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

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

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

Eight killed in bombing in Turkish-controlled northeast Syria

The Islamic State group's Afghan branch has been "defeated" in one of the key eastern provinces where it first sought to establish a stronghold, a top Afghan security official said Sunday.

The claim comes after the jihadists first burst into Afghanistan's conflict in 2015, when they overran large parts of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, near the Pakistan border.

In the years since, they have claimed responsibility for a string of horrific bombings across Afghanistan, including at a wedding hall in Kabul, and have been continually attacked by US, Afghan and even Taliban forces.

IS "were defeated in Nangarhar, their centres were destroyed", acting interior minister Massoud Andarabi told reporters in Jalalabad, the Nangarhar provincial capital, amid ongoing operations against the jihadists.&nbsp;

"We will soon destroy their last centres. With the people's help, we will completely eliminate them. Some of their smaller groups are surrendering, other small groups will be eliminated in other provinces."

He went on to say that IS were being "completely defeated" in Afghanistan.

US Forces-Afghanistan, which closely monitors the IS footprint in Afghanistan, declined to comment, referring a query back to the Interior Ministry.

Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, said 32 IS fighters surrendered to government forces on Saturday.&nbsp;

"They are coming in big numbers," he told AFP.&nbsp;

IS have suffered a string of major defeats in recent months, including the collapse of their self-proclaimed "caliphate" in Syria and the death of the group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed in a US raid in Syria last month.&nbsp;

Connections between Baghdadi and the IS affiliate in Afghanistan, better known as IS in the Khorasan, or IS-K, have always been murky.&nbsp;

But Khogyani said Baghdadi's death had disrupted IS-K's command and control structure.

"It has affected the fighters on the ground here, they are either surrendering to the government or going back to their ordinary lives," he said.

The Islamic State group's Afghan branch has been "defeated" in one of the key eastern provinces where it first sought to establish a stronghold, a top Afghan security official said Sunday.

The Islamic State group's Afghan branch has been "defeated" in one of the key eastern provinces where it first sought to establish a stronghold, a top Afghan security official said Sunday. The claim comes after the jihadists first burst into Afghanistan's conflict in 2015, when they overran large parts of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, near the Pakistan border. In the years since, they have claimed responsibility for a string of horrific bombings across Afghanistan, including at a wedding hall in Kabul, and have been continually attacked by US, Afghan and even Taliban forces. IS "were defeated in Nangarhar, their centres were destroyed", acting interior minister Massoud Andarabi told reporters in Jalalabad, the Nangarhar provincial capital, amid ongoing operations against the jihadists. "We will soon destroy their last centres. With the people's help, we will completely eliminate them. Some of their smaller groups are surrendering, other small groups will be eliminated in other provinces." He went on to say that IS were being "completely defeated" in Afghanistan. US Forces-Afghanistan, which closely monitors the IS footprint in Afghanistan, declined to comment, referring a query back to the Interior Ministry. Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, said 32 IS fighters surrendered to government forces on Saturday. "They are coming in big numbers," he told AFP. IS have suffered a string of major defeats in recent months, including the collapse of their self-proclaimed "caliphate" in Syria and the death of the group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed in a US raid in Syria last month. Connections between Baghdadi and the IS affiliate in Afghanistan, better known as IS in the Khorasan, or IS-K, have always been murky. But Khogyani said Baghdadi's death had disrupted IS-K's command and control structure. "It has affected the fighters on the ground here, they are either surrendering to the government or going back to their ordinary lives," he said.

Islamic State 'defeated' in key Afghan province: Report

Greek police said Saturday they had arrested three people and seized an arms cache in an ongoing anti-terrorist operation officials likened to high profile arrests of Revolutionary Struggle group members in 2010.

Greek police stated two men,&nbsp;a 41 and a 45-year-old,&nbsp;and a 39-year-old woman, allegedly implicated in terrorism, were arrested during a "wide operation" launched in Athens on Friday. They added a 46-year-old man remained at large.&nbsp;

During the raids on 13 houses, Greek anti-terrorist squad seized weapons including five AK-47 automatic rifles, detonators, dynamite and grenades.

The 41-year-old man arrested was also detained in 2010 accused of being a member of far-left group Revolutionary Struggle (EA), behind a series of "anti-capitalist" attacks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Citizen Protection Ministry said one of the assault rifles found during the raids was used in an October robbery in a betting shop in the northern suburb of Cholargos.&nbsp;

Another AK-47 was used in multiple attacks carried out by the 'Organisation of Revolutionary Self-Defense' group against PASOK socialist party headquarters in Athens, as well as against the Mexican embassy in Athens in 2016.&nbsp;

The group also claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the French Embassy in Athens in 2016.&nbsp;

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the operation as "a very big success".

"Let me repeat, for one more time, our commitment to put a definitive and irreversible end to the problem of domestic terrorism", he added.&nbsp;

A top police official told AFP the operation could be compared to the arrests in 2010 of Revolutionary Struggle leaders Paula Roupa and Nikos Maziotis.&nbsp;

Their group, which first emerged in 2003, was once deemed by authorities to be the country's most dangerous far-left organisation.

The United States put a bounty on the group after it fired a rocket at the US embassy in Athens in 2007, though nobody was injured.

In 2014, the group also exploded a booby-trapped car outside a Bank of Greece office in central Athens as the country prepared to make a highly symbolic debt sale. Again, no-one was hurt.

Greek police said Saturday they had arrested three people and seized an arms cache in an ongoing anti-terrorist operation officials likened to high profile arrests of Revolutionary Struggle group members in 2010.

Greek police said Saturday they had arrested three people and seized an arms cache in an ongoing anti-terrorist operation officials likened to high profile arrests of Revolutionary Struggle group members in 2010. Greek police stated two men, a 41 and a 45-year-old, and a 39-year-old woman, allegedly implicated in terrorism, were arrested during a "wide operation" launched in Athens on Friday. They added a 46-year-old man remained at large. During the raids on 13 houses, Greek anti-terrorist squad seized weapons including five AK-47 automatic rifles, detonators, dynamite and grenades. The 41-year-old man arrested was also detained in 2010 accused of being a member of far-left group Revolutionary Struggle (EA), behind a series of "anti-capitalist" attacks. The Citizen Protection Ministry said one of the assault rifles found during the raids was used in an October robbery in a betting shop in the northern suburb of Cholargos. Another AK-47 was used in multiple attacks carried out by the 'Organisation of Revolutionary Self-Defense' group against PASOK socialist party headquarters in Athens, as well as against the Mexican embassy in Athens in 2016. The group also claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the French Embassy in Athens in 2016. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the operation as "a very big success". "Let me repeat, for one more time, our commitment to put a definitive and irreversible end to the problem of domestic terrorism", he added. A top police official told AFP the operation could be compared to the arrests in 2010 of Revolutionary Struggle leaders Paula Roupa and Nikos Maziotis. Their group, which first emerged in 2003, was once deemed by authorities to be the country's most dangerous far-left organisation. The United States put a bounty on the group after it fired a rocket at the US embassy in Athens in 2007, though nobody was injured. In 2014, the group also exploded a booby-trapped car outside a Bank of Greece office in central Athens as the country prepared to make a highly symbolic debt sale. Again, no-one was hurt.

Three arrested, guns seized in Greek anti-terrorism raid

The Ukrainian army and Moscow-backed separatists on Saturday launched the last phase of a troop pullback ahead of a high-stakes summit with Russia, the warring sides said.

The long-awaited withdrawal of troops in the conflict-riven Donetsk and Lugansk regions is a precondition for the first face-to-face talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Paris summit, whose date has yet to be confirmed, will be mediated by the leaders of France and Germany.

"The disengagement of troops and weaponry has begun" between the villages of Petrivske in the separatist-controlled zone and Bogdanivka in Kiev-controlled territory in the Donetsk region, said a senior Ukrainian army representative, Bogdan Bondar.

Donetsk separatists also confirmed the start of the withdrawal of forces.

The warring sides signalled their intention to withdraw by firing flares, an AFP correspondent said from the scene.&nbsp;

OSCE monitors were observing the disengagement which could be spread over several days.

The warring sides held a similar pullback in the Lugansk region in October.&nbsp;

Since coming to power in May, comedian-turned-president Zelensky has sought to establish dialogue with Russian leader Putin and revive a peace process to end a five-year-old separatist conflict.

The war in eastern Ukraine broke out a month after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and has claimed some 13,000 lives.

Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Moscow of giving financial and military backing to separatists, which Russia denies.

"The Normandy format aims to renew dialogue, which can bring us closer to the complete end of the war," Zelensky said this week, referring to the four-way talks.

The summit has been repeatedly postponed for a number of reasons including the failure of earlier attempts to disengage forces.

The withdrawal of forces would be the "final precondition" for organising the four-way summit, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said this week.

He has expressed hope that the meeting, the first at such a high level since 2016, could take place in Paris in November.

Russia has said it backs a new summit but refused to commit to a timetable.

"We want to hold the summit as soon as possible, but at the same time we consider this summit has to be well organised to ensure it gets the necessary results," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

He added it was "too early to say" whether the meeting could take place this year because "many questions" remained unresolved.

Zelensky's peace plan including the troop pullback has been strongly criticised by many in Kiev, especially war veterans and nationalists.

In the run-up to the planned summit, Ukrainian, Russian and separatist negotiators also agreed on a roadmap that envisages a special status for the separatist territories if they conduct free and fair elections under the Ukrainian constitution.

The Ukrainian army and Moscow-backed separatists on Saturday launched the last phase of a troop pullback ahead of a high-stakes summit with Russia, the warring sides said.

The Ukrainian army and Moscow-backed separatists on Saturday launched the last phase of a troop pullback ahead of a high-stakes summit with Russia, the warring sides said. The long-awaited withdrawal of troops in the conflict-riven Donetsk and Lugansk regions is a precondition for the first face-to-face talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The Paris summit, whose date has yet to be confirmed, will be mediated by the leaders of France and Germany. "The disengagement of troops and weaponry has begun" between the villages of Petrivske in the separatist-controlled zone and Bogdanivka in Kiev-controlled territory in the Donetsk region, said a senior Ukrainian army representative, Bogdan Bondar. Donetsk separatists also confirmed the start of the withdrawal of forces. The warring sides signalled their intention to withdraw by firing flares, an AFP correspondent said from the scene. OSCE monitors were observing the disengagement which could be spread over several days. The warring sides held a similar pullback in the Lugansk region in October. Since coming to power in May, comedian-turned-president Zelensky has sought to establish dialogue with Russian leader Putin and revive a peace process to end a five-year-old separatist conflict. The war in eastern Ukraine broke out a month after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and has claimed some 13,000 lives. Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Moscow of giving financial and military backing to separatists, which Russia denies. "The Normandy format aims to renew dialogue, which can bring us closer to the complete end of the war," Zelensky said this week, referring to the four-way talks. The summit has been repeatedly postponed for a number of reasons including the failure of earlier attempts to disengage forces. The withdrawal of forces would be the "final precondition" for organising the four-way summit, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said this week. He has expressed hope that the meeting, the first at such a high level since 2016, could take place in Paris in November. Russia has said it backs a new summit but refused to commit to a timetable. "We want to hold the summit as soon as possible, but at the same time we consider this summit has to be well organised to ensure it gets the necessary results," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He added it was "too early to say" whether the meeting could take place this year because "many questions" remained unresolved. Zelensky's peace plan including the troop pullback has been strongly criticised by many in Kiev, especially war veterans and nationalists. In the run-up to the planned summit, Ukrainian, Russian and separatist negotiators also agreed on a roadmap that envisages a special status for the separatist territories if they conduct free and fair elections under the Ukrainian constitution.

Ukraine foes begin key troop pullback in war-torn east before summit with Russia

Minister of State for Home Affairs, G.Kishan Reddy, has announced that India will host the 'No Money For Terror'&nbsp;meet in India in 2020.

The minister is currently heading a high-powered five-member Indian delegation, along with Director-General of the National Investigation Agency YC&nbsp;Modi, at this year's edition of the three-day global conference in Melbourne against the support and financing of terrorism, which began from November 6.

At the inaugural session, the minister stressed India's concern over the "tacit support" that some nations are extending to terror groups breeding on their soil, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

He, at the session, also called for a united global effort against all those who support terror or help generate finances for terror. He stated that India, being a victim of cross-border terrorism, advocates zero-tolerance towards terror, a detailed report stated.

Reddy stated that despite the killing of Osama Bin Laden in 2011, several active affiliates of Al Qaeda still exist in many parts of the world.

He also cautioned that despite the recent elimination of Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, there is no room to construe that the Caliphate would cease to survive.

Viewing terrorism as the "single biggest threat to peace, security, and development" in the region, the minister further proposed four points for inclusion in the resolution to tackle the global menace saying all nations must expedite the finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations.

All countries which participated in the meeting should also effectively enforce the standards mandated by the Financial Action Terror Force (FATF) and UN listings, the minister said. In addition, members should also initiate discussion on Countering Financing of Radicalisation (CFR), which would prevent radicalisation - an essential prerequisite of terrorism.

Reddy would also be leading a terror-focused bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart in Melbourne on November 8.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, G.Kishan Reddy, has announced that India will host the 'No Money For Terror' meet in India in 2020. The minister is currently heading a high-powered five-member Indian delegation, along with Director-General of the National Investigation Agency YC Modi, at this year's edition of the three-day global conference in Melbourne against the support and financing of terrorism, which began from November 6.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, G.Kishan Reddy, has announced that India will host the 'No Money For Terror' meet in India in 2020. The minister is currently heading a high-powered five-member Indian delegation, along with Director-General of the National Investigation Agency YC Modi, at this year's edition of the three-day global conference in Melbourne against the support and financing of terrorism, which began from November 6. At the inaugural session, the minister stressed India's concern over the "tacit support" that some nations are extending to terror groups breeding on their soil, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. He, at the session, also called for a united global effort against all those who support terror or help generate finances for terror. He stated that India, being a victim of cross-border terrorism, advocates zero-tolerance towards terror, a detailed report stated. Reddy stated that despite the killing of Osama Bin Laden in 2011, several active affiliates of Al Qaeda still exist in many parts of the world. He also cautioned that despite the recent elimination of Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, there is no room to construe that the Caliphate would cease to survive. Viewing terrorism as the "single biggest threat to peace, security, and development" in the region, the minister further proposed four points for inclusion in the resolution to tackle the global menace saying all nations must expedite the finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations. All countries which participated in the meeting should also effectively enforce the standards mandated by the Financial Action Terror Force (FATF) and UN listings, the minister said. In addition, members should also initiate discussion on Countering Financing of Radicalisation (CFR), which would prevent radicalisation - an essential prerequisite of terrorism. Reddy would also be leading a terror-focused bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart in Melbourne on November 8.

India to host next 'No Money For Terror' meet in 2020

Pakistan slams U.S terror Report and tried to defend its failure to curb terrorism.

Pakistan slams U.S terror Report

A roadside mine blast in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Monday killed at least eight people, including four children. 
 
According to police, "Four children, two women and two men were killed and six other civilians,&nbsp;including children,&nbsp;were wounded," as quoted by Tolo News. 
Soon after the blast, the victims were taken to a local hospital. 
 
The blast occurred at the Dand-e-Shahabuddin,&nbsp;the capital area of Baghlan province, officials at the provincial police headquarters confirmed. 
 
No group has so&nbsp;far claimed responsibility for the blast.

A roadside mine blast in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Monday killed at least eight people, including four children. According to police, "Four children, two women and two men were killed and six other civilians, including children, were wounded," as quoted by Tolo News.

A roadside mine blast in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province on Monday killed at least eight people, including four children. According to police, "Four children, two women and two men were killed and six other civilians, including children, were wounded," as quoted by Tolo News. Soon after the blast, the victims were taken to a local hospital. The blast occurred at the Dand-e-Shahabuddin, the capital area of Baghlan province, officials at the provincial police headquarters confirmed. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

Roadside mine blast in northern Afghanistan kills eight

At least nine members of Afghan security forces were killed and eight were injured in clashes with Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, media reported Sunday, citing local officials. 
 
The attack took place in the Nusai District in the northeastern province of Badakhshan early Saturday morning, according to the Afghan TOLOnews broadcaster. 
 
Officials said that fighting was still ongoing and that the militants were close to the district’s government compound. If reinforcements are not sent, they said, "the district may fall into the hands of the Taliban." 
 
The Taliban, in turn, claimed responsibility for the attack. 
 
Afghanistan has been suffering a prolonged confrontation between government forces and the militants of the radical Taliban movement, which had previously captured significant territory in rural areas of the country and launched attacks on large cities. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces regularly conduct joint counterterrorism operations across the country.

At least nine members of Afghan security forces were killed and eight were injured in clashes with Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, media reported Sunday, citing local officials.

At least nine members of Afghan security forces were killed and eight were injured in clashes with Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, media reported Sunday, citing local officials. The attack took place in the Nusai District in the northeastern province of Badakhshan early Saturday morning, according to the Afghan TOLOnews broadcaster. Officials said that fighting was still ongoing and that the militants were close to the district’s government compound. If reinforcements are not sent, they said, "the district may fall into the hands of the Taliban." The Taliban, in turn, claimed responsibility for the attack. Afghanistan has been suffering a prolonged confrontation between government forces and the militants of the radical Taliban movement, which had previously captured significant territory in rural areas of the country and launched attacks on large cities. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces regularly conduct joint counterterrorism operations across the country.

Nine Afghan security officers killed in Taliban ambush

At least eight militants from the Taliban Islamist movement were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Khawaja Yahya Alawi, a spokesman for the 205th Corps, said on Sunday. 
 
"At least eight Taliban insurgents were killed in a clash between Afghan forces and Taliban in the Spin Ghar area of the Shawalikot district of the Kandahar province last night," Alawi said. 
 
In a separate incident, a Taliban commander and 15 more militants died in a blast of their own mine that took place in the Khas Urozgan District of the central province of Urozgan, the spokesman added. 
 
The situation in Afghanistan escalated in the wake of the presidential election, which was held on September 28. The Taliban, which has been waging a war against the central government, vowed to disrupt the voting but, despite multiple attacks, failed to do so.

At least eight militants from the Taliban Islamist movement were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Khawaja Yahya Alawi, a spokesman for the 205th Corps, said on Sunday.

At least eight militants from the Taliban Islamist movement were killed in a clash with security forces in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, Khawaja Yahya Alawi, a spokesman for the 205th Corps, said on Sunday. "At least eight Taliban insurgents were killed in a clash between Afghan forces and Taliban in the Spin Ghar area of the Shawalikot district of the Kandahar province last night," Alawi said. In a separate incident, a Taliban commander and 15 more militants died in a blast of their own mine that took place in the Khas Urozgan District of the central province of Urozgan, the spokesman added. The situation in Afghanistan escalated in the wake of the presidential election, which was held on September 28. The Taliban, which has been waging a war against the central government, vowed to disrupt the voting but, despite multiple attacks, failed to do so.

At least 8 Taliban militants killed in clash with Afghan forces in Kandahar

The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said he mistrusted both the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-registers-16-ceasefire-violations-in-syria-over-last-24-hours-259540">Syrian government and Russia</a>, but said in remarks published Saturday that he would follow "a political path" for the sake of peace.

Mazlum Abdi, also known as Kobani, told Italy's La Repubblica newspaper that future negotiations required guarantees from the international community, including Europe.

"We have no confidence, but it's not possible to solve Syria's problems without using the political path. We must negotiate," he said.

Until the United States pulled out of Syria the SDF, whose members are for the most part Kurds, enjoyed the support of a Washington-led coalition in its fight against the Islamic State group.

In the current negotiations, Abdi said Russia was acting as an intermediary between his group and the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"We will not be party to an agreement that does not include the defence of our people and its political, administrative and cultural liberty," he cautioned.

He said there had also been talks with the US government which had "offered guarantees but there is a certain slowness in applying these guarantees on the ground".

He condemned the US decision to pull out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-airstrike-kills-six-civilians-in-syria-259490">Syria</a>, saying the move gave "the green light for the Turkish attack against our people" and violated agreements between his group and Washington.

The United States last month announced a pullout from Kurdish-held areas in northeast Syria, allowing Damascus, Ankara and Moscow to carve up the Kurds' now-defunct autonomous region.

Asked about Turkish President Recep Erdogan's wish to have him arrested, Abdi said "what else do you expect from a person who doesn't hide from the world his project to massacre our people".

Turkey and its Syrian proxies on October 9 launched a cross-border attack against Kurdish-held areas, grabbing a 120-kilometre-long&nbsp;swathe of Syrian land along the frontier.

The incursion killed hundreds and caused 300,000 people to flee their homes in the latest humanitarian disaster in Syria's brutal eight-year war.

Turkey and Russia then struck a deal in Sochi for more Kurdish forces to withdraw from the frontier on both sides of that Turkish-held area under the supervision of Russian and Syrian forces.

The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said he mistrusted both the Syrian government and Russia, but said in remarks published Saturday that he would follow "a political path" for the sake of peace.

The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said he mistrusted both the Syrian government and Russia, but said in remarks published Saturday that he would follow "a political path" for the sake of peace. Mazlum Abdi, also known as Kobani, told Italy's La Repubblica newspaper that future negotiations required guarantees from the international community, including Europe. "We have no confidence, but it's not possible to solve Syria's problems without using the political path. We must negotiate," he said. Until the United States pulled out of Syria the SDF, whose members are for the most part Kurds, enjoyed the support of a Washington-led coalition in its fight against the Islamic State group. In the current negotiations, Abdi said Russia was acting as an intermediary between his group and the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "We will not be party to an agreement that does not include the defence of our people and its political, administrative and cultural liberty," he cautioned. He said there had also been talks with the US government which had "offered guarantees but there is a certain slowness in applying these guarantees on the ground". He condemned the US decision to pull out of Syria, saying the move gave "the green light for the Turkish attack against our people" and violated agreements between his group and Washington. The United States last month announced a pullout from Kurdish-held areas in northeast Syria, allowing Damascus, Ankara and Moscow to carve up the Kurds' now-defunct autonomous region. Asked about Turkish President Recep Erdogan's wish to have him arrested, Abdi said "what else do you expect from a person who doesn't hide from the world his project to massacre our people". Turkey and its Syrian proxies on October 9 launched a cross-border attack against Kurdish-held areas, grabbing a 120-kilometre-long swathe of Syrian land along the frontier. The incursion killed hundreds and caused 300,000 people to flee their homes in the latest humanitarian disaster in Syria's brutal eight-year war. Turkey and Russia then struck a deal in Sochi for more Kurdish forces to withdraw from the frontier on both sides of that Turkish-held area under the supervision of Russian and Syrian forces.

Kurdish commander in talks with Russia, Syria but has 'no confidence'

Seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, the provincial governor's spokesman told Sputnik on Saturday. 
 
"Today a roadside bomb killed seven civilians, that four of them from one family," Ziyar Khan Yad said. 
 
The explosion occurred in the Sultani area of Sarhoza district, he said, adding that the bomb was planted by the Taliban militants. 
 
The situation in Afghanistan has been tense for decades amid the insurgency of the radical Taliban movement and the Islamic State terrorist group

Seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, the provincial governor's spokesman told Sputnik on Saturday.

Seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Paktika, the provincial governor's spokesman told Sputnik on Saturday. "Today a roadside bomb killed seven civilians, that four of them from one family," Ziyar Khan Yad said. The explosion occurred in the Sultani area of Sarhoza district, he said, adding that the bomb was planted by the Taliban militants. The situation in Afghanistan has been tense for decades amid the insurgency of the radical Taliban movement and the Islamic State terrorist group

Seven civilians killed in roadside blast in Afghanistan's southeast

Nine Afghan children were killed on Saturday when a mine exploded as they walked to school, police said, the latest victims in a growing toll of civilian casualties in the war.

The blast happened in the northeastern province of Takhar. Saturday is a school day in Afghanistan.

"This area is under Taliban control and since security forces launched attacks to clear it, the Taliban have planted anti-personnel mines," Khalil Asir, a spokesman for the provincial police, told Reuters.

"Unfortunately, today, one of those mines exploded and killed nine primary school students," he said.

The children, aged nine to 12, included four from what Asir described as a "Taliban family".

A spokesman for the Taliban, who are fighting to oust foreign troops and defeat the US-backed government, was not immediately available for comment.

Civilian casualties have been increasing to record levels this year, despite efforts by the United States and Taliban insurgents to reach a peace deal.

A record 4,313 civilians were injured or killed between July and September, a 42 per cent increase from the same period last year, the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said last month.

The toll included more than 1,000 deaths, the bloodiest period since the mission began collecting figures in 2009. It brought the number of civilian casualties for the first nine months of the year to more than 8,000.

Nine Afghan children were killed on Saturday when a mine exploded as they walked to school, police said, the latest victims in a growing toll of civilian casualties in the war.

Nine Afghan children were killed on Saturday when a mine exploded as they walked to school, police said, the latest victims in a growing toll of civilian casualties in the war. The blast happened in the northeastern province of Takhar. Saturday is a school day in Afghanistan. "This area is under Taliban control and since security forces launched attacks to clear it, the Taliban have planted anti-personnel mines," Khalil Asir, a spokesman for the provincial police, told Reuters. "Unfortunately, today, one of those mines exploded and killed nine primary school students," he said. The children, aged nine to 12, included four from what Asir described as a "Taliban family". A spokesman for the Taliban, who are fighting to oust foreign troops and defeat the US-backed government, was not immediately available for comment. Civilian casualties have been increasing to record levels this year, despite efforts by the United States and Taliban insurgents to reach a peace deal. A record 4,313 civilians were injured or killed between July and September, a 42 per cent increase from the same period last year, the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said last month. The toll included more than 1,000 deaths, the bloodiest period since the mission began collecting figures in 2009. It brought the number of civilian casualties for the first nine months of the year to more than 8,000.

Nine children killed in Afghanistan mine blast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-floral-tribute-to-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-at-statue-of-unity-258919">paid floral tribute</a> to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary. Addressing an event at Gujarat's Kevadia, PM Modi said that "Sardar Sahib always spoke about unity of purpose, unity of aim and unity of endeavour."

The prime minister stated that the 'Run for Unity' program is being held today across the country. "I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity," he said.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kevadia: 'Run for Unity' program is being held in different cities &amp; villages across the country today. I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/jTKIUvM0LB">pic.twitter.com/jTKIUvM0LB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1189758830097260544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking on the Ntaional Unity Day, PM Modi hailed his government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and said that the special provision was the reason behind separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh officially become separate Union Territories today.

On the occasion, the prime minister said that "I am happy that from today all the government employees of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will be getting the benefits under the 7th Pay Commission as granted to the employees of other Union Territories".

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PM: Article 370 only gave separatism &amp; terrorism to J&amp;K. It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed&amp;several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished. <a href="https://t.co/2sYvtAsCEO">pic.twitter.com/2sYvtAsCEO</a>
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Hailing the abrogation of Article 370, the prime minister said that the Article "only gave separatism and terrorism to J&amp;K".&nbsp;

"It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed and several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished".

"Those who can't win a war against us are challenging our unity. They try to break our unity and try to groom separatism. Our unity is being challenged. They forget that no one could defeat this unity," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary. Addressing an event at Gujarat's Kevadia, PM Modi said that "Sardar Sahib always spoke about unity of purpose, unity of aim and unity of endeavour." The prime minister stated that the 'Run for Unity' program is being held today across the country. "I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kevadia: 'Run for Unity' program is being held in different cities & villages across the country today. I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for 'unity in diversity’; it is our pride and our identity. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/jTKIUvM0LB — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2019 × Speaking on the Ntaional Unity Day, PM Modi hailed his government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and said that the special provision was the reason behind separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh officially become separate Union Territories today. On the occasion, the prime minister said that "I am happy that from today all the government employees of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will be getting the benefits under the 7th Pay Commission as granted to the employees of other Union Territories". PM: Article 370 only gave separatism & terrorism to J&K. It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed&several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished. pic.twitter.com/2sYvtAsCEO — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2019 × Hailing the abrogation of Article 370, the prime minister said that the Article "only gave separatism and terrorism to J&K". "It was the only place in the country where Article 370 was present, where in last 3 decades, over 40,000 people got killed and several mothers lost their sons due to terrorism. Now this wall of Article 370 has been demolished". "Those who can't win a war against us are challenging our unity. They try to break our unity and try to groom separatism. Our unity is being challenged. They forget that no one could defeat this unity," he said.

Article 370 only gave separatism and terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi 

The Islamic State jihadist group confirmed the death of its leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-releases-baghdadi-raid-video-warns-of-likely-retribution-attack-258906">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> and named his replacement as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, said a statement released Thursday.

"We mourn you... commander of the faithful," an audio statement read by Abu Hamza al-Quraishi, presented as the jihadist group's spokesman, said.

Baghdadi, who led IS since 2014 and was the world's most wanted man, was killed in a US special forces raid in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib on Sunday.

The group also confirmed the killing in another raid the following day of the group's previous spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir.

The statement said the jihadist group's legislative and consultative body convened after the 48-year-old Iraqi-born jihadist chief's death.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-islamic-state-chief-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-buried-at-sea-us-official-258568">Islamic State</a> Shura council convened immediately after confirming the martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the elders of the holy warriors agreed" on a replacement, said the seven-minute message.

The IS spokesman also issued a stark warning to the United States, whose President Donald Trump announced Baghdadi's death in a televised address from the White House.

"He died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump said on Sunday, adding that Baghdad "died like a dog".

In the new audio message, the IS spokesman described Trump as "a crazy old man" and warned the US its supporters would avenge Baghdadi's death.

"Do not rejoice America," he warned, "the new chosen one will make you forget the horror you have beholden... and make the achievements of the Baghdadi days taste sweet".

The Islamic State jihadist group confirmed the death of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and named his replacement as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, said a statement released Thursday.

The Islamic State jihadist group confirmed the death of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and named his replacement as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, said a statement released Thursday. "We mourn you... commander of the faithful," an audio statement read by Abu Hamza al-Quraishi, presented as the jihadist group's spokesman, said. Baghdadi, who led IS since 2014 and was the world's most wanted man, was killed in a US special forces raid in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib on Sunday. The group also confirmed the killing in another raid the following day of the group's previous spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir. The statement said the jihadist group's legislative and consultative body convened after the 48-year-old Iraqi-born jihadist chief's death. "The Islamic State Shura council convened immediately after confirming the martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the elders of the holy warriors agreed" on a replacement, said the seven-minute message. The IS spokesman also issued a stark warning to the United States, whose President Donald Trump announced Baghdadi's death in a televised address from the White House. "He died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump said on Sunday, adding that Baghdad "died like a dog". In the new audio message, the IS spokesman described Trump as "a crazy old man" and warned the US its supporters would avenge Baghdadi's death. "Do not rejoice America," he warned, "the new chosen one will make you forget the horror you have beholden... and make the achievements of the Baghdadi days taste sweet".

Islamic State names Al-Quraishi as Baghdadi successor, threatens United States: Report

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/european-union-lawmakers-call-terrorism-a-global-concern-after-jk-visit-extend-support-to-india-258826">delegation of 23 European lawmakers</a> visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley after the abrogation of Section 370.&nbsp;

The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Poland, France, and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.

It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370 which accorded special status to the state. Earlier, the citizens of J&amp;K had special rights about ownership of property, fundamental rights, and relating to citizenship.

Henri Malosse, a parliamentarian from Poland expressed shock at seeing news which referred to the delegation as racists, fascists, and Islamophobic. ''We were in Bangladesh earlier. We are thankful to the Indian government for this [visit]. This will help us better understand things. This is a fight against terrorists. We have heard that five innocent workers were killed. We are pleased to meet activists who spoke about the future and peace'', Malosse said. He also referred to the abrogation of Article 370 as India's "internal matter''. 
&nbsp; 
Theirry Mariani from France simply wanted a firsthand account of what's happening in Kashmir, while suggesting that terrorism is capable of destroying a country. ''I was in Afghanistan and Syria. I don’t want Kashmir to become another Afghanistan. The situation isn’t finishing in the Middle East. New places for terrorists can become Kashmir... we want development. We aren’t here to interfere with politics'', Mariani&nbsp;said.

While referring to the shooting of five&nbsp;workers in the valley, Bill Newton Dunn from the United Kingdom said that ''it’s a terrible thing''.&nbsp;

''Since 1945, we [European Union] have been living in peace together. India is a peaceful country. We want to know how we can help and support people. We had a meeting with the teachers and civil society. Someone talked about the corruption in the system. We are here for facts'', Dunn added. 
&nbsp; 
Ryszard Czarnecki from Poland perceives terrorism in Kashmir as a global issue. ''Terrorism in Kashmir is not the problem of India alone; I see it as our problem, the international community. We support India for finding the best solution to the problem. We are here to understand your problem. In our opinion, this is important for our national relations. We can inform our parliament about this'', he added.

Malosse added that the fact that India has a free press is a good sign, all the while being ''very impressed by the beauty and the engagement with the people [whom they] met''.

Watch: 23 EU lawmakers visit Kashmir in personal capacity

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/23-eu-lawmakers-visits-kashmir-in-private-capacity-258714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Along the same lines, Mariani from France called the visit an ''excellent experience'', which helped them understand the ground situation better. &nbsp;''We believe in transparency. I felt bad [when people called] us Nazi lovers. We came from our respective countries... [and] can never be citizens of Kashmir.'' Mariana further added that terrorism is a common problem for the world.

The media reportage of events in Jammu and Kashmir has been a hot topic ever since Article 370 was scrapped. Dunn called it a ''world problem''. ''It is a long-term problem also caused by social media. Journalists have a big responsibility. Our media is not so good at facts'', Dunn added.

When asked about the state of minorities in Pakistan, Mariani told WION that he's worried about the treatment accorded to Christians in the neighbouring country. ''Freedom of religion is important [so that] everyone can practice [their] religion'', he said.

Travel advisories across Europe had recently warned people against visiting Jammu &amp; Kashmir. While talking about this, Mariani said to WION, ''We can say to the people that this is a good place. They have good art and handicraft. The fight against terrorists is a condition for the population.''

Czarnecki extended support to India's fight against terrorism and said, ''We should help to find a solution to these fights. We should make efforts and support India''.&nbsp;

''We believe in peace and talking'', said Bill Newton Dunn. While advocating peace, he referred to the problem in Northern Island where Christians were fighting with each other. ''Now it is peaceful [there]. My advice will be to find peace'', he said.

Dunn further asserted that he would inform the parliament of what they have seen and learned from this visit. ''I think this mission could be useful. I think I will go back to the liberal group and explain what I have learned and that way we will inform the parliament'', he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A delegation of 23 European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley after the abrogation of Section 370. The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Poland, France, and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.

A delegation of 23 European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley after the abrogation of Section 370. The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Poland, France, and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation. It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370 which accorded special status to the state. Earlier, the citizens of J&K had special rights about ownership of property, fundamental rights, and relating to citizenship. Henri Malosse, a parliamentarian from Poland expressed shock at seeing news which referred to the delegation as racists, fascists, and Islamophobic. ''We were in Bangladesh earlier. We are thankful to the Indian government for this [visit]. This will help us better understand things. This is a fight against terrorists. We have heard that five innocent workers were killed. We are pleased to meet activists who spoke about the future and peace'', Malosse said. He also referred to the abrogation of Article 370 as India's "internal matter''. Theirry Mariani from France simply wanted a firsthand account of what's happening in Kashmir, while suggesting that terrorism is capable of destroying a country. ''I was in Afghanistan and Syria. I don’t want Kashmir to become another Afghanistan. The situation isn’t finishing in the Middle East. New places for terrorists can become Kashmir... we want development. We aren’t here to interfere with politics'', Mariani said. While referring to the shooting of five workers in the valley, Bill Newton Dunn from the United Kingdom said that ''it’s a terrible thing''. ''Since 1945, we [European Union] have been living in peace together. India is a peaceful country. We want to know how we can help and support people. We had a meeting with the teachers and civil society. Someone talked about the corruption in the system. We are here for facts'', Dunn added. Ryszard Czarnecki from Poland perceives terrorism in Kashmir as a global issue. ''Terrorism in Kashmir is not the problem of India alone; I see it as our problem, the international community. We support India for finding the best solution to the problem. We are here to understand your problem. In our opinion, this is important for our national relations. We can inform our parliament about this'', he added. Malosse added that the fact that India has a free press is a good sign, all the while being ''very impressed by the beauty and the engagement with the people [whom they] met''. Watch: 23 EU lawmakers visit Kashmir in personal capacity Along the same lines, Mariani from France called the visit an ''excellent experience'', which helped them understand the ground situation better. ''We believe in transparency. I felt bad [when people called] us Nazi lovers. We came from our respective countries... [and] can never be citizens of Kashmir.'' Mariana further added that terrorism is a common problem for the world. The media reportage of events in Jammu and Kashmir has been a hot topic ever since Article 370 was scrapped. Dunn called it a ''world problem''. ''It is a long-term problem also caused by social media. Journalists have a big responsibility. Our media is not so good at facts'', Dunn added. When asked about the state of minorities in Pakistan, Mariani told WION that he's worried about the treatment accorded to Christians in the neighbouring country. ''Freedom of religion is important [so that] everyone can practice [their] religion'', he said. Travel advisories across Europe had recently warned people against visiting Jammu & Kashmir. While talking about this, Mariani said to WION, ''We can say to the people that this is a good place. They have good art and handicraft. The fight against terrorists is a condition for the population.'' Czarnecki extended support to India's fight against terrorism and said, ''We should help to find a solution to these fights. We should make efforts and support India''. ''We believe in peace and talking'', said Bill Newton Dunn. While advocating peace, he referred to the problem in Northern Island where Christians were fighting with each other. ''Now it is peaceful [there]. My advice will be to find peace'', he said. Dunn further asserted that he would inform the parliament of what they have seen and learned from this visit. ''I think this mission could be useful. I think I will go back to the liberal group and explain what I have learned and that way we will inform the parliament'', he said.

Article 370 India's internal matter, we support them in fighting terrorism in Kashmir: EU MPs post-valley visit

A delegation of European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley.

The lawmakers extended their support to India saying that terrorism is a global concern.

The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising of parliamentarians from UK, Poland, France and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.

It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370.

Both India and the EU have clarified that the delegation is not on an official visit to India. The lawmakers are in India in their capacity.

The army and security forces also briefed the EU delegation about Pakistan's role in fuelling terror in Kashmir.

The delegation also regretted the killing of six people by terrorists in south Kashmir. They said “terrorism is a severe problem in Kashmir” and named Pakistan as its source.

The Indian Prime Minister had met with the 23 members in New Delhi on Monday.

During the meet, PM Modi urged for action against the countries using terrorism as a state policy.

This is the first foreign delegation of 23 lawmakers from the European Union to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the opposition is keeping up its criticism of the centre's decision to facilitate this visit.

Many alleged that no prominent civil society group, trade body or mainstream Kashmiri political party could meet the EU lawmakers.

It has been 86 days since the Indian government scrapped article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the weeks that followed, the government worked towards restoring connectivity and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

A delegation of European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley. The lawmakers extended their support to India saying that terrorism is a global concern.

A delegation of European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley. The lawmakers extended their support to India saying that terrorism is a global concern. The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising of parliamentarians from UK, Poland, France and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation. It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370. Both India and the EU have clarified that the delegation is not on an official visit to India. The lawmakers are in India in their capacity. The army and security forces also briefed the EU delegation about Pakistan's role in fuelling terror in Kashmir. The delegation also regretted the killing of six people by terrorists in south Kashmir. They said “terrorism is a severe problem in Kashmir” and named Pakistan as its source. The Indian Prime Minister had met with the 23 members in New Delhi on Monday. During the meet, PM Modi urged for action against the countries using terrorism as a state policy. This is the first foreign delegation of 23 lawmakers from the European Union to visit Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the opposition is keeping up its criticism of the centre's decision to facilitate this visit. Many alleged that no prominent civil society group, trade body or mainstream Kashmiri political party could meet the EU lawmakers. It has been 86 days since the Indian government scrapped article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. In the weeks that followed, the government worked towards restoring connectivity and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

European Union Lawmakers call terrorism a global concern after J&K visit, extend support to India

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. 
 
The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district. The motorbike was parked in front of a hotel, Xinhua quoted provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai as saying. 
 
An investigation into the incident has been initiated. 
 
Further details are awaited.

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district.

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district. The motorbike was parked in front of a hotel, Xinhua quoted provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai as saying. An investigation into the incident has been initiated. Further details are awaited.

Seven injured as bomb-laden motorbike explodes in Afghanistan

Trump Tells The World That He Wants Syrian Oil For The U.S. The death of terrorist al-Baghdadi is a big blow for the ISIS. But the U.S. engagement in the region is not only about eliminating terrorism but also to secure its own interests.

Gravitas: U.S. Spills The Beans: Trump Wants To 'seize' Syrian Oil

Comparing The Response Of Former U.S. President Obama & The Current President Trump After The Killings Of Terrorists Osama Bin Laden & al-Baghdadi

Gravitas: 1 Country, 2 Presidents, 2 Terrorists, How They Reacted?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at the Congress saying that the party had not taken any action against terrorists during their regime and asserted that Prime Minister ordered a surgical strike against terrorists after the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

"During Congress time, Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh) was our prime minister. That time terrorists used to enter the country and kill our soldiers. After Pulwama attack, Narendra Modi took action in 10 days by doing strike on terrorists based in Pakistan. He ensured that the country is safe," he said at an event here.

On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama, which killed over 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Highlighting several `positive` changes in the country, Shah that the BJP-led government abolished Article 370 which opened the doors of development for Jammu and Kashmir.

"We made positive changes in many parts of country. We abolished article 370 and 35 A and made Kashmir part of India. Doors for development in Kashmir has now opened," he said.&nbsp;

"Congress MPs in Parliament said blood rivers will flow in Kashmir as this Article (370) was abolished but nothing happened. Without firing any bullet there is peace in Kashmir. No bullet has been fired till now," the Home Minister added.&nbsp;

In August this year, the Central government revoked Article 370 which gave special provisions to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two union territories.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at the Congress saying that the party had not taken any action against terrorists during their regime and asserted that Prime Minister ordered a surgical strike against terrorists after the Pulwama attack.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hit out at the Congress saying that the party had not taken any action against terrorists during their regime and asserted that Prime Minister ordered a surgical strike against terrorists after the Pulwama attack. "During Congress time, Mauni Baba (Manmohan Singh) was our prime minister. That time terrorists used to enter the country and kill our soldiers. After Pulwama attack, Narendra Modi took action in 10 days by doing strike on terrorists based in Pakistan. He ensured that the country is safe," he said at an event here. On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama, which killed over 40 CRPF personnel. Highlighting several `positive` changes in the country, Shah that the BJP-led government abolished Article 370 which opened the doors of development for Jammu and Kashmir. "We made positive changes in many parts of country. We abolished article 370 and 35 A and made Kashmir part of India. Doors for development in Kashmir has now opened," he said. "Congress MPs in Parliament said blood rivers will flow in Kashmir as this Article (370) was abolished but nothing happened. Without firing any bullet there is peace in Kashmir. No bullet has been fired till now," the Home Minister added. In August this year, the Central government revoked Article 370 which gave special provisions to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two union territories.

Amit Shah attacks Congress over inaction against terrorism, says PM Modi ensured India is safe

Imran Khan's Government Failed To Show Minimum Humanity To Former PM Nawaz Sharif Who Is In 'Critical' Condition

Gravitas: Pakistan Politics Stoops To A New Low

Turkey on Friday warned Washington that any meeting with the leader of a US-backed Syrian Kurdish-led force risked "legitimising terrorists".

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had talked with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-lifts-turkey-sanctions-quits-blood-stained-syria-257796">Mazlum Abdi</a>, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which fought against extremists in Syria, and that he had "really enjoyed" the conversation.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Trump thanked Mazlum and said: "I look forward to seeing you soon", raising fears in Turkey of a possible face-to-face meeting between the two men in the United States..

"If you start legitimising terrorists like this, tomorrow you will end up meeting with Baghdadi as well," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in televised remarks.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the head of the Islamic State extremist group.

"It is not acceptable for our allies to meet with a terrorist wanted under a red notice," Cavusoglu told reporters in Baku.

"We have informed the US of all of this in a written note," the minister added.

Turkey says there is an Interpol red notice for Abdi, which Turkish NTV broadcaster reported had been issued in 2011.

A group of American senators including Lindsey Graham earlier this week urged the US State Department to expedite a visa for Abdi to enable a visit where he can speak to officials and lawmakers on the situation on the ground in Syria.

Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul earlier on Friday said if Abdi entered the US, "because there is a red bulletin, because there is an arrest warrant..., this person should be caught, arrested and extradited to Turkey."

Gul told reporters in the Turkish border town of Akcakale that Turkish diplomats had contacted their US counterparts to remind them that Abdi was a wanted individual.

Relations between Turkey and the US are particularly tense after Ankara launched a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, whose fighters make up the bulk of the SDF.

But there have also been strains over Washington's failure to extradite Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, accused by Ankara of ordering the 2016 failed coup. which Gulen has denied.

Turkey on Friday warned Washington that any meeting with the leader of a US-backed Syrian Kurdish-led force risked "legitimising terrorists". US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had talked with Mazlum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which fought against extremists in Syria, and that he had "really enjoyed" the conversation.

Turkey on Friday warned Washington that any meeting with the leader of a US-backed Syrian Kurdish-led force risked "legitimising terrorists". US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had talked with Mazlum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which fought against extremists in Syria, and that he had "really enjoyed" the conversation. In a tweet on Wednesday, Trump thanked Mazlum and said: "I look forward to seeing you soon", raising fears in Turkey of a possible face-to-face meeting between the two men in the United States.. "If you start legitimising terrorists like this, tomorrow you will end up meeting with Baghdadi as well," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in televised remarks. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the head of the Islamic State extremist group. "It is not acceptable for our allies to meet with a terrorist wanted under a red notice," Cavusoglu told reporters in Baku. "We have informed the US of all of this in a written note," the minister added. Turkey says there is an Interpol red notice for Abdi, which Turkish NTV broadcaster reported had been issued in 2011. A group of American senators including Lindsey Graham earlier this week urged the US State Department to expedite a visa for Abdi to enable a visit where he can speak to officials and lawmakers on the situation on the ground in Syria. Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul earlier on Friday said if Abdi entered the US, "because there is a red bulletin, because there is an arrest warrant..., this person should be caught, arrested and extradited to Turkey." Gul told reporters in the Turkish border town of Akcakale that Turkish diplomats had contacted their US counterparts to remind them that Abdi was a wanted individual. Relations between Turkey and the US are particularly tense after Ankara launched a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, whose fighters make up the bulk of the SDF. But there have also been strains over Washington's failure to extradite Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, accused by Ankara of ordering the 2016 failed coup. which Gulen has denied.

Turkey warns US meeting with SDF chief would 'legitimise terrorists'

India's Security Forces Have Wiped Out An Al-Qaeda Affiliate From Jammu & Kashmir In a major victory, India's security forces have wiped out an Al-Qaeda affiliate from Jammu & Kashmir.

Gravitas: Big Victory For India: Al-qaeda Affiliate 'wiped Out' From J&K

A day after terrorist Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-awantipora-257585">Awantipora encounter</a> on Tuesday, Jammu Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out.

"As of now, Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out," he said while addressing a press conference here while not ruling out that the group could reemerge in future.

Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was one of the three terrorists neutralised in an encounter with security forces in Awantipora on Tuesday.

Lelhari was heading Al-Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. All three neutralised terrorists were working in coordination with Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The DGP said that the operation against militants has gained pace while adding, "In Tral, 3 local militants associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind were killed yesterday.

You would recall that when Zakir Musa was killed, the command of this group was handed over to Hameed Lelhari."

Singh said Lelhari became active in 2016 and was involved in several terror attacks.

DGP said that contrary to the apprehensions expressed by some that After August 5, more youths will join terrorist ranks..the pace of recruitment to terrorist ranks has been comparatively slower during this time.

Acknowledging that some youths have gone missing from homes, he said it cannot be confirmed if all of them have joined terrorist ranks.

The DGP also denied rumours of telecommunication restriction returning to the Valley.

"Through launching pads near Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan army &amp; ISI are involved in pushing in the maximum number of militants towards Indian side," he said.

Asked about the alleged detention of children, the DGP said, "There is a lot of misinformation and propaganda by some of the agencies especially some very irresponsible media circles when they start quoting figures without verification and getting in touch with us. I am very sure that whatever action has been taken, the action has got good solid bases."

"No one has been tortured. No youngster, teenager or juvenile has been arrested by us. Wherever juveniles were arrested, provisions of Juvenile Justice Act was followed very strictly," he said.

"We will be successful in our efforts to curb terrorism only when the local youth of Kashmir do not take the path of militancy and choose the path of peace," he added.

A day after terrorist Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was killed in Awantipora encounter on Tuesday, Jammu Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out.

A day after terrorist Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was killed in Awantipora encounter on Tuesday, Jammu Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out. "As of now, Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out," he said while addressing a press conference here while not ruling out that the group could reemerge in future. Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was one of the three terrorists neutralised in an encounter with security forces in Awantipora on Tuesday. Lelhari was heading Al-Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. All three neutralised terrorists were working in coordination with Jaish-e-Mohammad. The DGP said that the operation against militants has gained pace while adding, "In Tral, 3 local militants associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind were killed yesterday. You would recall that when Zakir Musa was killed, the command of this group was handed over to Hameed Lelhari." Singh said Lelhari became active in 2016 and was involved in several terror attacks. DGP said that contrary to the apprehensions expressed by some that After August 5, more youths will join terrorist ranks..the pace of recruitment to terrorist ranks has been comparatively slower during this time. Acknowledging that some youths have gone missing from homes, he said it cannot be confirmed if all of them have joined terrorist ranks. The DGP also denied rumours of telecommunication restriction returning to the Valley. "Through launching pads near Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan army & ISI are involved in pushing in the maximum number of militants towards Indian side," he said. Asked about the alleged detention of children, the DGP said, "There is a lot of misinformation and propaganda by some of the agencies especially some very irresponsible media circles when they start quoting figures without verification and getting in touch with us. I am very sure that whatever action has been taken, the action has got good solid bases." "No one has been tortured. No youngster, teenager or juvenile has been arrested by us. Wherever juveniles were arrested, provisions of Juvenile Justice Act was followed very strictly," he said. "We will be successful in our efforts to curb terrorism only when the local youth of Kashmir do not take the path of militancy and choose the path of peace," he added.

Terrorist group AGH has been wiped out, says Jammu Kashmir DGP

United States President Donald Trump is in favour of keeping a small contingent of US troops in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kurdish-fighters-leave-besieged-syria-town-257126">eastern Syria</a> to fight the Islamic State terror group,&nbsp;US media reported, citing a senior US official. 
 
According to The New York Times newspaper, if this time Trump decides to leave several hundred military personnel in eastern Syria, this would be the second case since the beginning of the year when he cancels his own order to withdraw practically all US troops from Syria. 
 
The media outlet's source said that since last week the US president has been thinking about leaving about 200 commandos in northeastern Syria to fight terrorism. It added that US troops were likely to be located along the border with Iraq, outside the safe zone, agreed by US Vice President Mike Pence and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 
 
According to the newspaper, in addition to the main goal, to prevent the rise of the Islamic State in Syria or neighbouring Iraq, it is important for the United States to assist the Kurds in maintaining control of oil fields in the east. 
 
Three representatives of the presidential administration and the Department of Defense confirmed that senior US politicians and commanders discussed such a plan. Trump, according to The New York Times, is now hesitating between two decisions, either to achieve the ultimate goal and return the US military from Syria home and end the war or to make sure that the containment and weakening of the IS continues. According to some officials, Trump may say that the deployment of the small contingent is a reasonable way to ensure security in the region and in the United States, without breaking his promise. 
 
Commenting on the possibility of leaving a small number of military personnel in eastern Syria, the White House said that this was not a change of policy, because the main purpose of the withdrawal was to protect the people. 
 
Trump said on October 7 that the US began to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-officials-optimistic-about-syria-ceasefire-holding-257122">withdraw its troops from northeastern Syria</a>. The head of the Pentagon, Mark Esper, said on October 13 that Washington would withdraw another 1,000 troops from Syria. 
 
On October 9, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the launch of Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria. The offensive is part of Ankara's goal to clear its Syria-facing border area of terrorists and Kurdish militia, which for Ankara are interchangeable, and create a safe zone where Turkey could relocate part of some 3.6 million Syrian refugees it currently hosts. Operation Peace Spring is currently on hold for 120 hours as per the agreement between Ankara and Washington.

United States President Donald Trump is in favour of keeping a small contingent of US troops in eastern Syria to fight the Islamic State terror group, US media reported, citing a senior US official.

United States President Donald Trump is in favour of keeping a small contingent of US troops in eastern Syria to fight the Islamic State terror group, US media reported, citing a senior US official. According to The New York Times newspaper, if this time Trump decides to leave several hundred military personnel in eastern Syria, this would be the second case since the beginning of the year when he cancels his own order to withdraw practically all US troops from Syria. The media outlet's source said that since last week the US president has been thinking about leaving about 200 commandos in northeastern Syria to fight terrorism. It added that US troops were likely to be located along the border with Iraq, outside the safe zone, agreed by US Vice President Mike Pence and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the newspaper, in addition to the main goal, to prevent the rise of the Islamic State in Syria or neighbouring Iraq, it is important for the United States to assist the Kurds in maintaining control of oil fields in the east. Three representatives of the presidential administration and the Department of Defense confirmed that senior US politicians and commanders discussed such a plan. Trump, according to The New York Times, is now hesitating between two decisions, either to achieve the ultimate goal and return the US military from Syria home and end the war or to make sure that the containment and weakening of the IS continues. According to some officials, Trump may say that the deployment of the small contingent is a reasonable way to ensure security in the region and in the United States, without breaking his promise. Commenting on the possibility of leaving a small number of military personnel in eastern Syria, the White House said that this was not a change of policy, because the main purpose of the withdrawal was to protect the people. Trump said on October 7 that the US began to withdraw its troops from northeastern Syria. The head of the Pentagon, Mark Esper, said on October 13 that Washington would withdraw another 1,000 troops from Syria. On October 9, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the launch of Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria. The offensive is part of Ankara's goal to clear its Syria-facing border area of terrorists and Kurdish militia, which for Ankara are interchangeable, and create a safe zone where Turkey could relocate part of some 3.6 million Syrian refugees it currently hosts. Operation Peace Spring is currently on hold for 120 hours as per the agreement between Ankara and Washington.

Trump leaning toward leaving 200 United States Special Forces in Eastern Syria: Reports

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace.

"India and Philippines strongly condemn terrorism and commit to continue their cooperation in fighting this global menace! Defence and Maritime security emerge as a new focus area!" External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India and Philippines have been victims of terrorism and both the countries were committed to working together closely to defeat it in all forms and manifestations.

"Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We are committed to working closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," President Kovind said during his ongoing five-day visit to the Philippines.

The President also emphasised that the "two vibrant democracies" believe in "rules-based international order." "As two vibrant democracies that believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations, the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives," President Kovind said.

The President recalled that the bilateral relationship between the two countries has `intensified` after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.

"Our relations have grown from strength to strength. We have strong cooperation in political, defence and security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as well as in agriculture, science and technology and health fields," he said.

Asserting that there is potential to further deepen the Philippines-India economic ties, the President said he is looking forward to addressing the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit tomorrow.&nbsp;

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace.

India and the Philippines on Friday `strongly condemned` terrorism in all manifestations and expressed commitment to continue their cooperation in fighting the global menace. "India and Philippines strongly condemn terrorism and commit to continue their cooperation in fighting this global menace! Defence and Maritime security emerge as a new focus area!" External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind has said that India and Philippines have been victims of terrorism and both the countries were committed to working together closely to defeat it in all forms and manifestations. "Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We are committed to working closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," President Kovind said during his ongoing five-day visit to the Philippines. The President also emphasised that the "two vibrant democracies" believe in "rules-based international order." "As two vibrant democracies that believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations, the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives," President Kovind said. The President recalled that the bilateral relationship between the two countries has `intensified` after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. "Our relations have grown from strength to strength. We have strong cooperation in political, defence and security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment as well as in agriculture, science and technology and health fields," he said. Asserting that there is potential to further deepen the Philippines-India economic ties, the President said he is looking forward to addressing the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit tomorrow.

India, Philippines to bolster cooperation for fighting terrorism

At least four Nigerian soldiers and a militia fighter were killed in clashes with IS-aligned jihadists in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, security sources told AFP Sunday.

Fighting erupted late Saturday when troops ambushed a convoy of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Jakana village, 42 kilometres (26 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri.

"We lost four soldiers and a member of the vigilante group in the fighting," a military officer said in reference to an anti-jihadist militia in the region.

"The terrorists came in large numbers and our troops fought gallantly but they were overwhelmed," added the officer who asked not to be identified for fear of sanction.

Several troops were also injured and four trucks were lost to the militants, he said.

The jihadists were riding in pick-up trucks fitted with machine guns according to an anti-jihadist militiaman who confirmed the death toll.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Nigerian military said seven jihadists were killed and eight injured when their vehicle hit a landmine during a clash near Jakana on Friday.

The improvised explosive device had been planted by the jihadists, army spokesman Colonel Aminu Iliyasu was quoted as saying. He called the blast a "tactical boomerang".

Jakana lies on a 120-kilometre highway that links Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state.

Jihadists have raided military bases and attacked troops and motorists along the highway in the past.

In July, six soldiers died during a gunfight outside Jakana.

The decade-long conflict which spilt into Nigerian neighbours, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has killed at least 35,000 people and forced some two million to flee their homes in Nigeria alone.

At least four Nigerian soldiers and a militia fighter were killed in clashes with IS-aligned jihadists in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, security sources told AFP Sunday.

At least four Nigerian soldiers and a militia fighter were killed in clashes with IS-aligned jihadists in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, security sources told AFP Sunday. Fighting erupted late Saturday when troops ambushed a convoy of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Jakana village, 42 kilometres (26 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri. "We lost four soldiers and a member of the vigilante group in the fighting," a military officer said in reference to an anti-jihadist militia in the region. "The terrorists came in large numbers and our troops fought gallantly but they were overwhelmed," added the officer who asked not to be identified for fear of sanction. Several troops were also injured and four trucks were lost to the militants, he said. The jihadists were riding in pick-up trucks fitted with machine guns according to an anti-jihadist militiaman who confirmed the death toll. In a statement issued Sunday, the Nigerian military said seven jihadists were killed and eight injured when their vehicle hit a landmine during a clash near Jakana on Friday. The improvised explosive device had been planted by the jihadists, army spokesman Colonel Aminu Iliyasu was quoted as saying. He called the blast a "tactical boomerang". Jakana lies on a 120-kilometre highway that links Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state. Jihadists have raided military bases and attacked troops and motorists along the highway in the past. In July, six soldiers died during a gunfight outside Jakana. The decade-long conflict which spilt into Nigerian neighbours, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has killed at least 35,000 people and forced some two million to flee their homes in Nigeria alone.

Nigerian troops killed in clashes with jihadists

United States forces withdrew from a key base in northern Syria Sunday, a monitor said, two days before the end of a US-brokered truce to stem a Turkish attack on Kurdish forces in the region.

An AFP correspondent saw more than 70 US armoured vehicles escorted by helicopters drive past the town of Tal Tamr carrying military equipment.

Some flew the American stars-and-stripes flag as they made their way eastwards along a highway crossing the town, he said.

The Syrian Observatory for the Human Rights said the convoy was evacuating the military base of Sarrin.

It appeared to be heading to the town of Hassakeh, further east, said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on sources inside war-torn Syria for its information.

Sarrin "is the largest American military base in the north of the country," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

It is situated on the edges of a planned "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border that Turkey wants to keep Kurdish forces away from its frontier, he explained.

Sunday's pullout was the fourth such withdrawal of American forces in a week and left Syria's northern provinces of Aleppo and Raqa devoid of US troops, Abdel Rahman said.

The Kurds have been a key ally to Washington in the US-backed fight against Islamic State group jihadists in Syria, but Ankara views them as "terrorists" linked to Kurdish militants on its own soil.

A week ago, the Pentagon said US President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria as Turkish troops advanced into Syrian territory.

Turkey launched a cross-border incursion into Syria on October 9, after Trump said he would pull back US special forces in the Kurdish-held north.

After the violence killed scores from both sides and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes, a US-brokered ceasefire was announced late Thursday.

Turkey has given the Syrian Democratic Forces, the de facto army of the Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria, until Tuesday evening to withdraw from a 30-kilometre strip of Syrian land along its southern border.

Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce.

United States forces withdrew from a key base in northern Syria Sunday, a monitor said, two days before the end of a US-brokered truce to stem a Turkish attack on Kurdish forces in the region.

United States forces withdrew from a key base in northern Syria Sunday, a monitor said, two days before the end of a US-brokered truce to stem a Turkish attack on Kurdish forces in the region. An AFP correspondent saw more than 70 US armoured vehicles escorted by helicopters drive past the town of Tal Tamr carrying military equipment. Some flew the American stars-and-stripes flag as they made their way eastwards along a highway crossing the town, he said. The Syrian Observatory for the Human Rights said the convoy was evacuating the military base of Sarrin. It appeared to be heading to the town of Hassakeh, further east, said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on sources inside war-torn Syria for its information. Sarrin "is the largest American military base in the north of the country," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. It is situated on the edges of a planned "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border that Turkey wants to keep Kurdish forces away from its frontier, he explained. Sunday's pullout was the fourth such withdrawal of American forces in a week and left Syria's northern provinces of Aleppo and Raqa devoid of US troops, Abdel Rahman said. The Kurds have been a key ally to Washington in the US-backed fight against Islamic State group jihadists in Syria, but Ankara views them as "terrorists" linked to Kurdish militants on its own soil. A week ago, the Pentagon said US President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria as Turkish troops advanced into Syrian territory. Turkey launched a cross-border incursion into Syria on October 9, after Trump said he would pull back US special forces in the Kurdish-held north. After the violence killed scores from both sides and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes, a US-brokered ceasefire was announced late Thursday. Turkey has given the Syrian Democratic Forces, the de facto army of the Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria, until Tuesday evening to withdraw from a 30-kilometre strip of Syrian land along its southern border. Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce.

United States forces withdraw from key base in northern Syria

Death toll in Friday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-17-killed-in-afghanistan-mosque-blast-officials-256710">mosque bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar</a> province has risen to 72. 
 
Local authorities confirmed that it was a suicide bomber that detonated explosives inside the mosque, Tolo News reported. 
 
The residents of the Jaw Dara village are still pulling people out of the debris of the mosque that was rocked by the blast around 1:30 pm (local time) on Friday. 
 
"Four people are missing and we are searching to find their bodies. In total we have lost 72 people in the blast and around 30 others were wounded, and yet it is not clear if it was a blast due to explosives," said Waqifullah, a resident of the district. 
 
"There were two attackers, one entered the mosque and detonated his explosives and the second attacker fled the area," said Amir Hamza, an army commander in the district. 
 
Taliban has denied any involvement in the attack and no other group has claimed the responsibility. 
 
Sediq Sediqqi, President Ghani's spokesperson, in a tweet strongly condemned the blasts in the mosque. 
 
This comes two days after the Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman.

Death toll in Friday's mosque bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province has risen to 72. Local authorities confirmed that it was a suicide bomber that detonated explosives inside the mosque, Tolo News reported.

Death toll in Friday's mosque bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province has risen to 72. Local authorities confirmed that it was a suicide bomber that detonated explosives inside the mosque, Tolo News reported. The residents of the Jaw Dara village are still pulling people out of the debris of the mosque that was rocked by the blast around 1:30 pm (local time) on Friday. "Four people are missing and we are searching to find their bodies. In total we have lost 72 people in the blast and around 30 others were wounded, and yet it is not clear if it was a blast due to explosives," said Waqifullah, a resident of the district. "There were two attackers, one entered the mosque and detonated his explosives and the second attacker fled the area," said Amir Hamza, an army commander in the district. Taliban has denied any involvement in the attack and no other group has claimed the responsibility. Sediq Sediqqi, President Ghani's spokesperson, in a tweet strongly condemned the blasts in the mosque. This comes two days after the Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman.

Afghanistan: Mosque bomb blast death toll rises to 72

Turkey is sabotaging a United States-brokered ceasefire deal by preventing Kurdish forces from evacuating a flashpoint border town in northeastern Syria, the top Kurdish commander told AFP Saturday.

"The Turks are preventing the withdrawal from the Ras al-Ain area, preventing the exit of our forces, the wounded and civilians," Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said in a phone interview.

Kurdish forces have resumed military operations against the Islamic State group in Syria, their commander told AFP on Saturday, three days after a Turkish invasion prompted them to announce their suspension.

"We have restarted military action against IS cells in Deir Ezzor. Our forces are working there with the coalition forces," Mazloum Abdi said in a phone interview.

Recently,&nbsp;President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-plans-presence-across-northeast-syria-says-erdogan-256798">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>&nbsp;on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal.

If the pullout does not happen by Tuesday evening, "we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists' heads," Erdogan said in a televised speech in central Anatolian city of Kayseri.

Turkey has agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from the proposed safe zone away from the border, after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara.

Additionally, Turkish and Kurdish leaders accused each other of violating a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorists-carried-out-14-attacks-in-last-36-hours-turkey-accuses-syrian-kurd-forces-of-violating-ceasefire-256875">&nbsp;United States-brokered truce in northeastern Syria</a>&nbsp;even as it appeared to be taking hold on its second day Saturday.

The deal announced late Thursday is intended to halt a Turkish-led offensive against Kurdish forces launched on October 9, on condition they pull out of a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border.

Turkey is sabotaging a United States-brokered ceasefire deal by preventing Kurdish forces from evacuating a flashpoint border town in northeastern Syria, the top Kurdish commander told AFP Saturday.

Turkey is sabotaging a United States-brokered ceasefire deal by preventing Kurdish forces from evacuating a flashpoint border town in northeastern Syria, the top Kurdish commander told AFP Saturday. "The Turks are preventing the withdrawal from the Ras al-Ain area, preventing the exit of our forces, the wounded and civilians," Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said in a phone interview. Kurdish forces have resumed military operations against the Islamic State group in Syria, their commander told AFP on Saturday, three days after a Turkish invasion prompted them to announce their suspension. "We have restarted military action against IS cells in Deir Ezzor. Our forces are working there with the coalition forces," Mazloum Abdi said in a phone interview. Recently, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal. If the pullout does not happen by Tuesday evening, "we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists' heads," Erdogan said in a televised speech in central Anatolian city of Kayseri. Turkey has agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from the proposed safe zone away from the border, after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara. Additionally, Turkish and Kurdish leaders accused each other of violating a United States-brokered truce in northeastern Syria even as it appeared to be taking hold on its second day Saturday. The deal announced late Thursday is intended to halt a Turkish-led offensive against Kurdish forces launched on October 9, on condition they pull out of a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border.

Turkey is blocking border evacuation; Kurdish forces have begun anti-Islamic State action: Commander

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-plans-presence-across-northeast-syria-says-erdogan-256798">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal.

If the pullout does not happen by Tuesday evening, "we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists' heads," Erdogan said in a televised speech in central Anatolian city of Kayseri.

Turkey has agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from the proposed safe zone away from the border, after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-erdogan-told-him-he-wants-ceasefire-to-work-256782">Erdogan also provided some details from his talks with the Americans</a>, adding that Ankara agreed to the 120 hour time deadline after its initial demand of "one night" for the withdrawal.

"If the promises given to our country are not kept, as we did in the past we will not wait and restart the operation as soon as the time we have given ends," he said.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader said he also informed US President Donald Trump of Ankara's position during a phone call late Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-to-restart-syria-operation-tuesday-if-deal-not-respected-256748">Erdogan is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in the Black Sea resort of Sochi next Tuesday, which overlaps with the end of the 120-hour deadline.

Ankara considers Syrian Kurdish YPG militants to be an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that has fought a bloody insurgency inside Turkey for 35 years.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned that Turkey would "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not withdraw from a proposed safe zone along the border under a US-brokered deal. If the pullout does not happen by Tuesday evening, "we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists' heads," Erdogan said in a televised speech in central Anatolian city of Kayseri. Turkey has agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from the proposed safe zone away from the border, after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara. Erdogan also provided some details from his talks with the Americans, adding that Ankara agreed to the 120 hour time deadline after its initial demand of "one night" for the withdrawal. "If the promises given to our country are not kept, as we did in the past we will not wait and restart the operation as soon as the time we have given ends," he said. The Turkish leader said he also informed US President Donald Trump of Ankara's position during a phone call late Friday. Erdogan is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi next Tuesday, which overlaps with the end of the 120-hour deadline. Ankara considers Syrian Kurdish YPG militants to be an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that has fought a bloody insurgency inside Turkey for 35 years.

Erdogan vows to 'crush the heads' of Kurdish forces if no pullout

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