PARIS: Press freedom around the world is under threat from a triple whammy of US President Donald Trump, Russia and China’s bid to crush all dissent, a watchdog said yesterday, reports AFP. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned that a “climate of hatred and animosity” towards journalists…

BANDA ACEH: The death toll from a blaze at an illegal Indonesian oil well on Wednesday has jumped to 18 with dozens injured, authorities said, warning there could be yet more victims, reports AFP. Images from the accident showed a towering flame shooting some 70 metres (230 feet) above homes and palm…

BRUSSELS: The EU yesterday urged Russia and Iran to pressure Damascus to engage in talks to end Syria’s bloody civil war, as international donors pledged billions of dollars to help civilians caught up in the conflict, reports AFP. EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said Moscow and Tehran,…

CAIRO: Three soldiers and 30 jihadists have been killed in the past week in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula where the military is battling the Islamic State group, the army said yesterday, reports AFP. Around 200 jihadists and at least 33 government troops have now been killed since the launch of a major…