AFP, JALALABAD, Afghanistan: Self-proclaimed fighters from the Islamic State group have for the first time launched coordinated attacks on police checkpoints in an eastern Afghan province, officials said Sunday. The raids on eight to 10 police posts began early Sunday, Haji Ghalib, governor of Achin…

AFP, RIYADH: A Saudi general has been killed in the south of the country near the border with Yemen, where he had been “defending the country”, the army announced Sunday. Brigadier General Ibrahim Hamzi, deputy commander of the 8th brigade in Jazan, died from his injuries after being taken…

AFP, BARCELONA: Catalans voted Sunday in an election dubbed crucial for the future of Spain, with polls pointing to a win by separatists who vow to declare…

AFP, MECCA: Hamza Musa Kabir from Kano in northern Nigeria survived the massive stampede at the hajj by shedding his pilgrim’s garment after he was pinned under a man in the crush, which killed 769 people. Reflecting on the shocking events that unfolded on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, the 55-year-old…

AFP, JERUSALEM: Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Sunday, with further trouble feared in the week ahead as Jews celebrate the Sukkot holiday. After brief clashes on Sunday, the last day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha…

AFP, MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman about finding a solution to the Syria crisis on Saturday, just two days before he is due to address the UN on the issue, the Kremlin said. In a telephone conversation at Russia’s behest, the two men “exchanged…