Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said US President Donald Trump's announcement of the death of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in neighbouring Syria was "an important milestone".

Death of IS chief 'important milestone': Netanyahu

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan bombing leader Zahran Hashim is to appear in court today after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in Kerala, investigators said.

Arrested man followed Sri Lankan suicide bomber's videos, wanted to carry out attack in Kerala: NIA

Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces

Iraqi Forces launch assault to retake Mosul's Old City

'Baghdadi is there and, if he is killed, it will mean the collapse of the whole [IS] system,' Fuad Hussein chief of staff to Barzani said

Islamic State chief Baghdadi trapped, surrounded in Mosul: Report