as a “a back-to-nature movement” that would return the United States to Native Americans and do away with all government, was deemed an “authoritarian, violence-threatening cult” by city officials, who said that the group used threats, abuse and intimidation to terrify their neighbors and to bring about confrontation. At the time of the attack, the police were acting to clear the group out of a row house at 6221 Osage Ave. in response to neighbors’ complaints of filthy conditions in the house and nightlong amplified lectures from MOVE members. At 6 a.m. on May 13, 1985, the Philadelphia police came under gunfire from people inside the home, which led to a daylong standoff. Throughout the day, the Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission later found, the police fired more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition in less than 90 minutes at the row house, which was occupied by men, women and children. Calling the police officers’ actions “clearly excessive and unreasonable,” the commission’s report acknowledged that the police were unable to fully suppress the gunfire coming from the home and that efforts to negotiate with the people inside had been haphazard and fruitless. Police bomb squad members fashioned an improvised bomb out of plastic explosives, and an officer dropped the charge from a helicopter onto the roof of the MOVE row house in an effort to destroy a fortified bunker the group had built there. At 5:27 p.m. the bomb detonated, which started a fire that the police ordered firefighters to let burn. The blaze spread, ultimately destroying 60 other nearby homes. “The plan to bomb the MOVE house was reckless, ill-conceived and hastily approved,” the commission’s report said in 1986. “Dropping a bomb on an occupied row house was unconscionable and should have been rejected out-of-hand.” “The hasty, reckless and irresponsible decision by the police commissioner and the fire commissioner to use the fire as a tactical weapon was unconscionable,” the report added. The deaths of 11 people, six adults and five children, in the police action were classified as “unjustified homicides.” Police Commissioner Gregore J. Sambor, who directed the aerial bombing, resigned in November 1985. A grand jury in 1988 cleared Mayor W. Wilson Goode and other top city officials of criminal liability for death and destruction resulting from the operation. In an op-ed published by The Guardian on May 10, Goode, the former mayor, called on the city to issue a formal apology for the attack. “I apologize and encourage others do the same,” Goode wrote. “We will be a better city for it.”

35 years after move bombing that killed 11, Philadelphia apologises

After North Korea destroyed a joint liaison office symbolic of peace in the peninsula, South Korean authorities were quick to issue a statement.

On Tuesday, the South Korean representatives said that that they will respond “sternly” if the neighbouring country, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un continues to issue threats and pursue excesses.

Kim You-geun, the deputy national security adviser of South Korea claimed that the destruction "broke the expectations of all people who hope for the development of inter-Korean relations and lasting peace on the peninsula”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blows-up-inter-korean-liaison-office-306214">North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office</a>

"We're making clear that the North is entirely responsible for all the consequences this might cause," he said.

Over the last two weeks, North Korea has continuously accused its southern neighbour of helping smuggle anti-Kim material like literature and pamphlets into the country to stir trouble for the leader and to trigger defection of people from the country.

<h6><img alt="A North Korean soldier is seen beside his guard post inside North Korean territory in this picture taken near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, June 16, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6817ab25-290e-4866-892f-8d13c3152d1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_30.jpg" /> 
A North Korean soldier is seen beside his guard post inside North Korean territory in this picture taken near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, June 16, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

South Korea recently announced plans to monitor this claim, and to strictly disallow transportation of any such material across the border, and to penalise people involved in the circulation of such literature.

International response to the bombing was swift. Russian authorities responded to the bombing of the liaison office by saying that they were “concerned”, while adding to call for “restraint” between the two countries.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fully-ready-to-send-troops-into-demilitarised-zone-as-propaganda-leaflets-row-escalates-306192">North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone</a>&nbsp;

The inter-Korean liaison office was seen as a symbol of steps taking by the country to reconcile with each other.

Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was closely monitoring the situation in the Korean peninsula, while adding that the country had no plans to issue a diplomatic dialogue to deal with the crisis directly.

Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently warned that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

After North Korea destroyed a joint liaison office symbolic of peace in the peninsula, South Korean authorities were quick to issue a statement. On Tuesday, the South Korean representatives said that that they will respond “sternly” if the neighbouring country, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un continues to issue threats and pursue excesses.

After North Korea destroyed a joint liaison office symbolic of peace in the peninsula, South Korean authorities were quick to issue a statement. On Tuesday, the South Korean representatives said that that they will respond “sternly” if the neighbouring country, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un continues to issue threats and pursue excesses. Kim You-geun, the deputy national security adviser of South Korea claimed that the destruction "broke the expectations of all people who hope for the development of inter-Korean relations and lasting peace on the peninsula”. Also read: North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office "We're making clear that the North is entirely responsible for all the consequences this might cause," he said. Over the last two weeks, North Korea has continuously accused its southern neighbour of helping smuggle anti-Kim material like literature and pamphlets into the country to stir trouble for the leader and to trigger defection of people from the country. A North Korean soldier is seen beside his guard post inside North Korean territory in this picture taken near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, June 16, 2020 | Reuters South Korea recently announced plans to monitor this claim, and to strictly disallow transportation of any such material across the border, and to penalise people involved in the circulation of such literature. International response to the bombing was swift. Russian authorities responded to the bombing of the liaison office by saying that they were “concerned”, while adding to call for “restraint” between the two countries. Also Read: North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone The inter-Korean liaison office was seen as a symbol of steps taking by the country to reconcile with each other. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was closely monitoring the situation in the Korean peninsula, while adding that the country had no plans to issue a diplomatic dialogue to deal with the crisis directly. Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently warned that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing

A Russian court on Tuesday sentenced 11 people to terms including life in prison after finding them guilty of a deadly bomb attack on the Saint Petersburg metro in 2017.

Abror Azimov, a 29-year-old from Kyrgyzstan, was sentenced by a military court in Russia's second-biggest city to life in prison for organising and participating in a terrorist group.

Ten other people who are also from Central Asia were sentenced to between 19 and 28 years in prison.&nbsp;

All had denied the charges and said they were tortured.&nbsp;

Shokhista Karimova, 48, pounded the glass of the courtroom cage and cried "let me go" after she was handed a 20-year term.

The bomb blast in April 2017 killed 15 people in the Saint Petersburg metro and wounded dozens more.

The alleged perpetrator, Akbarjon Djalilov, a 22-year-old from Kyrgyzstan, died in the attack.

Ten of the defendants were accused of acting as accomplices, notably by providing Djalilov with explosives and false documents.

The charges ranged from organising a terrorist group and perpetrating an "act of terror" to weapons trafficking and making explosive devices.

Critics of the case say the defendants' connection to the attack was not proven and some claimed they were framed by Russia's FSB security service.

The suspects had been arrested in different Russian cities and detained in Moscow before being transferred to Saint Petersburg for the trial.

The prosecution said the defendants formed two "terrorist cells" in Moscow and Saint Petersburg and helped Djalilov by wiring him money and providing the explosives. &nbsp;

Defence lawyers and prison monitors have pointed to numerous irregularities in the case however and claim that evidence was planted.

One defendant claimed he was kidnapped from a hospital in Kyrgyzstan, while another said last month that they had been framed by the FSB after it "missed the terrorist".

The bombing was claimed by an obscure group, the Imam Shamil Battalion, which experts say is linked to Al-Qaeda.

A Russian court on Tuesday sentenced 11 people to terms including life in prison after finding them guilty of a deadly bomb attack on the Saint Petersburg metro in 2017.

A Russian court on Tuesday sentenced 11 people to terms including life in prison after finding them guilty of a deadly bomb attack on the Saint Petersburg metro in 2017. Abror Azimov, a 29-year-old from Kyrgyzstan, was sentenced by a military court in Russia's second-biggest city to life in prison for organising and participating in a terrorist group. Ten other people who are also from Central Asia were sentenced to between 19 and 28 years in prison. All had denied the charges and said they were tortured. Shokhista Karimova, 48, pounded the glass of the courtroom cage and cried "let me go" after she was handed a 20-year term. The bomb blast in April 2017 killed 15 people in the Saint Petersburg metro and wounded dozens more. The alleged perpetrator, Akbarjon Djalilov, a 22-year-old from Kyrgyzstan, died in the attack. Ten of the defendants were accused of acting as accomplices, notably by providing Djalilov with explosives and false documents. The charges ranged from organising a terrorist group and perpetrating an "act of terror" to weapons trafficking and making explosive devices. Critics of the case say the defendants' connection to the attack was not proven and some claimed they were framed by Russia's FSB security service. The suspects had been arrested in different Russian cities and detained in Moscow before being transferred to Saint Petersburg for the trial. The prosecution said the defendants formed two "terrorist cells" in Moscow and Saint Petersburg and helped Djalilov by wiring him money and providing the explosives. Defence lawyers and prison monitors have pointed to numerous irregularities in the case however and claim that evidence was planted. One defendant claimed he was kidnapped from a hospital in Kyrgyzstan, while another said last month that they had been framed by the FSB after it "missed the terrorist". The bombing was claimed by an obscure group, the Imam Shamil Battalion, which experts say is linked to Al-Qaeda.

Russian court sentences 11 for Saint Petersburg bombing

Three simultaneous bombings killed at least six civilians in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/500-troops-to-remain-in-syria-united-states-military-official-261225">Kurdish-majority city</a> of Qamishli in northeastern Syria on Monday, a Kurdish security source and a Britain-based monitor said.

There was no immediate claim for the bombings, but they occurred shortly after the Islamic State group said it was responsible for the killing the same day as a priest from the same city.

In Qamishli, an AFP correspondent saw charred cars and smoke rise from the site of the blasts.

Firefighters tried to put out the flames caused by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-britain-france-germany-to-hold-syria-summit-260882">explosions</a>, as rescue workers carried away the victims.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria, said two car bombs and an explosives-rigged motorcycle blew up in a market and near a school in the city.

More than 20 people were wounded in the simultaneous attacks, said the Britain-based monitor said.

Watch: What's the reality on-ground in Syria?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whats-the-reality-on-ground-in-syria-258283/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The blasts come after IS claimed to have killed an Armenian Catholic priest from Qamishli.

The Observatory said the priest and his father were killed by gunfire as they made their way to the eastern province of Deir Ezzor to inspect the restoration of a church there.

Kurdish fighters have led the US-backed battle against IS in Syria, expelling the extremists from the last scrap of their proto-state in March.

But the jihadists have continued to claim deadly attacks in northeastern and eastern Syria ever since.

In July, IS said it was responsible for a massive truck bomb that killed at least 44 people in Qamishli.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-in-bombing-in-turkish-controlled-northeast-syria-261218">Turkish cross-border attack</a> against Kurdish fighters on October 9 heightened fears that IS fighters could break out in mass from Kurdish jails.

But a fragile Turkish-Russian ceasefire deal has more or less halted that offensive, and seen Kurdish forces withdraw from areas along the Turkish border, except Qamishli.

Three simultaneous bombings killed at least six civilians in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria on Monday, a Kurdish security source and a Britain-based monitor said.

Three simultaneous bombings killed at least six civilians in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria on Monday, a Kurdish security source and a Britain-based monitor said. There was no immediate claim for the bombings, but they occurred shortly after the Islamic State group said it was responsible for the killing the same day as a priest from the same city. In Qamishli, an AFP correspondent saw charred cars and smoke rise from the site of the blasts. Firefighters tried to put out the flames caused by the explosions, as rescue workers carried away the victims. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria, said two car bombs and an explosives-rigged motorcycle blew up in a market and near a school in the city. More than 20 people were wounded in the simultaneous attacks, said the Britain-based monitor said. Watch: What's the reality on-ground in Syria? The blasts come after IS claimed to have killed an Armenian Catholic priest from Qamishli. The Observatory said the priest and his father were killed by gunfire as they made their way to the eastern province of Deir Ezzor to inspect the restoration of a church there. Kurdish fighters have led the US-backed battle against IS in Syria, expelling the extremists from the last scrap of their proto-state in March. But the jihadists have continued to claim deadly attacks in northeastern and eastern Syria ever since. In July, IS said it was responsible for a massive truck bomb that killed at least 44 people in Qamishli. A Turkish cross-border attack against Kurdish fighters on October 9 heightened fears that IS fighters could break out in mass from Kurdish jails. But a fragile Turkish-Russian ceasefire deal has more or less halted that offensive, and seen Kurdish forces withdraw from areas along the Turkish border, except Qamishli.

Bombings kill 6 civilians in main Kurdish city in Syria

Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday in an area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-britain-france-germany-to-hold-syria-summit-260882">northeast Syria</a> controlled by Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies, Turkey's defence ministry and local emergency workers said.

The ministry said the bombing, which it blamed on the Kurdish YPG militia, took place southeast of the Syrian town of Tel Abyad which Turkey captured in a military offensive that began one month ago.

Turkey halted its military advance when it struck deals with the United States and Russia calling for the YPG to be moved at least 30 km&nbsp;away from Syria's border with Turkey.

The village of Suluk, where Sunday's explosion took place, is around 10 km south of the border. A small truck exploded outside a bakery there, an emergency worker said.

Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebel fighters launched the incursion to clear the border region of the YPG, which Ankara has designated a terrorist group because of its ties to Kurdish militants waging an insurgency in southeast Turkey.

The offensive faced international criticism over fears that it could undermine efforts to prevent Islamic State re-emerging in Syria and unleash another humanitarian crisis in Syria's eight-year conflict.

The YPG was the lead force in the Syrian Democratic Forces, Washington's main ally in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has faced domestic criticism for announcing a troop withdrawal which was seen as a green light for Turkey's incursion.

Erdogan has said both Moscow and Washington have failed to meet their commitments under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-talks-to-reconvene-in-geneva-on-november-25-un-envoy-260850">last month's agreements</a> for the YPG to withdraw from the border, and has said Turkey could resume its offensive if terms are not adhered to.

He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Saturday and is due to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday.

Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday in an area of northeast Syria controlled by Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies, Turkey's defence ministry and local emergency workers said.

Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday in an area of northeast Syria controlled by Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies, Turkey's defence ministry and local emergency workers said. The ministry said the bombing, which it blamed on the Kurdish YPG militia, took place southeast of the Syrian town of Tel Abyad which Turkey captured in a military offensive that began one month ago. Turkey halted its military advance when it struck deals with the United States and Russia calling for the YPG to be moved at least 30 km away from Syria's border with Turkey. The village of Suluk, where Sunday's explosion took place, is around 10 km south of the border. A small truck exploded outside a bakery there, an emergency worker said. Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebel fighters launched the incursion to clear the border region of the YPG, which Ankara has designated a terrorist group because of its ties to Kurdish militants waging an insurgency in southeast Turkey. The offensive faced international criticism over fears that it could undermine efforts to prevent Islamic State re-emerging in Syria and unleash another humanitarian crisis in Syria's eight-year conflict. The YPG was the lead force in the Syrian Democratic Forces, Washington's main ally in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria. US President Donald Trump has faced domestic criticism for announcing a troop withdrawal which was seen as a green light for Turkey's incursion. Erdogan has said both Moscow and Washington have failed to meet their commitments under last month's agreements for the YPG to withdraw from the border, and has said Turkey could resume its offensive if terms are not adhered to. He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Saturday and is due to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday.

Eight killed in bombing in Turkish-controlled northeast Syria

An Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province on Saturday, police said. 
 
Provincial police spokesperson Jamal Barakzai told Xinhua news agency that the incident occurred after a terrorist rammed an explosive-laden military vehicle to a police camp in Chinarto, an area in Shah Wali Kot district. The camp belonged to the Afghan National Police. 
 
The incident was followed by clashes between security forces and terrorists who arrived at the military base after the bombing.

An Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province on Saturday, police said.

An Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province on Saturday, police said. Provincial police spokesperson Jamal Barakzai told Xinhua news agency that the incident occurred after a terrorist rammed an explosive-laden military vehicle to a police camp in Chinarto, an area in Shah Wali Kot district. The camp belonged to the Afghan National Police. The incident was followed by clashes between security forces and terrorists who arrived at the military base after the bombing.

Afghanistan: 2 killed, 4 injured in suicide car bombing

A fresh inquiry into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/some-intelligence-officers-were-aware-of-this-incident-sri-lanka-minister-on-seriel-bomb-blast-212564">Easter suicide bombings that hit Sri Lanka</a> killing at least 258 people was ordered by President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday, after concerns from the Catholic Church that current probes are not independent.

The government has blamed a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) for the April 21<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/easter-bombing-caused-a-huge-loss-to-the-tourism-industry-sri-lankan-minister-243132"> attacks</a> on three churches and three luxury hotels, while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility.

Sirisena said the commission has wide judicial powers to gather evidence on those responsible for the bombings and to probe security and intelligence lapses.

The five-member panel is headed by a Court of Appeal judge and includes three other judges and a retired civil servant. It is to report back with recommendations within three months.

The inquiry was launched amid fears voiced by the country's Catholic Church that a parliamentary probe and police investigation into the attacks are not sufficiently independent.

While the newly-launched inquiry is being carried out by a cross-section of MPs, many opposition members are boycotting it. They say the commission is being used by political parties to deflect any responsibility for failing to stop the attacks.

Sirisena, who is also the minister in charge of law and order, has said that all those responsible for the attacks were either killed or under arrest.

A parliamentary public inquiry has heard evidence from intelligence and senior police officials that Sirisena neglected national security issues and failed to convene regular national security council meetings.

The president has also been accused of failing to act on precise Indian intelligence that jihadists were about to hit Christian churches and other targets in Sri Lanka.

Sirisena has denied the accusations, and sacked his top defence official and the intelligence chief after blaming them for the lapses.&nbsp;

The Police chief, Pujith Jayasundara, was also suspended, and he -- along with the secretary to the ministry of defence -- are both facing criminal prosecution over their failure to prevent the bombings.

Sri Lankan authorities failed to arrest the known jihadist who led the attacks -- Zahran Hashim -- before they occurred, the country's top intelligence official has said.

Ten days before the bombings, Jayasundara warned that Hashim's NTJ group could target prominent churches. But this was not followed up.

The government has admitted there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

A fresh inquiry into the Easter suicide bombings that hit Sri Lanka killing at least 258 people was ordered by President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday, after concerns from the Catholic Church that current probes are not independent.

A fresh inquiry into the Easter suicide bombings that hit Sri Lanka killing at least 258 people was ordered by President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday, after concerns from the Catholic Church that current probes are not independent. The government has blamed a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) for the April 21 attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels, while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility. Sirisena said the commission has wide judicial powers to gather evidence on those responsible for the bombings and to probe security and intelligence lapses. The five-member panel is headed by a Court of Appeal judge and includes three other judges and a retired civil servant. It is to report back with recommendations within three months. The inquiry was launched amid fears voiced by the country's Catholic Church that a parliamentary probe and police investigation into the attacks are not sufficiently independent. While the newly-launched inquiry is being carried out by a cross-section of MPs, many opposition members are boycotting it. They say the commission is being used by political parties to deflect any responsibility for failing to stop the attacks. Sirisena, who is also the minister in charge of law and order, has said that all those responsible for the attacks were either killed or under arrest. A parliamentary public inquiry has heard evidence from intelligence and senior police officials that Sirisena neglected national security issues and failed to convene regular national security council meetings. The president has also been accused of failing to act on precise Indian intelligence that jihadists were about to hit Christian churches and other targets in Sri Lanka. Sirisena has denied the accusations, and sacked his top defence official and the intelligence chief after blaming them for the lapses. The Police chief, Pujith Jayasundara, was also suspended, and he -- along with the secretary to the ministry of defence -- are both facing criminal prosecution over their failure to prevent the bombings. Sri Lankan authorities failed to arrest the known jihadist who led the attacks -- Zahran Hashim -- before they occurred, the country's top intelligence official has said. Ten days before the bombings, Jayasundara warned that Hashim's NTJ group could target prominent churches. But this was not followed up. The government has admitted there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

Sri Lanka orders fresh probe into Easter suicide bombings

Sri Lanka's $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the Indian Ocean island, popular for its pristine beaches, after multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 two weeks ago.

Sri Lanka resort town hit hard by tourism slowdown following attacks

Easter Sunday (April 21) bomb blasts at three churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka killed more than 200 people and wounded at least 450, police officials said, the first major attack on the Indian Ocean island since the end of a civil war 10 years ago.

Sri Lanka bombings death toll passes 200, seven arrested

A double bomb attack in Syria's jihadist-held city of Idlib on Monday killed 24 people, including four children, a war monitor said.

The first blast was caused by a bomb planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

A motorcycle bomb detonated after ambulances arrived at the scene of the first explosion, the Britain-based monitoring group said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which the Observatory said also wounded at least 51, updating an earlier casualty toll.

Idlib, the last major part of Syria still outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is held by an alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

HTS took administrative control of the whole of the region last month, after overpowering smaller Turkey-backed factions.

The Islamic State group also has sleeper cells in the area.

A local office of the "Salvation Government", an administrative body created by HTS, is located on the street targeted by Monday's attack.

Four HTS fighters were killed in the blast, the Observatory said, while the other 20 victims were civilians.

Idlib has been protected from a massive regime offensive since September by a buffer zone deal agreed by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey.&nbsp;

But it has been hit by sporadic government shelling.

Eight years into the conflict that has killed more than 360,000 people, the government controls nearly two-thirds of the country.

A double bomb attack in Syria's jihadist-held city of Idlib on Monday killed 24 people, including four children, a war monitor said. The first blast was caused by a bomb planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

A double bomb attack in Syria's jihadist-held city of Idlib on Monday killed 24 people, including four children, a war monitor said. The first blast was caused by a bomb planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. A motorcycle bomb detonated after ambulances arrived at the scene of the first explosion, the Britain-based monitoring group said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which the Observatory said also wounded at least 51, updating an earlier casualty toll. Idlib, the last major part of Syria still outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is held by an alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. HTS took administrative control of the whole of the region last month, after overpowering smaller Turkey-backed factions. The Islamic State group also has sleeper cells in the area. A local office of the "Salvation Government", an administrative body created by HTS, is located on the street targeted by Monday's attack. Four HTS fighters were killed in the blast, the Observatory said, while the other 20 victims were civilians. Idlib has been protected from a massive regime offensive since September by a buffer zone deal agreed by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey. But it has been hit by sporadic government shelling. Eight years into the conflict that has killed more than 360,000 people, the government controls nearly two-thirds of the country.

Twin bombing hits Syria's Idlib, death toll reaches 24: Monitor

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in southeastern Iran.

"Safehouses in (the cities of) Saravan and Khash were identified and eliminated, and the terrorists based in them were arrested," the force said on its official Sepah news agency.

"Three of the terrorists were arrested and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated," it said.

The Guards said the three arrested had "produced, guided and supported" the vehicle used in Wednesday's suicide bombing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-india-iran-lashes-out-on-pakistan-on-terror-front-summons-pak-envoy-197945">The bombing killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards</a> travelling on a bus in the volatile province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

The attack was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice).

Iran has provided Pakistani officials with "information on the terrorist groups' hidden and semi-hidden training centres", army chief-of-staff Mohammad Bagheri told Tasnim news agency.

Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari has accused Pakistan's army and intelligence agency of sheltering the jihadists.

On Sunday, the foreign ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran and urged Islamabad to "seriously confront... the terrorist groups active on its border" with Iran.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in southeastern Iran.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in southeastern Iran. "Safehouses in (the cities of) Saravan and Khash were identified and eliminated, and the terrorists based in them were arrested," the force said on its official Sepah news agency. "Three of the terrorists were arrested and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated," it said. The Guards said the three arrested had "produced, guided and supported" the vehicle used in Wednesday's suicide bombing. The bombing killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards travelling on a bus in the volatile province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan. The attack was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice). Iran has provided Pakistani officials with "information on the terrorist groups' hidden and semi-hidden training centres", army chief-of-staff Mohammad Bagheri told Tasnim news agency. Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari has accused Pakistan's army and intelligence agency of sheltering the jihadists. On Sunday, the foreign ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran and urged Islamabad to "seriously confront... the terrorist groups active on its border" with Iran.

Iran arrests 3 'terrorists' for suicide bomb attack

Troops captured four Islamic State (IS) suspects in a Turkish town on the Syrian border while they were attempting to cross the frontier illegally, the defence ministry announced on Saturday.

Border units from the Turkish armed forces captured the four "Daesh terrorists" on Friday in the Akcakale district of Sanliurfa in southeast Turkey, the ministry said on its official Twitter account, using an Arabic acronym for IS.&nbsp;

One of the suspects, identified as Feride Samur, was being sought with a red notice arrest warrant, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.&nbsp;

IS jihadists are blamed in Turkey for a spate of terror attacks including a 2015 bombing on a peace rally in the capital Ankara's train station that claimed 100 lives.&nbsp;

Turkey has boosted security at its border crossings to prevent any infiltrations and allowed a US-led international coalition to launch air raids on the group's bases in Syria from its soil.

Troops captured four Islamic State (IS) suspects in a Turkish town on the Syrian border while they were attempting to cross the frontier illegally, the defence ministry announced on Saturday.

Troops captured four Islamic State (IS) suspects in a Turkish town on the Syrian border while they were attempting to cross the frontier illegally, the defence ministry announced on Saturday. Border units from the Turkish armed forces captured the four "Daesh terrorists" on Friday in the Akcakale district of Sanliurfa in southeast Turkey, the ministry said on its official Twitter account, using an Arabic acronym for IS. One of the suspects, identified as Feride Samur, was being sought with a red notice arrest warrant, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. IS jihadists are blamed in Turkey for a spate of terror attacks including a 2015 bombing on a peace rally in the capital Ankara's train station that claimed 100 lives. Turkey has boosted security at its border crossings to prevent any infiltrations and allowed a US-led international coalition to launch air raids on the group's bases in Syria from its soil.

Turkey captures IS suspects on Syria border: Ministry

Investigators probing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/7-dead-as-bombs-hit-church-in-southern-philippines-193061">Catholic cathedral bombing that killed 21 people in the Philippines</a>' restive south said Monday a group tied to notorious Islamist Abu Sayyaf is the prime suspect.

Two explosions tore through the cathedral on the Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

Authorities said the so-called Ajang-Ajang faction is a small band of several dozen that most likely carried out the bombing, the Philippines' worst in years, in an act of revenge.

"Last year their leader was killed. There have been persistent reports that they will retaliate," regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana told AFP.

"Yes, we saw them in the CCTV. It was the brother of the leader who was killed," he said referring to footage from outside the cathedral. "He was seen with two other members of Ajang-Ajang."

Security forces say the group is composed of relatives of Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group members who have been killed in clashes with the government.

Abu Sayyaf, which is based on the remote Jolo island, has been blamed for the Philippines' deadliest attack, a 2004 ferry bombing in Manila Bay that claimed 116 lives.&nbsp;

'Revenge group'&nbsp;

"There are high-level law enforcement operations against them (Ajang-Ajang)," said Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. "It evolved into a revenge group."

While Abu Sayyaf has sworn allegiance to Islamic State, that is not necessarily true for the motley members of Ajang-Ajang.

"Not all members of Ajang-Ajang group are pro-ISIS, but all of them are Abu Sayyaf group," said Banlaoi using another acronym for IS. "It's not IS-affiliated."

The IS claim, in a formal communique, said two suicide bombers had detonated explosive belts, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities.

But a military report said a second bomb that went off at the cathedral was left in the utility box of a motorcycle in the parking area outside.&nbsp;

Police said they believe the explosives were likely detonated remotely but did not elaborate.

Despite the contradictions, authorities have not ruled out IS involvement.

Regardless of who staged the bombing, concern was growing Monday over the impact it will have on a decades-long push for peace that culminated last week in voters approving expanded Muslim self-rule in the south.

The vote was the result of negotiations started in the 1990s with the nation's largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and will give it considerable power over the so-called Bangsamoro region.

"This is a big challenge for the Bangsamoro government," said Banlaoi.

The former rebels need to show they will be able to pull the region toward peace in order to attract much-needed investment to alleviate poverty and counter extremism, he told AFP.

"MILF needs to prove it can make a difference... the gravity of the problem faced by MILF is wow, so overwhelming," he added.

'Squandered opportunities'&nbsp;

The church attack came despite President Rodrigo Duterte putting the southern Philippines under martial rule after pro-IS militants seized the southern city of Marawi in May 2017.

Government officials have argued that martial rule, which gives authorities extra powers, has been effective in taming the perpetually restive region.

Meanwhile, condolences poured in from around the world for the victims at the cathedral, which has been repeatedly targeted by grenade attacks that did not prove fatal.

Pope Francis, speaking in Panama, expressed his "strongest reprobation" for the violence. Once again, he said, "the Christian community has been plunged into mourning".

But experts were also worried about how the attack would impact the hopes for new development in the region, which were spurred by the self-rule vote victory.

"It's a terrible human tragedy, it's also a development tragedy," World Bank economist Andrew Mason told broadcaster ABS-CBN.

"When we see conflict areas, when we see ups-and-downs and negative impacts due to violence and conflict, what we see is also these are development opportunities that are squandered."&nbsp;

Investigators probing the Catholic cathedral bombing that killed 21 people in the Philippines' restive south said Monday a group tied to notorious Islamist Abu Sayyaf is the prime suspect.

Investigators probing the Catholic cathedral bombing that killed 21 people in the Philippines' restive south said Monday a group tied to notorious Islamist Abu Sayyaf is the prime suspect. Two explosions tore through the cathedral on the Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Authorities said the so-called Ajang-Ajang faction is a small band of several dozen that most likely carried out the bombing, the Philippines' worst in years, in an act of revenge. "Last year their leader was killed. There have been persistent reports that they will retaliate," regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana told AFP. "Yes, we saw them in the CCTV. It was the brother of the leader who was killed," he said referring to footage from outside the cathedral. "He was seen with two other members of Ajang-Ajang." Security forces say the group is composed of relatives of Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group members who have been killed in clashes with the government. Abu Sayyaf, which is based on the remote Jolo island, has been blamed for the Philippines' deadliest attack, a 2004 ferry bombing in Manila Bay that claimed 116 lives. 'Revenge group' "There are high-level law enforcement operations against them (Ajang-Ajang)," said Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. "It evolved into a revenge group." While Abu Sayyaf has sworn allegiance to Islamic State, that is not necessarily true for the motley members of Ajang-Ajang. "Not all members of Ajang-Ajang group are pro-ISIS, but all of them are Abu Sayyaf group," said Banlaoi using another acronym for IS. "It's not IS-affiliated." The IS claim, in a formal communique, said two suicide bombers had detonated explosive belts, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities. But a military report said a second bomb that went off at the cathedral was left in the utility box of a motorcycle in the parking area outside. Police said they believe the explosives were likely detonated remotely but did not elaborate. Despite the contradictions, authorities have not ruled out IS involvement. Regardless of who staged the bombing, concern was growing Monday over the impact it will have on a decades-long push for peace that culminated last week in voters approving expanded Muslim self-rule in the south. The vote was the result of negotiations started in the 1990s with the nation's largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and will give it considerable power over the so-called Bangsamoro region. "This is a big challenge for the Bangsamoro government," said Banlaoi. The former rebels need to show they will be able to pull the region toward peace in order to attract much-needed investment to alleviate poverty and counter extremism, he told AFP. "MILF needs to prove it can make a difference... the gravity of the problem faced by MILF is wow, so overwhelming," he added. 'Squandered opportunities' The church attack came despite President Rodrigo Duterte putting the southern Philippines under martial rule after pro-IS militants seized the southern city of Marawi in May 2017. Government officials have argued that martial rule, which gives authorities extra powers, has been effective in taming the perpetually restive region. Meanwhile, condolences poured in from around the world for the victims at the cathedral, which has been repeatedly targeted by grenade attacks that did not prove fatal. Pope Francis, speaking in Panama, expressed his "strongest reprobation" for the violence. Once again, he said, "the Christian community has been plunged into mourning". But experts were also worried about how the attack would impact the hopes for new development in the region, which were spurred by the self-rule vote victory. "It's a terrible human tragedy, it's also a development tragedy," World Bank economist Andrew Mason told broadcaster ABS-CBN. "When we see conflict areas, when we see ups-and-downs and negative impacts due to violence and conflict, what we see is also these are development opportunities that are squandered."

Islamist militants prime suspects in Philippine cathedral bombing

Al-Shabaab: How Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked terror outfit terrorises Africa

At least one person was killed and 14 wounded when a bus carrying workers at a small oil refinery in northern Iraq was blown up by an improvised explosive device, police said.

The bus was at the Siniya refinery, near Iraq's largest oil refinery of Baiji in the predominantly Sunni Salahuddin province, when it exploded, Baiji police said on Saturday.

Separately, three civilians and a policeman were injured when a parked car exploded in a market area in Falluja within the western, also Sunni, Anbar province, security sources said.

No group has claimed responsibility for either attack, but Islamic State militants are active in both provinces.

Iraqi forces declared victory over the hardline Sunni Islamist group in December after retaking all the territory it held in a four year war, but its fighters are waging a guerrilla-style insurgency.

Security sources said the attack in Falluja was the first since Iraqi forces retook the city from the militants in 2016.

It came only after Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella network of mostly Shi'ite militias, started operating within the city, residents and tribal leaders said.

PMF forces have long been stationed at checkpoints around the city and in the entire province but had not entered the city proper before.

At least one person was killed and 14 wounded when a bus carrying workers at a small oil refinery in northern Iraq was blown up by an improvised explosive device, police said.

At least one person was killed and 14 wounded when a bus carrying workers at a small oil refinery in northern Iraq was blown up by an improvised explosive device, police said. The bus was at the Siniya refinery, near Iraq's largest oil refinery of Baiji in the predominantly Sunni Salahuddin province, when it exploded, Baiji police said on Saturday. Separately, three civilians and a policeman were injured when a parked car exploded in a market area in Falluja within the western, also Sunni, Anbar province, security sources said. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack, but Islamic State militants are active in both provinces. Iraqi forces declared victory over the hardline Sunni Islamist group in December after retaking all the territory it held in a four year war, but its fighters are waging a guerrilla-style insurgency. Security sources said the attack in Falluja was the first since Iraqi forces retook the city from the militants in 2016. It came only after Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella network of mostly Shi'ite militias, started operating within the city, residents and tribal leaders said. PMF forces have long been stationed at checkpoints around the city and in the entire province but had not entered the city proper before.

Bombings kill one, wound 18 in two Iraqi provinces: Police

The toll from a twin car bombing in Libya&#39;s eastern city of Benghazi rose to 35 on Wednesday, with about 60 people wounded, medical officials said.

The first blast on Tuesday evening hit worshippers leaving a mosque in Benghazi&#39;s central Al Salmani district. The second, about 15 minutes later, inflicted a large number of casualties among people who had gathered at the scene.

Senior security officials were among the casualties.

Local health official Hani Belras Ali said on Wednesday that 47 people were also wounded in the Tuesday night attack in the Salmani neighborhood.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United Nations has condemned the bombings, saying that direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians are prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes.

The toll was one of the highest from a single attack since Libya slid into turmoil after the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Benghazi is controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA), which is led by powerful eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar and was battling Islamists and other opponents in the port city until late last year.

The first blast on Tuesday evening hit worshippers leaving a mosque in Benghazi's central Al Salmani district. The second, about 15 minutes later, inflicted a large number of casualties among people who had gathered at the scene

The toll from a twin car bombing in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi rose to 35 on Wednesday, with about 60 people wounded, medical officials said. The first blast on Tuesday evening hit worshippers leaving a mosque in Benghazi's central Al Salmani district. The second, about 15 minutes later, inflicted a large number of casualties among people who had gathered at the scene. Senior security officials were among the casualties. Local health official Hani Belras Ali said on Wednesday that 47 people were also wounded in the Tuesday night attack in the Salmani neighborhood. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The United Nations has condemned the bombings, saying that direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians are prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes. The toll was one of the highest from a single attack since Libya slid into turmoil after the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Benghazi is controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA), which is led by powerful eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar and was battling Islamists and other opponents in the port city until late last year.

Death toll rises to 35 dead in Benghazi car bombing

bombing

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