The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Saturday thwarted a major terror attack. The security agency apprehended three Palestinian women who were carrying a makeshift submachine gun and what appeared to be a suicide note.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Saturday thwarted a major terror attack. The security agency apprehended three Palestinian women who were carrying a makeshift submachine gun and what appeared to be a suicide note. The incident took place at the Eliyahu Crossing near Kalkilya. The three women in their 20s from Nablus were attempting to enter Israel without any permit. They drove up to the checkpoint before stopping their car and rummaging amongst themselves. A car stopping abruptly before the checkpoint instantly drew suspicion as the security guards alerted the higher authorities. After IDF soldiers searched the car, a makeshift “Carlo” submachine gun and an unclear note in Arabic in the trunk were discovered, according to The Times of Israel. According to local media reports, it was still unclear if the note was a suicide note indeed. The investigation agencies are questioning the arrested women if their plan was to use the guns at the checkpoint or not. Read More: Two Palestinian gunmen killed by Israeli forces in West Bank clash Israel and Palestine have been at it this month The tensions between Israel and Palestine have been at an all-time high in recent weeks. As reported by WION, earlier this month, Israel conducted its operation Breaking Dawn against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. After three days of incessant violence, a cease-fire was finally announced, brokered by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. However, till then, Israel had launched attacks on some 170 targets, killing over 47 Palestinians including militants from Islamic Jihad and Hamas Read More: Malfunctioning rockets fired by Palestine fell into residential areas, killing more than a dozen Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, in the aftermath of the ceasefire, gave a televised address saying the bombardment had "landed a devastating blow to the enemy", and that the "entire senior military command of Islamic Jihad in Gaza was successfully targeted." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel: Three Palestinian women arrested in West Bank with makeshift submachine gun, ‘suicide note’

Disclaimer:&nbsp;WION does not endorse terrorism or any other kind of violence. As a responsible media organisation, WION gives priority to reporting facts without glorifying any perpetrators or the heinous acts done by any individual or group.

Pakistan was rocked by a suicide bombing that killed four outside Karachi University.&nbsp;Three Chinese tutors and their Pakistani driver died in a targeted suicide bombing at varsity’s Confucius Institute on Tuesday afternoon.

The blast carried out by the Majeed Brigade of separatist Balochistan Liberation Army sent shockwaves as this was the first suicide bombing by a woman from the militant organisation.

Days later, her identity was revealed to be Shari Baloch, a secondary school teacher in her native Kech district.

Who is Shari Baloch?

According to Afghan journalist Bashir Ahmad Gwakh, Shari Baloch was a 30-year-old woman who had a Master's degree in Zoology and pursued MPhil in education while teaching at a school.

Her husband is a dentist, while her father was a registrar at the University of Turbat recently and remained part of the district ombudsman's team for at least three years.

He has also served as Director to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).&nbsp;

She is survived by two kids —eight-year-old Mahrosh and four-year-old Meer Hassan—as per reports.

According to reports, the family is well educated and had no connection with any armed groups.

One brother is a tehsildar -- a grade 16 officer and another brother works at the district court. One of her uncles is a retired professor, an author and a rights activist. Two of her cousins are doctors.

As a student, Shaari had remained a member of the Baloch students' organisation and was aware of the Baloch genocide and occupation of Balochistan.

The involvement of Shari, an educated woman, in the attack has sent alarm bells ringing.&nbsp;

History of Baloch resistance

Balochistan has long sought independence from Pakistan and has been against China’s multi-billion-dollar One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, which seems to have been the reason behind the targeted attacks on the Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blood-should-not-be-shed-in-vain-china-seeks-strong-action-in-pakistan-suicide-attack-474254">‘Blood should not be shed in vain’: China seeks strong action in Pakistan suicide attack</a>

The BLA, operating out of Balochistan, has been leading a low-level insurgency against Islamabad, and the Pakistani establishment has retaliated with a brutal crackdown on activists, often on the basis of suspicion, thus drawing international condemnation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-suicide-attack-in-pakistan-3-chinese-people-killed-473965">Baloch group claims Pak suicide blast carried out by woman that killed 3 Chinese</a>

Disclaimer: As a responsible media organisation, WION takes utmost priority in reporting facts without glorifying any perpetrator or the heinous acts done by any separatist/ terrorist organisation.

Watch |&nbsp;Who is Shari Baloch? The woman suicide bomber in Pak

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(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION does not endorse terrorism or any other kind of violence. As a responsible media organisation, WION gives priority to reporting facts without glorifying any perpetrators or the heinous acts done by any individual or group.

Disclaimer: WION does not endorse terrorism or any other kind of violence. As a responsible media organisation, WION gives priority to reporting facts without glorifying any perpetrators or the heinous acts done by any individual or group. Pakistan was rocked by a suicide bombing that killed four outside Karachi University. Three Chinese tutors and their Pakistani driver died in a targeted suicide bombing at varsity’s Confucius Institute on Tuesday afternoon. The blast carried out by the Majeed Brigade of separatist Balochistan Liberation Army sent shockwaves as this was the first suicide bombing by a woman from the militant organisation. Days later, her identity was revealed to be Shari Baloch, a secondary school teacher in her native Kech district. Who is Shari Baloch? According to Afghan journalist Bashir Ahmad Gwakh, Shari Baloch was a 30-year-old woman who had a Master's degree in Zoology and pursued MPhil in education while teaching at a school. Her husband is a dentist, while her father was a registrar at the University of Turbat recently and remained part of the district ombudsman's team for at least three years. He has also served as Director to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). She is survived by two kids —eight-year-old Mahrosh and four-year-old Meer Hassan—as per reports. According to reports, the family is well educated and had no connection with any armed groups. One brother is a tehsildar -- a grade 16 officer and another brother works at the district court. One of her uncles is a retired professor, an author and a rights activist. Two of her cousins are doctors. As a student, Shaari had remained a member of the Baloch students' organisation and was aware of the Baloch genocide and occupation of Balochistan. The involvement of Shari, an educated woman, in the attack has sent alarm bells ringing. History of Baloch resistance Balochistan has long sought independence from Pakistan and has been against China’s multi-billion-dollar One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, which seems to have been the reason behind the targeted attacks on the Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Also read | ‘Blood should not be shed in vain’: China seeks strong action in Pakistan suicide attack The BLA, operating out of Balochistan, has been leading a low-level insurgency against Islamabad, and the Pakistani establishment has retaliated with a brutal crackdown on activists, often on the basis of suspicion, thus drawing international condemnation. Also read | Baloch group claims Pak suicide blast carried out by woman that killed 3 Chinese Disclaimer: As a responsible media organisation, WION takes utmost priority in reporting facts without glorifying any perpetrator or the heinous acts done by any separatist/ terrorist organisation. Watch | Who is Shari Baloch? The woman suicide bomber in Pak (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Shari Baloch? The woman suicide bomber who attacked Pakistan’s Karachi University

China on Wednesday condemned the suicide attack in Pakistan’s Karachi University that claimed the lives&nbsp;of three of its citizens, and demanded a thorough investigation.

“China will continue to urge Pakistan to deal with the aftermath and the treatment of the injured and resolutely fight against terrorist organisations involved in the case," deputy director of the Chinese foreign ministry Zhao Lijian tweeted on Wednesday.

"The blood of the Chinese people should not be shed in vain and those behind this incident will pay the price," China’s Global Times quoted the foreign ministry’s statement.&nbsp;

Three Chinese tutors and their Pakistani driver were killed after a woman suicide bomber launched an attack outside the university’s Confucius Institute on Tuesday.

According to reports, another Chinese teacher was injured in the attack.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-suicide-attack-in-pakistan-3-chinese-people-killed-473965">Baloch group claims Pak suicide blast carried out by woman that killed 3 Chinese</a>

Assistant foreign minister Wu Jianghao also called the Pakistani ambassador to China to express “extremely grave concern” over the attack.

He demanded that the Pakistani side should immediately make a thorough investigation of the incident, apprehend and punish the perpetrators to the full extent of the law, and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan and prevent such incidents from happening again.

Watch |&nbsp;Three Chinese nationals among Four killed in Karachi University blast

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“The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and Consulate-General in Karachi are working with the Pakistani side to deal with the follow-up matters of the casualties,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on April 26 evening to convey condolences, saying that the government will conduct an in-depth probe into the incident.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China on Wednesday condemned the suicide attack in Pakistan’s Karachi University that claimed the lives of three of its citizens, and demanded a thorough investigation.

China on Wednesday condemned the suicide attack in Pakistan’s Karachi University that claimed the lives of three of its citizens, and demanded a thorough investigation. “China will continue to urge Pakistan to deal with the aftermath and the treatment of the injured and resolutely fight against terrorist organisations involved in the case," deputy director of the Chinese foreign ministry Zhao Lijian tweeted on Wednesday. "The blood of the Chinese people should not be shed in vain and those behind this incident will pay the price," China’s Global Times quoted the foreign ministry’s statement. Three Chinese tutors and their Pakistani driver were killed after a woman suicide bomber launched an attack outside the university’s Confucius Institute on Tuesday. According to reports, another Chinese teacher was injured in the attack. The separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. Also read | Baloch group claims Pak suicide blast carried out by woman that killed 3 Chinese Assistant foreign minister Wu Jianghao also called the Pakistani ambassador to China to express “extremely grave concern” over the attack. He demanded that the Pakistani side should immediately make a thorough investigation of the incident, apprehend and punish the perpetrators to the full extent of the law, and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan and prevent such incidents from happening again. Watch | Three Chinese nationals among Four killed in Karachi University blast “The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and Consulate-General in Karachi are working with the Pakistani side to deal with the follow-up matters of the casualties,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on April 26 evening to convey condolences, saying that the government will conduct an in-depth probe into the incident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Blood should not be shed in vain’: China seeks strong action in Pakistan suicide attack

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the explosion at a Shiite mosque in Peshawar city of Pakistan that killed at least 57&nbsp;people and injured more than 200.

The suicide blast occurred around 190 kilometres (120 miles) to the east of Rawalpindi where Australia and Pakistan are playing the first Test cricket match.

"Today Friday, an Islamic State fighter succeeded in assaulting a Shiite mosque in Peshawar," in northwestern Pakistan, the transnational jihadist group said on its Amaq propaganda site.

The explosion took place on Friday after two terrorists opened fire at police officers near Peshawar.

After that, one of them entered the building and staged the explosion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mosque-blast-death-toll-rises-to-56-dozens-injured-458888">Pakistan mosque blast: Death toll rises to 56, dozens injured</a>

The explosion happened at a time when worshipers had gathered at the Kucha Risaldar mosque to offer Friday prayers, according to the Dawn newspaper.

The injured were rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital.

In a statement, advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Muhammad Ali Saif said that the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque and exchanged fire with the police.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday condemned the suicide blast, saying "houses of worship should be havens, not targets".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-tour-of-pakistan-in-jeopardy-ca-monitoring-situation-after-peshawar-mosque-blast-458979">&nbsp;Australia tour of Pakistan in jeopardy? CA monitoring situation after Peshawar mosque blast</a>

Peshawar is just 50 kilometres from the porous border with Afghanistan. It was a frequent target of militants in the early 2010s but security has greatly improved in recent years.&nbsp;

The deadly suicide bombing comes at a time when cricketing nations have been reluctant to send their teams to Pakistan over security concerns, ever since the Sri Lankan team was attacked in 2009.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the explosion at a Shiite mosque in Peshawar city of Pakistan that killed at least 57 people and injured more than 200.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the explosion at a Shiite mosque in Peshawar city of Pakistan that killed at least 57 people and injured more than 200. The suicide blast occurred around 190 kilometres (120 miles) to the east of Rawalpindi where Australia and Pakistan are playing the first Test cricket match. "Today Friday, an Islamic State fighter succeeded in assaulting a Shiite mosque in Peshawar," in northwestern Pakistan, the transnational jihadist group said on its Amaq propaganda site. The explosion took place on Friday after two terrorists opened fire at police officers near Peshawar. After that, one of them entered the building and staged the explosion. Also read | Pakistan mosque blast: Death toll rises to 56, dozens injured The explosion happened at a time when worshipers had gathered at the Kucha Risaldar mosque to offer Friday prayers, according to the Dawn newspaper. The injured were rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital. In a statement, advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Muhammad Ali Saif said that the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque and exchanged fire with the police. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday condemned the suicide blast, saying "houses of worship should be havens, not targets". Also read | Australia tour of Pakistan in jeopardy? CA monitoring situation after Peshawar mosque blast Peshawar is just 50 kilometres from the porous border with Afghanistan. It was a frequent target of militants in the early 2010s but security has greatly improved in recent years. The deadly suicide bombing comes at a time when cricketing nations have been reluctant to send their teams to Pakistan over security concerns, ever since the Sri Lankan team was attacked in 2009. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State claims responsibility for Peshawar mosque suicide blast that killed 57

Two men blew themselves up in a crowded Baghdad market on Thursday, killing at least 28 people in Iraq's first big suicide bombing for three years, authorities said, describing it as a possible sign of the reactivation of Islamic State.

Fineprint: Suicide attacks in Iraq's Baghdad kill at least 28

A twin suicide bombing killed at least 23 people and wounded more than 30 in a Baghdad market on Thursday, the first such attack in years, security and medical sources said.

Iraq: Death toll from Baghdad twin suicide attack reaches 23

A twin suicide bombing killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 30 in a Baghdad market on Thursday, the first such attack in years, security and medical sources said.

Rare twin suicide attack kills at least 13 in Baghdad

At least 10 people were killed on Friday in a town in Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Galmudug when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a rally due to be addressed by the country’s prime minister, a security official said.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble was on his way to address the rally at a stadium in Galkayo, a town in central Somalia where many residents and security forces had gathered to welcome him before the explosion, Galmudug state security ministry said in a post on its Facebook page.

“Over 10 people died in the blast including three senior military officials, soldiers and civilians,” Major Mohamed Abdirahman, a military officer, told Reuters from Galkayo. Over 20 people were injured, he added.

Senior officials at the site included General Abdiasis Abdullahi Qooje who was commander of a battalion based in Galmudug, Somali state radio SONNA reported.

He said the death toll may rise.

Somalia’s al Qaeda-allied Islamist group al Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was “targeting the apostate prime minister who was visiting the town.”

Among those killed, al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, told Reuters, some were U.S.-trained.

The group has been fighting for more than a decade to topple the Horn of Africa’s central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law.

Farah Ali, a resident of Galkayo who witnessed the bombing, told Reuters in a phone interview the stadium was packed with a huge crowd before the blast.

“I counted seven dead people including soldiers and civilians and over a dozen injured,” he said.

At least 10 people were killed on Friday in a town in Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Galmudug when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a rally due to be addressed by the country’s prime minister, a security official said.

At least 10 people were killed on Friday in a town in Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Galmudug when a suicide bomber detonated a device at a rally due to be addressed by the country’s prime minister, a security official said. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble was on his way to address the rally at a stadium in Galkayo, a town in central Somalia where many residents and security forces had gathered to welcome him before the explosion, Galmudug state security ministry said in a post on its Facebook page. “Over 10 people died in the blast including three senior military officials, soldiers and civilians,” Major Mohamed Abdirahman, a military officer, told Reuters from Galkayo. Over 20 people were injured, he added. Senior officials at the site included General Abdiasis Abdullahi Qooje who was commander of a battalion based in Galmudug, Somali state radio SONNA reported. He said the death toll may rise. Somalia’s al Qaeda-allied Islamist group al Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was “targeting the apostate prime minister who was visiting the town.” Among those killed, al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, told Reuters, some were U.S.-trained. The group has been fighting for more than a decade to topple the Horn of Africa’s central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law. Farah Ali, a resident of Galkayo who witnessed the bombing, told Reuters in a phone interview the stadium was packed with a huge crowd before the blast. “I counted seven dead people including soldiers and civilians and over a dozen injured,” he said.

Somalia suicide bombing misses PM but kills several top commanders

A woman who was allegedly planning a suicide attack has been arrested by the army in the southern Philippines during a raid.

The military reported that the woman was arrested during a pre-dawn raid and is suspected of launching a suicide bombing attack.

She has been identified as&nbsp;Rezky Fantasya Rullie who is Indonesian by birth, and is the partner of an Indonesian militant who was killed in Sulu two months back.

These details have been revealed by&nbsp;the Joint Task Force for the restive region in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">Also read:&nbsp;Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise</a>

Rullie is also being linked to the two suicide bombers who took lives of 20 people in an attack on a&nbsp;Catholic cathedral in Jolo early last year.

"We have been pursuing foreign terrorist suicide bombers in Sulu after the twin bombing of Jolo town (in August)," said Brigadier General William Gonzales.

"Rullie was first on our list since we have received intelligence reports that she is going to conduct (a) suicide bombing."

The military found a vest rigged with pipe bombs along with several other explosive components from a house in the Jolo. The house is being linked to the leader of a terror group&nbsp;Abu Sayyaf.

Along with Rullie, two other women have also been detained on the similar charges. Those two also seem to have partners in the same terrorist organisation.

A woman who was allegedly planning a suicide attack has been arrested by the army in the southern Philippines during a raid. The military reported that the woman was arrested during a pre-dawn raid and is suspected of launching a suicide bombing attack.

A woman who was allegedly planning a suicide attack has been arrested by the army in the southern Philippines during a raid. The military reported that the woman was arrested during a pre-dawn raid and is suspected of launching a suicide bombing attack. She has been identified as Rezky Fantasya Rullie who is Indonesian by birth, and is the partner of an Indonesian militant who was killed in Sulu two months back. These details have been revealed by the Joint Task Force for the restive region in a statement. Also read: Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise Rullie is also being linked to the two suicide bombers who took lives of 20 people in an attack on a Catholic cathedral in Jolo early last year. "We have been pursuing foreign terrorist suicide bombers in Sulu after the twin bombing of Jolo town (in August)," said Brigadier General William Gonzales. "Rullie was first on our list since we have received intelligence reports that she is going to conduct (a) suicide bombing." The military found a vest rigged with pipe bombs along with several other explosive components from a house in the Jolo. The house is being linked to the leader of a terror group Abu Sayyaf. Along with Rullie, two other women have also been detained on the similar charges. Those two also seem to have partners in the same terrorist organisation.

Philippines army detains Indonesian suicide bomber

March 5 in history: Signing of Gandhi-Irwin pact, Israel suicide bombing and more!

At least nineteen&nbsp;people were killed and many others wounded in the town of Al-Bab in northern Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-maintain-around-600-troops-in-syria-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-261941">Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab</a> is located 18 miles from the Syrian-Turkish border in the Aleppo province.&nbsp;

The bomb was planted in a car which was parked on the side of the road before a garage door when it exploded.

The blast struck a bus and taxi station in the town, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Watch: Did US smuggled Syrian oil?

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Turkey and its Syrian proxies control several pockets of territory on the Syrian side of the border as a result of successive incursions in 2016, 2018 and 2019. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

At least nineteen people were killed and many others wounded in the town of Al-Bab in northern Syria. Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab is located 18 miles from the Syrian-Turkish border in the Aleppo province.

At least nineteen people were killed and many others wounded in the town of Al-Bab in northern Syria. Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab is located 18 miles from the Syrian-Turkish border in the Aleppo province. The bomb was planted in a car which was parked on the side of the road before a garage door when it exploded. The blast struck a bus and taxi station in the town, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Watch: Did US smuggled Syrian oil? × It was not immediately clear who had carried out the attack. Turkey and its Syrian proxies control several pockets of territory on the Syrian side of the border as a result of successive incursions in 2016, 2018 and 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Car bomb explosion kills nineteen in northern Syria's Al-Bab

A Taliban truck bomb killed at least 20 people and wounded 95 others when it exploded near a hospital in southern Afghanistan, an official said.

The blast in Zabul was just the latest in a string of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-4-killed-after-gunmen-attack-government-building-following-suicide-bombing-in-jalalabad-250490">deadly Taliban bombings </a>across Afghanistan this week as violence intensifies after US President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Taliban over an American withdrawal from the country.

"This morning a car bomb targeted the NDS (National Directorate of Security) in Qalat of Zabul. The regional hospital of Zabul was also located there and has been destroyed in the attack," said Rahmatullah Yarmal.

Atta Jan Haqbayan, the head of Zabul's provincial council, gave a higher death toll, saying 20 people had been killed in the attack and another 90 wounded.

The bombing was later claimed by a Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, who said the attack was against the National Directorate of Security and had killed intelligence officers.

Watch: Afghan city of Qalat attacked by Taliban

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Trump's declaration earlier this month that the talks were "dead" spurred the Taliban to declare last week that the only other option was more fighting, sparking fears of an uptick in attacks ahead of presidential elections at the end of the month.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Taliban killed nearly 50 people and wounded dozens more in two separate attacks -- one near a campaign rally for President Ashraf Ghani in the central province of Parwan, and one in Kabul.

The militants have vowed to disrupt the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which President Ashraf Ghani is taking on his own Chief Executive, Abdullah Abdullah, and more than a dozen other candidates.

The winner is hoping for a mandate to negotiate with the Taliban for a lasting peace in the country suffering from decades of violence.&nbsp;

The insurgents, however, are set on undermining the legitimacy of the process and keeping the president weak.&nbsp;

But even as fighting rages, the Taliban have also continued to voice their belief that the US will eventually return to the table for more negotiations.

Chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai reiterated that stance in an interview with BBC earlier this week, stating "our doors are open for negotiations".

Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched nearly 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks on the US.

But he has also accused the Taliban of bad faith for launching an attack in Kabul that killed a US soldier, and others, ahead of a scheduled sit down at Camp David that was later cancelled by Trump.

A Taliban truck bomb killed at least 20 people and wounded 95 others when it exploded near a hospital in southern Afghanistan, an official said. The blast in Zabul was just the latest in a string of deadly Taliban bombings across Afghanistan this week as violence intensifies after US President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Taliban over an American withdrawal from the country.

A Taliban truck bomb killed at least 20 people and wounded 95 others when it exploded near a hospital in southern Afghanistan, an official said. The blast in Zabul was just the latest in a string of deadly Taliban bombings across Afghanistan this week as violence intensifies after US President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Taliban over an American withdrawal from the country. "This morning a car bomb targeted the NDS (National Directorate of Security) in Qalat of Zabul. The regional hospital of Zabul was also located there and has been destroyed in the attack," said Rahmatullah Yarmal. Atta Jan Haqbayan, the head of Zabul's provincial council, gave a higher death toll, saying 20 people had been killed in the attack and another 90 wounded. The bombing was later claimed by a Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, who said the attack was against the National Directorate of Security and had killed intelligence officers. Watch: Afghan city of Qalat attacked by Taliban Trump's declaration earlier this month that the talks were "dead" spurred the Taliban to declare last week that the only other option was more fighting, sparking fears of an uptick in attacks ahead of presidential elections at the end of the month. Earlier this week, the Taliban killed nearly 50 people and wounded dozens more in two separate attacks -- one near a campaign rally for President Ashraf Ghani in the central province of Parwan, and one in Kabul. The militants have vowed to disrupt the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which President Ashraf Ghani is taking on his own Chief Executive, Abdullah Abdullah, and more than a dozen other candidates. The winner is hoping for a mandate to negotiate with the Taliban for a lasting peace in the country suffering from decades of violence. The insurgents, however, are set on undermining the legitimacy of the process and keeping the president weak. But even as fighting rages, the Taliban have also continued to voice their belief that the US will eventually return to the table for more negotiations. Chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai reiterated that stance in an interview with BBC earlier this week, stating "our doors are open for negotiations". Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched nearly 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks on the US. But he has also accused the Taliban of bad faith for launching an attack in Kabul that killed a US soldier, and others, ahead of a scheduled sit down at Camp David that was later cancelled by Trump.

Taliban car bomb attack kills at least 20 in southern Afghanistan: Official

A suicide blast ripped through the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul on Friday evening, state media reported.&nbsp;

As many as four civilians are reported as injured in the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;More details are awaited.&nbsp;

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At least four people were wounded in an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#explosion</a> in the 2nd Street of Taimani in Kabul's PD4, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, Nusrat Rahimi, said.
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The blast comes days after nearly 80 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a wedding reception in Afghanistan's Kabul earlier this month.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani had condemned the incident and said, "My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">The Islamic State</a> had claimed the responsibility of the attack.&nbsp;

IS said one of its fighters blew himself up at a "large gathering" in Kabul while others "detonated a parked explosives-laden vehicle" when security forces arrived, in a statement posted on the Telegram messaging app.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-14-pro-government-militia-in-afghanistan-officials-246178">Taliban militants killed</a> at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan. The incidents come in the backdrop of Taliban and US officials nearing a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-drop-troop-level-but-permanent-presence-to-remain-in-afghanistan-trump-246453">US President Donald Trump on Thursday said</a> that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A suicide blast ripped through the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul on Friday evening, state media reported. As many as four civilians are reported as injured in the explosion.

A suicide blast ripped through the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul on Friday evening, state media reported. As many as four civilians are reported as injured in the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. More details are awaited. At least four people were wounded in an #explosion in the 2nd Street of Taimani in Kabul's PD4, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, Nusrat Rahimi, said. — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 30, 2019 × The blast comes days after nearly 80 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at a wedding reception in Afghanistan's Kabul earlier this month. President Ashraf Ghani had condemned the incident and said, "My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack." The Islamic State had claimed the responsibility of the attack. IS said one of its fighters blew himself up at a "large gathering" in Kabul while others "detonated a parked explosives-laden vehicle" when security forces arrived, in a statement posted on the Telegram messaging app. On Wednesday, Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan. The incidents come in the backdrop of Taliban and US officials nearing a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Suicide blast kills at least 4 in Kabul city

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">US&nbsp;troops</a> to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through -wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">suicide bomber blew himself</a> up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence.

Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said.

"Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform.

"Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote.

The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it.

Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites.

Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial.

"Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked.

"So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?"

Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy.

"If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook.

The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan-243511">an agreement on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces </a>in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed&nbsp;government.

Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US&nbsp;puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire.

The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal.

Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast.

"They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote.

"We should not surrender to Taliban terror."

The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity".

The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul. A suicide bomber blew himself up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence. Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said. "Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform. "Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote. The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it. Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites. Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial. "Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked. "So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?" Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy. "If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook. The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed government. Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire. The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal. Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast. "They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote. "We should not surrender to Taliban terror." The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity". The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Peace with whom? After blast, enraged Afghans question talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-eight-election-commission-employees-in-south-afghanistan-officials-231728">Taliban bombers</a> targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan have killed at least 19 people, including eight election workers, officials said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The attack comes as a new round of talks between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-eyes-a-breakthrough-as-us-taliban-resume-talks-on-ending-war-231605">United States </a>and the Taliban to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan entered a second day in Qatar.&nbsp;

The militants rammed four armoured vehicles packed with explosives into a government compound in Maruf district late Saturday, a police spokesman in southern Kandahar province said.

"Unfortunately 11 policemen were martyred and 27 more injured," Qasim Afghan told AFP.&nbsp;

Eight election workers who were stationed at the centre to register voters ahead of the presidential polls in September were also killed in the attack, said Zabiullah Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC).

Afghanistan's twice-delayed presidential election is now slated for September 28.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with a spokesman tweeting that their fighters had captured the district centre, killing 57 security forces.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's interior ministry, however, rejected the claim, saying in a statement that the militants had been beaten back and 25 insurgents killed.&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric and unforgivable" attacks, which are the latest in a relentless wave of assaults by the Taliban, who now hold sway over about half of the country and regularly target government forces.&nbsp;

The insurgents killed at least 25 members of a pro-government militia in an attack in northern Baghlan province on Saturday.

The violence comes amid stepped-up efforts by the United States to find a negotiated end to America's longest war, with Washington and the Taliban opening a fresh round of negotiations in Doha on Saturday.

Taliban bombers targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan have killed at least 19 people, including eight election workers, officials said on Sunday. The attack comes as a new round of talks between the United States and the Taliban to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan entered a second day in Qatar.

Taliban bombers targeting a district centre in southern Afghanistan have killed at least 19 people, including eight election workers, officials said on Sunday. The attack comes as a new round of talks between the United States and the Taliban to end the 18-year long war in Afghanistan entered a second day in Qatar. The militants rammed four armoured vehicles packed with explosives into a government compound in Maruf district late Saturday, a police spokesman in southern Kandahar province said. "Unfortunately 11 policemen were martyred and 27 more injured," Qasim Afghan told AFP. Eight election workers who were stationed at the centre to register voters ahead of the presidential polls in September were also killed in the attack, said Zabiullah Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC). Afghanistan's twice-delayed presidential election is now slated for September 28. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with a spokesman tweeting that their fighters had captured the district centre, killing 57 security forces. Afghanistan's interior ministry, however, rejected the claim, saying in a statement that the militants had been beaten back and 25 insurgents killed. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric and unforgivable" attacks, which are the latest in a relentless wave of assaults by the Taliban, who now hold sway over about half of the country and regularly target government forces. The insurgents killed at least 25 members of a pro-government militia in an attack in northern Baghlan province on Saturday. The violence comes amid stepped-up efforts by the United States to find a negotiated end to America's longest war, with Washington and the Taliban opening a fresh round of negotiations in Doha on Saturday.

Taliban bombers kill 19, including Afghan election workers

A bomb blast at a Shi`ite Muslim mosque in eastern Baghdad wounded at least seven people on Friday, security sources said, correcting earlier reports of seven killed.

Police sources said on Friday a suicide belt or improvised explosive device had been used in the attack in the Baladiyat neighbourhood, for which there was no immediate claim of responsibility.&nbsp;

The toll was initially put at seven dead and more than 20 wounded. But police and other security sources said on Saturday the attackers had leaked false news of casualties through witnesses that police relied on for their reports.

An investigation had been launched, they said.&nbsp;

It was a rare attack on a Shi`ite place of worship in the Iraqi capital.

Sunni extremists carried out high-profile bombings of Iraqi Shi`ite sites during the worst of the country`s sectarian violence after the US invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Baghdad`s security improved significantly with the defeat of Islamic State in 2017 and bomb attacks of any kind in the city have been rare since then.

A bomb blast at a Shi`ite Muslim mosque in eastern Baghdad wounded at least seven people on Friday, security sources said, correcting earlier reports of seven killed.

A bomb blast at a Shi`ite Muslim mosque in eastern Baghdad wounded at least seven people on Friday, security sources said, correcting earlier reports of seven killed. Police sources said on Friday a suicide belt or improvised explosive device had been used in the attack in the Baladiyat neighbourhood, for which there was no immediate claim of responsibility. The toll was initially put at seven dead and more than 20 wounded. But police and other security sources said on Saturday the attackers had leaked false news of casualties through witnesses that police relied on for their reports. An investigation had been launched, they said. It was a rare attack on a Shi`ite place of worship in the Iraqi capital. Sunni extremists carried out high-profile bombings of Iraqi Shi`ite sites during the worst of the country`s sectarian violence after the US invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Baghdad`s security improved significantly with the defeat of Islamic State in 2017 and bomb attacks of any kind in the city have been rare since then.

Friday blast at Shi'ite mosque in Baghdad wounds several: Police sources

A suicide bomber targeted a police checkpoint Thursday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing at least 11 people and wounding 13 others, an official said.

The Afghan arm of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was committed by an assailant on foot, said Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province.

There was at least one child among the fatalities, while three others were wounded.

The area around Jalalabad is home to fighters from both the Taliban and the IS group's Afghan affiliate.

Last month, three blasts in rapid succession in the center of Jalalabad left three people dead and 20 wounded.

Until then, this city near the border with Pakistan had largely been spared from attacks and fighting, mainly with IS, in far-flung parts of the surrounding province.

However, in March, at least 16 civilians were killed in a suicide bombing followed by gunfire targeting a construction company near the city's airport. The Taliban said they were not behind that attack.

A wave of violence across Afghanistan in recent weeks has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and security forces.

After 18 years of conflict, the Taliban are in negotiations with US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for some sort of peace settlement.

A resolution still seems far off, with the two sides struggling to agree on several key points.

Khalilzad is in the country now meeting with political leaders and members of civil society in the hope of launching intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban.

The EU envoy for Afghanistan, Roland Kobia, is also here to support the process.

In a gesture of goodwill, the government announced Thursday it has released 490 Taliban prisoners who are ill or have less than a year left to serve.

They are among 887 prisoners that President Ashraf Ghani promised to free in early June as he marked the end of Ramadan.

Khalilzad is due to travel to Qatar in coming days for a new round of talks with the Taliban.

The goal of the negotiations is to set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops in exchange for a Taliban pledge to keep the country from being used as a staging ground for terror attacks.

A suicide bomber targeted a police checkpoint Thursday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing at least 11 people and wounding 13 others, an official said.

A suicide bomber targeted a police checkpoint Thursday in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing at least 11 people and wounding 13 others, an official said. The Afghan arm of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was committed by an assailant on foot, said Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province. There was at least one child among the fatalities, while three others were wounded. The area around Jalalabad is home to fighters from both the Taliban and the IS group's Afghan affiliate. Last month, three blasts in rapid succession in the center of Jalalabad left three people dead and 20 wounded. Until then, this city near the border with Pakistan had largely been spared from attacks and fighting, mainly with IS, in far-flung parts of the surrounding province. However, in March, at least 16 civilians were killed in a suicide bombing followed by gunfire targeting a construction company near the city's airport. The Taliban said they were not behind that attack. A wave of violence across Afghanistan in recent weeks has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and security forces. After 18 years of conflict, the Taliban are in negotiations with US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for some sort of peace settlement. A resolution still seems far off, with the two sides struggling to agree on several key points. Khalilzad is in the country now meeting with political leaders and members of civil society in the hope of launching intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban. The EU envoy for Afghanistan, Roland Kobia, is also here to support the process. In a gesture of goodwill, the government announced Thursday it has released 490 Taliban prisoners who are ill or have less than a year left to serve. They are among 887 prisoners that President Ashraf Ghani promised to free in early June as he marked the end of Ramadan. Khalilzad is due to travel to Qatar in coming days for a new round of talks with the Taliban. The goal of the negotiations is to set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops in exchange for a Taliban pledge to keep the country from being used as a staging ground for terror attacks.

Suicide bomber kills 11 in eastern Afghanistan

The death toll in the suicide attack targeting one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-rises-to-11-in-lahore-suicide-attack-outside-sufi-shrine-217175/amp">Sufi shrines in Lahore</a> has risen to 13 as another civilian succumbed to his injuries, a media report said Monday.

Tahir Aslam, 18, was working at a shop near the shrine. He was among the critically injured and was brought to the Mayo Hospital where he has succumbed to his injuries.

He was rushed to the hospital after the blast which has claimed the lives of six policemen and seven civilians, the Dawn newspaper reported.

A senior police official told the daily on condition of anonymity that security forces had yet to make any substantial progress in the investigations into the attack.

He said that although they had arrested a few suspects from Lahore, they were no big leads.

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Data Darbar shrine, the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia on Wednesday, the second day of the fasting month of Ramzan. A CCTV footage showed a teenage boy wearing black shalwar kameez and a suicide vest coming closer to the vehicle of elite force before blowing himself up.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Arif Nawaz has said it was a suicide attack as the target was the vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ali Hajvari commonly known as Data Darbar.

"Police was the target. 100 per cent," he said.

Lahore police spokesman Syed Mubashir has said the police have arrested four suspects with the help of CCTV cameras in the city.

The rickshaw used to transport the suicide bomber to the shrine has been identified, he added.

The CCTV footage shows the rickshaw driver approached the bomber as the latter emerged from Garhi Shahu area, some seven kilometres from the shrine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-slams-hotel-attack-as-bid-to-damage-economy-218007">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> condemned the attack and has directed the Punjab government to provide all assistance to the injured and families of victims.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an inquiry into the attack.

The famous shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2010, the heavily-guarded shrine was targeted in a suicide attack that killed more than 40 people.

Police also confirmed that Hizbul Ahrar had claimed responsibility for sending the teenage suicide bomber to the shrine.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab has examined the records of three terror groups, including the Ghazi Force and Jamaatul Ahrar.

Hizbul Ahrar is a splinter group of Jamaatul Ahrar headed by Muqarram Shah from Afghanistan. It separated from Jamaatul Ahrar due to internal rifts.

It started operating separately to target primarily the law enforcement agencies in various parts of Pakistan, the police said, adding the CTD is also following other leads, like the possibility of the involvement of Islamic State terror group.&nbsp;

The death toll in the suicide attack targeting one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore has risen to 13 as another civilian succumbed to his injuries, a media report said Monday.

The death toll in the suicide attack targeting one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore has risen to 13 as another civilian succumbed to his injuries, a media report said Monday. Tahir Aslam, 18, was working at a shop near the shrine. He was among the critically injured and was brought to the Mayo Hospital where he has succumbed to his injuries. He was rushed to the hospital after the blast which has claimed the lives of six policemen and seven civilians, the Dawn newspaper reported. A senior police official told the daily on condition of anonymity that security forces had yet to make any substantial progress in the investigations into the attack. He said that although they had arrested a few suspects from Lahore, they were no big leads. A suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Data Darbar shrine, the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia on Wednesday, the second day of the fasting month of Ramzan. A CCTV footage showed a teenage boy wearing black shalwar kameez and a suicide vest coming closer to the vehicle of elite force before blowing himself up. Punjab Inspector General of Police Arif Nawaz has said it was a suicide attack as the target was the vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ali Hajvari commonly known as Data Darbar. "Police was the target. 100 per cent," he said. Lahore police spokesman Syed Mubashir has said the police have arrested four suspects with the help of CCTV cameras in the city. The rickshaw used to transport the suicide bomber to the shrine has been identified, he added. The CCTV footage shows the rickshaw driver approached the bomber as the latter emerged from Garhi Shahu area, some seven kilometres from the shrine. Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attack and has directed the Punjab government to provide all assistance to the injured and families of victims. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an inquiry into the attack. The famous shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2010, the heavily-guarded shrine was targeted in a suicide attack that killed more than 40 people. Police also confirmed that Hizbul Ahrar had claimed responsibility for sending the teenage suicide bomber to the shrine. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab has examined the records of three terror groups, including the Ghazi Force and Jamaatul Ahrar. Hizbul Ahrar is a splinter group of Jamaatul Ahrar headed by Muqarram Shah from Afghanistan. It separated from Jamaatul Ahrar due to internal rifts. It started operating separately to target primarily the law enforcement agencies in various parts of Pakistan, the police said, adding the CTD is also following other leads, like the possibility of the involvement of Islamic State terror group.

Death toll rises to 13 in Lahore Sufi shrine suicide attack

At least eight people were killed and 15 wounded in a suicide bombing at a market in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, a security official said.

"A suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt blew himself up close to stalls at the crowded Jamila market," said the senior police officer, who asked not to be named.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

A medical source confirmed that the nearby Al-Kindi hospital had received eight bodies.

The attack took place at around 9.00 PM (1800 GMT), at a time when many Iraqis have broken their Ramadan fast and take to the streets.

Devastated by years of conflict, Iraq in 2017 declared victory over Islamic State jihadists after a gruelling months-long campaign to dismantle their self-declared "caliphate".

But sleeper cells have remained active, attacking civilians and security forces across the country.

Explosions in several Shiite-majority districts in Iraq's capital in November killed six people, most of them civilians.

A twin suicide bombing in Baghdad in January last year killed 31 people, the second such attack in three days.

At least eight people were killed and 15 wounded in a suicide bombing at a market in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, a security official said. "A suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt blew himself up close to stalls at the crowded Jamila market," said the senior police officer, who asked not to be named.

At least eight people were killed and 15 wounded in a suicide bombing at a market in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, a security official said. "A suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt blew himself up close to stalls at the crowded Jamila market," said the senior police officer, who asked not to be named. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. A medical source confirmed that the nearby Al-Kindi hospital had received eight bodies. The attack took place at around 9.00 PM (1800 GMT), at a time when many Iraqis have broken their Ramadan fast and take to the streets. Devastated by years of conflict, Iraq in 2017 declared victory over Islamic State jihadists after a gruelling months-long campaign to dismantle their self-declared "caliphate". But sleeper cells have remained active, attacking civilians and security forces across the country. Explosions in several Shiite-majority districts in Iraq's capital in November killed six people, most of them civilians. A twin suicide bombing in Baghdad in January last year killed 31 people, the second such attack in three days.

At least 8 dead in Baghdad suicide bombing: Security official

The death toll rose to 11 on Thursday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blast-near-elite-police-vehicle-in-lahore-2-dead-19-injured-216892">powerful suicide blast</a> outside one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore as another policeman succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

The attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramazan, was carried out by a teenage <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-for-blast-in-lahore-216950">Taliban suicide bomber</a> who blew himself up outside the densely-populated 11th-century shrine on Wednesday.

So far, 11 people, including six police commandos, have lost their lives, Geo News reported, adding that as many as 26 others have been injured.

The powerful blast took place outside the Data Darbar shrine, the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia, where the elite police personnel were deployed for security.

A CCTV footage showed that a teenage boy wearing black 'shalwar kameez' and a suicide vest came closer to the vehicle of elite force and blew himself up.

"The suicide bomber is about 15 years old and made no suspected movement before blowing himself up," Lahore police spokesperson Syed Mubashir told PTI on Wednesday.

He said that two suspects have been taken into custody.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JeA), a breakaway faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

Punjab Inspector General Police Arif Nawaz told reporters that it was a suicide attack and the target was the vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ali Hajvari popularly known as Data Darbar.

The blast shattered the windows in nearby vehicles and buildings.

Wednesday was the second day of Muslim holy month of Ramazan. The Data Darbar area is thickly populated and the shrine attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack and directed the Punjab government to provide all assistance to the injured and families of victims. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an inquiry.

Educational institutions near the shrine have been closed for Thursday.

The shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

In 2010, the shrine was targeted in a suicide attack that killed more than 40 people. Since then, the area has been increasingly hemmed in by heavy security, with visitors forced to pass through several layers of screening before they can enter the complex.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 11 on Thursday in the powerful suicide blast outside one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore as another policeman succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

The death toll rose to 11 on Thursday in the powerful suicide blast outside one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore as another policeman succumbed to his injuries, officials said. The attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramazan, was carried out by a teenage Taliban suicide bomber who blew himself up outside the densely-populated 11th-century shrine on Wednesday. So far, 11 people, including six police commandos, have lost their lives, Geo News reported, adding that as many as 26 others have been injured. The powerful blast took place outside the Data Darbar shrine, the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia, where the elite police personnel were deployed for security. A CCTV footage showed that a teenage boy wearing black 'shalwar kameez' and a suicide vest came closer to the vehicle of elite force and blew himself up. "The suicide bomber is about 15 years old and made no suspected movement before blowing himself up," Lahore police spokesperson Syed Mubashir told PTI on Wednesday. He said that two suspects have been taken into custody. The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JeA), a breakaway faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. Punjab Inspector General Police Arif Nawaz told reporters that it was a suicide attack and the target was the vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ali Hajvari popularly known as Data Darbar. The blast shattered the windows in nearby vehicles and buildings. Wednesday was the second day of Muslim holy month of Ramazan. The Data Darbar area is thickly populated and the shrine attracts thousands of visitors every day. Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack and directed the Punjab government to provide all assistance to the injured and families of victims. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an inquiry. Educational institutions near the shrine have been closed for Thursday. The shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2010, the shrine was targeted in a suicide attack that killed more than 40 people. Since then, the area has been increasingly hemmed in by heavy security, with visitors forced to pass through several layers of screening before they can enter the complex.

Death toll rises to 11 in Lahore suicide attack outside Sufi shrine

Sri Lankan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-sirisena-assures-hoteliers-maximum-financial-help-to-revive-tourism-214676">Maithripala Sirisena </a>has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

Maithripala Sirisena also cautioned it might be conceivable that Islamic State has propelled "another procedure" by starting to target smaller nations.

"A small group of Sri Lankans travelled abroad to receive training from Islamic State over the past decade," said Sirisena.

Investigations revealed the bombs used in the Easter attacks were made locally, the president said in an interview.

The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others.

The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Maithripala Sirisena also cautioned it might be conceivable that Islamic State has propelled "another procedure" by starting to target smaller nations. "A small group of Sri Lankans travelled abroad to receive training from Islamic State over the past decade," said Sirisena. Investigations revealed the bombs used in the Easter attacks were made locally, the president said in an interview. The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others. The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign mastermind may be behind Sri Lanka bombings, says President Maithripala Sirisena

Four oceanic scientists were among the six Chinese nationals killed during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-in-sri-lanka-churches-hit-during-easter-sunday-mass-212200">Easter Sunday bomb blasts</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leave-my-country-alone-sri-lankan-president-sirisena-tells-islamic-state-215011">Sri Lanka</a>, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said.

The deceased included Li Jian, 38, and Pan Wenliang, 35, who were senior engineers at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO).&nbsp;

Two others, Li Dawei, 30, and Wang Liwei, 26, were from the First Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources, state run Global Times reported on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-moments-before-blast-212866">CCTV video shows suspected suicide bomber entering Sri Lankan church moments before blast</a>

Websites of both the institutes turned black and white to mourn the dead scientists.

Li, along with four other scientists, arrived at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on April 18 and 19, respectively. They were supposed to participate in a joint scientific cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, the SCSIO said.&nbsp;

The embassy said another five people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were injured during the explosions. All of them have returned to China for further treatment, state run China Daily reported.

They had travelled to Sri Lanka in the mid of April for research purposes, it said.&nbsp;

The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others.

The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Four oceanic scientists were among the six Chinese nationals killed during the Easter Sunday bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said. The deceased included Li Jian, 38, and Pan Wenliang, 35, who were senior engineers at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO).

Four oceanic scientists were among the six Chinese nationals killed during the Easter Sunday bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said. The deceased included Li Jian, 38, and Pan Wenliang, 35, who were senior engineers at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO). Two others, Li Dawei, 30, and Wang Liwei, 26, were from the First Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources, state run Global Times reported on Wednesday. Also read: CCTV video shows suspected suicide bomber entering Sri Lankan church moments before blast Websites of both the institutes turned black and white to mourn the dead scientists. Li, along with four other scientists, arrived at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on April 18 and 19, respectively. They were supposed to participate in a joint scientific cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, the SCSIO said. The embassy said another five people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were injured during the explosions. All of them have returned to China for further treatment, state run China Daily reported. They had travelled to Sri Lanka in the mid of April for research purposes, it said. The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others. The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

Four Chinese scientists killed in Sri Lanka's suicide bombings

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the Easter Sunday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/middle-class-and-foreign-educated-face-of-terror-in-sri-lanka-213241"> suicide bomb attacks</a> on churches and luxury hotels that killed 359 people, two sources close to the president said on Wednesday.

The sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter amid accusations within the government of intelligence failures ahead of the attacks.&nbsp;

Lakshman Kiriella, minister of public enterprise, told parliament on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/top-sri-lankan-officials-deliberately-withheld-intelligence-on-attacks-minister-213244">senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence</a> about possible attacks on Sri Lanka.

"Some top intelligence officials hid the intelligence information purposefully. Information was there, but the top brass security officials did not take appropriate actions," Lakshman Kiriella, who is also minister of public enterprise, told parliament.

He said information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely.

"Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate into this."

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Separately, Sarath Fonseka, former army chief and minister of regional development, told parliament he believed the attacks "must have been planned for at least 7-8 years".

The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday.

The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people.

Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in the capital.

One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 359 people, two sources close to the president said on Wednesday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 359 people, two sources close to the president said on Wednesday. The sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter amid accusations within the government of intelligence failures ahead of the attacks. Lakshman Kiriella, minister of public enterprise, told parliament on Wednesday that senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence about possible attacks on Sri Lanka. "Some top intelligence officials hid the intelligence information purposefully. Information was there, but the top brass security officials did not take appropriate actions," Lakshman Kiriella, who is also minister of public enterprise, told parliament. He said information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely. "Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate into this." × Separately, Sarath Fonseka, former army chief and minister of regional development, told parliament he believed the attacks "must have been planned for at least 7-8 years". The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday. The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people. Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in the capital. One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President asks police chief, defence secretary to quit following attacks

Afghan authorities on Saturday announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-followed-by-gunfire-reported-in-afghanistan-capital-police-211996">hour-long attack in Kabul</a> was over. They also mentioned that all suicide bombers were killed.

"Operations finished. All suicide bombers killed &amp; more than 2000 civilians staff rescued," the Ministry of Interior said on Twitter.

Earlier today, Afghan central was hit by an explosion followed by gunfire.&nbsp;

The incident took place close to the communications ministry and one of the city's main hotels.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The blast followed several months of relative calm in Kabul, which coincided with talks between US and Taliban officials aimed at opening the way for formal peace negotiations to end more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan.

Afghan authorities on Saturday announced that hour-long attack in Kabul was over. They also mentioned that all suicide bombers were killed. "Operations finished.

Afghan authorities on Saturday announced that hour-long attack in Kabul was over. They also mentioned that all suicide bombers were killed. "Operations finished. All suicide bombers killed & more than 2000 civilians staff rescued," the Ministry of Interior said on Twitter. Earlier today, Afghan central was hit by an explosion followed by gunfire. The incident took place close to the communications ministry and one of the city's main hotels. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The blast followed several months of relative calm in Kabul, which coincided with talks between US and Taliban officials aimed at opening the way for formal peace negotiations to end more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan.

Kabul attack over, suicide bombers killed: Afghan ministry

A bomb attack claimed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-dead-in-suicide-attack-targeting-us-led-coalition-in-syria-190785">Islamic State killed US troops</a> in northern Syria on Wednesday, weeks after President Donald Trump said group was defeated there and he would pull out all American forces.

A US official who declined to be named said four US troops had been killed and three wounded in the blast, which an Islamic State-affiliated site said was the work of a suicide bomber. Others said only two had been killed.

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamist militant group said that "US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol", and that it was still gathering details.

The attack, which took place in the town of Manbij, controlled by rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, appears to be the deadliest on US&nbsp;forces in Syria since they deployed on the ground there in 2015.

A Pentagon spokeswoman said that only two US troops had previously been killed in action in Syria. There were two additional non-combat fatalities.

Last month, US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement that he would withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria after concluding that Islamic State had been defeated there.

The announcement helped trigger the resignation of his defence secretary, Jim Mattis, stunned allies and raised fears of a long-threatened Turkish military offensive against US-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

RESTAURANT ATTACKED

A witness in the city said the attack had targeted a restaurant where US personnel were meeting members of the local militia that Washington backs there.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said 16 people had been killed in all, including two Americans. A militia source in north Syria also said two US troops had been killed.

Islamic State later put out a statement saying a Syrian fighter had detonated his explosive vest on a foreign patrol in Manbij.

Two witnesses described the blast to Reuters.

"An explosion hit near a restaurant, targeting the Americans, and there were some forces from the Manbij Military Council with them," one said.

The Manbij Military Council militia has controlled the town since US-backed Kurdish-led forces took it from Islamic State in 2016. It is located near areas held by Russian-backed Syrian government forces and by anti-Assad fighters backed by Turkey.

One of the witnesses said there was a "heavy" presence of military aircraft over Manbij following the blast, which took place near a vegetable market.

Photographs on a local Kurdish news site, which Reuters could not verify, showed two mutilated bodies, several other bodies lying on the ground with people gathered around them, damage to a building and vehicles, and blood smears on a wall.

It was unclear whether the attack might influence Trump’s decision to give more time for the US withdrawal, a conflict he has tired of and described as “sand and death”.

A bomb attack claimed by Islamic State killed US troops in northern Syria on Wednesday, weeks after President Donald Trump said group was defeated there and he would pull out all American forces.

A bomb attack claimed by Islamic State killed US troops in northern Syria on Wednesday, weeks after President Donald Trump said group was defeated there and he would pull out all American forces. A US official who declined to be named said four US troops had been killed and three wounded in the blast, which an Islamic State-affiliated site said was the work of a suicide bomber. Others said only two had been killed. The US-led coalition fighting the Islamist militant group said that "US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol", and that it was still gathering details. The attack, which took place in the town of Manbij, controlled by rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, appears to be the deadliest on US forces in Syria since they deployed on the ground there in 2015. A Pentagon spokeswoman said that only two US troops had previously been killed in action in Syria. There were two additional non-combat fatalities. Last month, US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement that he would withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria after concluding that Islamic State had been defeated there. The announcement helped trigger the resignation of his defence secretary, Jim Mattis, stunned allies and raised fears of a long-threatened Turkish military offensive against US-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria. RESTAURANT ATTACKED A witness in the city said the attack had targeted a restaurant where US personnel were meeting members of the local militia that Washington backs there. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said 16 people had been killed in all, including two Americans. A militia source in north Syria also said two US troops had been killed. Islamic State later put out a statement saying a Syrian fighter had detonated his explosive vest on a foreign patrol in Manbij. Two witnesses described the blast to Reuters. "An explosion hit near a restaurant, targeting the Americans, and there were some forces from the Manbij Military Council with them," one said. The Manbij Military Council militia has controlled the town since US-backed Kurdish-led forces took it from Islamic State in 2016. It is located near areas held by Russian-backed Syrian government forces and by anti-Assad fighters backed by Turkey. One of the witnesses said there was a "heavy" presence of military aircraft over Manbij following the blast, which took place near a vegetable market. Photographs on a local Kurdish news site, which Reuters could not verify, showed two mutilated bodies, several other bodies lying on the ground with people gathered around them, damage to a building and vehicles, and blood smears on a wall. It was unclear whether the attack might influence Trump’s decision to give more time for the US withdrawal, a conflict he has tired of and described as “sand and death”.

Four US troops reported among 16 dead in north Syria attack

A suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 15 people including a US serviceman Wednesday in the northern Syrian city of Manbij near the Turkish border, a monitor said.

Nine civilians and five US-backed fighters were among the dead in the attack on a restaurant in the flashpoint city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Rubble littered the outside of the eatery in the city centre, footage from a Kurdish news agency showed, and its facade was blackened by the blast.

The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said it was the first such suicide attack in the city against the US-led coalition fighting IS in 10 months.

The bombing came as Kurds who control a large swathe of northern Syria rejected a Turkish plan to set up a "security zone" on the Syrian side of the border.

Almost eight years into Syria's civil war, Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack Syrian Kurdish fighters it views as "terrorists" on its southern flank.

Washington, which has relied heavily on the Kurds in its campaign against IS in Syria, has sought guarantees for their safety after President Donald Trump suddenly announced a US troop pullout last month.

On Tuesday, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would set up a "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion by Trump.

The planned buffer would embrace a large swathe of the autonomous region the Kurds have established in northern and northeastern Syria.

Senior Kurdish political leader Aldar Khalil said any Turkish deployment in Kurdish-held areas was "unacceptable".

'Safe zone'

He said the Kurds would accept the deployment of UN forces along a separation line between Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops to ward off the threatened offensive.

But "other choices are unacceptable as they infringe on the sovereignty of Syria and the sovereignty of our autonomous region," Khalil told AFP.

Ankara has welcomed Washington's planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria but the future of US-backed Kurdish fighters has poisoned relations between the NATO allies.

On Monday, Erdogan had a telephone conversation with Trump to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to "devastate" the Turkish economy if Ankara attacks Kurdish forces in Syria, and called for a "safe zone".

The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have been the key US ally in the fight against IS.

They have taken heavy losses in a campaign now nearing its conclusion, with the jihadists confined to an ever-shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles).

The shock announcement of a US withdrawal has sent the Kurds scrambling to seek a new ally in Damascus, which has long rejected Kurdish self-rule.

With military backing from Russia since 2015, President Bashar al-Assad's government has made huge gains against the jihadists and rebels, and now controls almost two-thirds of the country.

A northwestern enclave held by jihadists and pockets held by Turkish troops and their allies remain beyond its reach, along with the much larger Kurdish region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian government must take control of the north.

"The best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov said.&nbsp;

'US clarification'

The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, another key ally of the Damascus regime, said it would not withdraw any forces from Syria, dismissing Israel threats.&nbsp;

Erdogan said he had a "quite positive" telephone conversation with Trump late on Monday in which he reaffirmed that "a 20-mile (30 kilometre) security zone along the Syrian border... will be set up by us."

The Syrian Kurdish leader said Turkey was the wrong choice to oversee the mooted "security zone".

"Trump wants to implement these safe regions through cooperation with Turkey. But any role for Turkey will upset the balance and the region will not be safe," Khalil said.

The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria -- in 2016 against IS jihadists and Syrian Kurdish fighters, and in 2018 targeting the Kurds.&nbsp;

The last offensive saw Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies overrun the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in the northwest, one of several the Kurds had governed since 2012.

Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of military occupation of Syrian sovereign territory.

Ankara has spoken of a YPG-free "security zone" under its control, but it is not clear if Washington has the same details in mind.

Analyst Mutlu Civiroglu said it was not immediately clear what the US president meant by a "safe zone", or who he thought would patrol it.

Analysts were "waiting for a clarification from Washington to see what the president really meant", he told AFP.

A suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 15 people including a US serviceman Wednesday in the northern Syrian city of Manbij near the Turkish border, a monitor said.

A suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 15 people including a US serviceman Wednesday in the northern Syrian city of Manbij near the Turkish border, a monitor said. Nine civilians and five US-backed fighters were among the dead in the attack on a restaurant in the flashpoint city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Rubble littered the outside of the eatery in the city centre, footage from a Kurdish news agency showed, and its facade was blackened by the blast. The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said it was the first such suicide attack in the city against the US-led coalition fighting IS in 10 months. The bombing came as Kurds who control a large swathe of northern Syria rejected a Turkish plan to set up a "security zone" on the Syrian side of the border. Almost eight years into Syria's civil war, Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack Syrian Kurdish fighters it views as "terrorists" on its southern flank. Washington, which has relied heavily on the Kurds in its campaign against IS in Syria, has sought guarantees for their safety after President Donald Trump suddenly announced a US troop pullout last month. On Tuesday, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would set up a "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion by Trump. The planned buffer would embrace a large swathe of the autonomous region the Kurds have established in northern and northeastern Syria. Senior Kurdish political leader Aldar Khalil said any Turkish deployment in Kurdish-held areas was "unacceptable". 'Safe zone' He said the Kurds would accept the deployment of UN forces along a separation line between Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops to ward off the threatened offensive. But "other choices are unacceptable as they infringe on the sovereignty of Syria and the sovereignty of our autonomous region," Khalil told AFP. Ankara has welcomed Washington's planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria but the future of US-backed Kurdish fighters has poisoned relations between the NATO allies. On Monday, Erdogan had a telephone conversation with Trump to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to "devastate" the Turkish economy if Ankara attacks Kurdish forces in Syria, and called for a "safe zone". The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have been the key US ally in the fight against IS. They have taken heavy losses in a campaign now nearing its conclusion, with the jihadists confined to an ever-shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles). The shock announcement of a US withdrawal has sent the Kurds scrambling to seek a new ally in Damascus, which has long rejected Kurdish self-rule. With military backing from Russia since 2015, President Bashar al-Assad's government has made huge gains against the jihadists and rebels, and now controls almost two-thirds of the country. A northwestern enclave held by jihadists and pockets held by Turkish troops and their allies remain beyond its reach, along with the much larger Kurdish region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian government must take control of the north. "The best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov said. 'US clarification' The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, another key ally of the Damascus regime, said it would not withdraw any forces from Syria, dismissing Israel threats. Erdogan said he had a "quite positive" telephone conversation with Trump late on Monday in which he reaffirmed that "a 20-mile (30 kilometre) security zone along the Syrian border... will be set up by us." The Syrian Kurdish leader said Turkey was the wrong choice to oversee the mooted "security zone". "Trump wants to implement these safe regions through cooperation with Turkey. But any role for Turkey will upset the balance and the region will not be safe," Khalil said. The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria -- in 2016 against IS jihadists and Syrian Kurdish fighters, and in 2018 targeting the Kurds. The last offensive saw Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies overrun the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in the northwest, one of several the Kurds had governed since 2012. Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of military occupation of Syrian sovereign territory. Ankara has spoken of a YPG-free "security zone" under its control, but it is not clear if Washington has the same details in mind. Analyst Mutlu Civiroglu said it was not immediately clear what the US president meant by a "safe zone", or who he thought would patrol it. Analysts were "waiting for a clarification from Washington to see what the president really meant", he told AFP.

At least 15 dead in suicide attack targeting US-led coalition in Syria

A suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison killed at least seven people on Wednesday, officials said, in the latest militant attack in the war-torn country.

Another five were wounded in the blast near the facility in Kabul, which police spokesman Basir Mujahid said had hit a vehicle that staff of Pul-e-Charkhi prison were travelling in. &nbsp;

The attacker was on foot, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. He struck as the bus was entering the jail in the east of the Afghan capital. &nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion, but the Islamic State group (IS) has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months.

The attack comes days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in Kabul, killing at least one person and wounding six.

A wave of election-related violence has killed or wounded hundreds across the country in recent months as the Taliban and IS step up attacks on Afghan security forces and government workers.

Afghanistan's long-delayed parliamentary election, which was held over three days this month, was marred by chaos and deadly attacks.

Two days before voting began on October 20, a Taliban-claimed shooting killed a powerful police chief in the southern province of Kandahar.

General Abdul Raziq was among three people killed in the brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in the provincial capital that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan.

Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting, which the Taliban said had targeted Miller and Raziq.

US officials and NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan were adamant that Miller had not been a target.

Several days later another Taliban-claimed assault killed a NATO soldier and wounded two others -- all from the Czech Republic -- in the western province of Herat.

The attacks came amid a flurry of US-led diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, to negotiate an end to the 17-year war.

Earlier this month, newly appointed US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Qatar.

Less than two weeks later a top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years was freed.

A senior Taliban leader told AFP the group had requested the release of Abdul Ghani Baradar and several others at the meeting with Khalilzad.&nbsp;

A suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison killed at least seven people on Wednesday, officials said, in the latest militant attack in the war-torn country.

A suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison killed at least seven people on Wednesday, officials said, in the latest militant attack in the war-torn country. Another five were wounded in the blast near the facility in Kabul, which police spokesman Basir Mujahid said had hit a vehicle that staff of Pul-e-Charkhi prison were travelling in. The attacker was on foot, interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. He struck as the bus was entering the jail in the east of the Afghan capital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion, but the Islamic State group (IS) has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months. The attack comes days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in Kabul, killing at least one person and wounding six. A wave of election-related violence has killed or wounded hundreds across the country in recent months as the Taliban and IS step up attacks on Afghan security forces and government workers. Afghanistan's long-delayed parliamentary election, which was held over three days this month, was marred by chaos and deadly attacks. Two days before voting began on October 20, a Taliban-claimed shooting killed a powerful police chief in the southern province of Kandahar. General Abdul Raziq was among three people killed in the brazen insider attack on a high-level security meeting in the provincial capital that was attended by General Scott Miller, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan. Miller escaped unhurt, but US Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley was among 13 people wounded in the shooting, which the Taliban said had targeted Miller and Raziq. US officials and NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan were adamant that Miller had not been a target. Several days later another Taliban-claimed assault killed a NATO soldier and wounded two others -- all from the Czech Republic -- in the western province of Herat. The attacks came amid a flurry of US-led diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban, Afghanistan's largest militant group, to negotiate an end to the 17-year war. Earlier this month, newly appointed US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Qatar. Less than two weeks later a top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years was freed. A senior Taliban leader told AFP the group had requested the release of Abdul Ghani Baradar and several others at the meeting with Khalilzad.

Seven killed in suicide attack near Kabul prison

A suicide bomber targeting the headquarters of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday killed at least one person and wounded six, officials said, in the latest violence to strike the controversial poll.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which comes as ballot boxes from around the war-torn country are delivered to the IEC's heavily fortified compound in the Afghan capital following chaotic legislative elections.

"The explosion happened 20 metres from the vehicles of the IEC employees," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid told AFP.

Four IEC employees and two police were wounded, he said.

With vote counting under way, the IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-braces-for-militant-attacks-as-polling-centres-open-172420">Elections in Afghanistan</a> began October 20 amid deadly violence and threats.&nbsp;Polling had been delayed in Kandahar province until October 27 after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq.

In the days leading to the vote, Taliban militants issued a series of statements telling people not to take part in what they consider a foreign-imposed process and warning election centres may be attacked.

Nearly 170 Afghans were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-130-casualties-in-afghan-election-violence-officials-172507">killed or wounded</a> in poll-related violence as the legislative election turned chaotic with many polling centres opening hours late — or not at all — due to technical glitches and lack of staff.

Afghanistan's political scene is still tainted by the aftermath of a disputed presidential vote in 2014 that forced the two main rival groupings to form an unstable partnership. Both sides were accused of massive electoral cheating.

A suicide bomber targeting the headquarters of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday killed at least one person and wounded six, officials said, in the latest violence to strike the controversial poll.

A suicide bomber targeting the headquarters of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday killed at least one person and wounded six, officials said, in the latest violence to strike the controversial poll. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which comes as ballot boxes from around the war-torn country are delivered to the IEC's heavily fortified compound in the Afghan capital following chaotic legislative elections. "The explosion happened 20 metres from the vehicles of the IEC employees," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid told AFP. Four IEC employees and two police were wounded, he said. With vote counting under way, the IEC is scheduled to release preliminary results on November 10. Elections in Afghanistan began October 20 amid deadly violence and threats. Polling had been delayed in Kandahar province until October 27 after a Taliban-claimed attack on a US-Afghan security meeting that killed three people, including General Abdul Raziq. In the days leading to the vote, Taliban militants issued a series of statements telling people not to take part in what they consider a foreign-imposed process and warning election centres may be attacked. Nearly 170 Afghans were killed or wounded in poll-related violence as the legislative election turned chaotic with many polling centres opening hours late — or not at all — due to technical glitches and lack of staff. Afghanistan's political scene is still tainted by the aftermath of a disputed presidential vote in 2014 that forced the two main rival groupings to form an unstable partnership. Both sides were accused of massive electoral cheating.

Suicide attack on Kabul election workers kills one, wounds six

A suicide car bomb attack on a bus carrying police officers and workers in central Afghanistan killed at least five people Saturday, officials said.

Another 12 were wounded in the Taliban-claimed blast in the Wardak provincial capital of Maidan Shar, provincial police spokesman Hekmatullah Durrani told AFP.

The explosion happened as the bus entered the main entrance of a police compound. Two officers and three workers were among the dead, Durrani said.

The wounded were all mechanics on the base.

Provincial governor spokesman Abdul Rahman Mangal put the death toll slightly higher at six.

In a WhatsApp message, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said "tens of Afghan police and soldiers were killed" in the attack.

The latest attack by the Taliban comes amid a flurry of US-led diplomatic activity to convince the group to negotiate an end to the 17-year war.

In an apparent move to aid talks, top Taliban commander Abdul Ghani Baradar has been released by Pakistan after more than eight years in detention, sources said Thursday.

That came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict.

A suicide car bomb attack on a bus carrying police officers and workers in central Afghanistan killed at least five people Saturday, officials said. Another 12 were wounded in the Taliban-claimed blast in the Wardak provincial capital of Maidan Shar, provincial police spokesman Hekmatullah Durrani told AFP.

A suicide car bomb attack on a bus carrying police officers and workers in central Afghanistan killed at least five people Saturday, officials said. Another 12 were wounded in the Taliban-claimed blast in the Wardak provincial capital of Maidan Shar, provincial police spokesman Hekmatullah Durrani told AFP. The explosion happened as the bus entered the main entrance of a police compound. Two officers and three workers were among the dead, Durrani said. The wounded were all mechanics on the base. Provincial governor spokesman Abdul Rahman Mangal put the death toll slightly higher at six. In a WhatsApp message, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said "tens of Afghan police and soldiers were killed" in the attack. The latest attack by the Taliban comes amid a flurry of US-led diplomatic activity to convince the group to negotiate an end to the 17-year war. In an apparent move to aid talks, top Taliban commander Abdul Ghani Baradar has been released by Pakistan after more than eight years in detention, sources said Thursday. That came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict.

Suicide attack on Afghan police bus kills five: Officials

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-steps-hunt-survivors-quake-toll-passes-1200-168980">Indonesia steps up </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-steps-hunt-survivors-quake-toll-passes-1200-168980">hunt</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-steps-hunt-survivors-quake-toll-passes-1200-168980"> for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200</a>

Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987">China condemns </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-us-south-china-sea-freedom-navigation-operation-168987"> for South China Sea freedom of navigation operation</a>

China expressed anger on Tuesday after a US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the disputed South China Sea, saying it resolutely opposed an operation that it called a threat to its sovereignty.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/least-seven-dead-suicide-attack-afghan-election-rally-168948">At least 13 dead in suicide attack on Afghan election rally</a>

At least 13 people were killed and over 40 were injured in a suicide attack on Tuesday in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, news agency Associated Press reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arthur-ashkin-gerard-mourou-donna-strickland-win-nobel-prize-laser-inventions-168958">Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arthur-ashkin-gerard-mourou-donna-strickland-win-nobel-prize-laser-inventions-168958">and</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arthur-ashkin-gerard-mourou-donna-strickland-win-nobel-prize-laser-inventions-168958"> Donna Strickland share Nobel Physics Prize</a>

Three researchers on Tuesday shared the Nobel Physics Prize for inventions in the field of laser physics which have paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in industry and medicine, the jury said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/protesting-farmers-not-satisfied-govt-assurance-naresh-tikait-168974">Farmers not 'satisfied' with govt's assurance: Bharat Kisan Union chief Tikait</a>

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

Indonesia steps up hunt for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200 Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness.

Indonesia steps up hunt for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200 Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness. China condemns US for South China Sea freedom of navigation operation China expressed anger on Tuesday after a US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the disputed South China Sea, saying it resolutely opposed an operation that it called a threat to its sovereignty. At least 13 dead in suicide attack on Afghan election rally At least 13 people were killed and over 40 were injured in a suicide attack on Tuesday in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, news agency Associated Press reported. Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland share Nobel Physics Prize Three researchers on Tuesday shared the Nobel Physics Prize for inventions in the field of laser physics which have paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in industry and medicine, the jury said. Farmers not 'satisfied' with govt's assurance: Bharat Kisan Union chief Tikait As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

News brief: Big stories of the day 

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned Monday’s suicide bomb attack outside a peace tent gathering of Muslim clerics in Kabul and backed their fatwa against suicide attacks, saying they violated the tenets of Islam.

The bomb killed 14 people, including seven clerics, and was the latest in a series of attacks that have underlined the deteriorating security ahead of parliamentary and district council elections set for Oct. 20.

The blast occurred near a Polytechnic University where clerics had gathered, reports said.

Reuters quoting security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism.

Local media reported that at least 14 people, including 7 religious scholars and 4 security personnel, were killed in the&nbspattack.

“The attack that targeted the large gathering of clerics and religious scholars from across the country was in fact an attack against the heirs of the prophet of Islam and the values of Islam,” Ghani said in a video address, supporting the outlawing of suicide bombings.

“Unfortunately, the imposed war in Afghanistan every day takes lives of our innocent children.”

Islamic State, without providing evidence, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Taliban, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster by U.S.-led forces, denied involvement, but blamed the “American process”.

&nbsp

A series of bombings in Kabul has killed dozens of people in recent months and shown no sign of easing during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned Monday’s suicide bomb attack outside a peace tent gathering of Muslim clerics in Kabul and backed their fatwa against suicide attacks, saying they violated the tenets of Islam. The bomb killed 14 people, including seven clerics, and was the latest in a series of attacks that have underlined the deteriorating security ahead of parliamentary and district council elections set for Oct. 20. The blast occurred near a Polytechnic University where clerics had gathered, reports said. Reuters quoting security officials said a suicide bomber exploded a device near a tent where Muslim clerics had gathered to denounce terrorism. Local media reported that at least 14 people, including 7 religious scholars and 4 security personnel, were killed in the&nbspattack. “The attack that targeted the large gathering of clerics and religious scholars from across the country was in fact an attack against the heirs of the prophet of Islam and the values of Islam,” Ghani said in a video address, supporting the outlawing of suicide bombings. “Unfortunately, the imposed war in Afghanistan every day takes lives of our innocent children.” Islamic State, without providing evidence, claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster by U.S.-led forces, denied involvement, but blamed the “American process”.

Afghanistan president backs suicide bomb fatwa after 14 killed

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