The French army has “neutralised” 200 jihadist fighters in the Sahel over the last year, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says in an interview to be published tomorrow. Peace talks between Mali’s government and rebels should conclude next month, he said. The French military has either killed or captured 200 …
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Algeria prepares for deterioration of conditions in the Sahel
Algeria is preparing for worst-case scenarios, due to the deterioration of conditions in the Sahel. Mounting concerns over border security led Algeria to toughen its stance towards illegal immigrants. But more than just refugees try to cross borders in times of conflict.
Read More »US to keep 1,000 more troops in Afghanistan than planned next year
The United States will keep about 1,000 more troops in Afghanistan than planned early next year to fill a temporary Nato troop gap in the new mission to train and advice Afghan security forces, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said Saturday on his final visit to this war-weary country as …
Read More »Libyan forces battle Islamist attack near oil region
Islamist fighters launched a three-pronged attack on Saturday on a key oil region in eastern Libya but were pushed back by pro-government forces, military officials said. Fighters from Fajr Libya, an anti-government Islamist coalition, staged an assault on the region of Al-Hilal from three sides but the air force repelled …
Read More »EU supports UN efforts for Aleppo ceasfire
The EU backed UN efforts to arrange a ceasefire in Syria’s second city Aleppo on Monday as one of the few good options left in a conflict which has claimed more than 200,000 lives. EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said special UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura had briefed …
Read More »Egyptian FM meets British officials, discuss Middle East security
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Sunday morning with British parliamentary delegation , called the Friends of Egypt, to discuss the final phase of Egypt’s roadmap, and other regional topics. Shoukry also met Sunday with US Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Donald Booth to discuss recent political developments there. …
Read More »Two Egyptians killed in Libya by heavy clashes
Two Egyptian nationals have been killed in Libya on Monday, during clashes between rival factions present in the country. Clashes erupted between military forces aligned with the internationally recognised government in Tobruk and militias of Libya Dawn, the Islamist coalition holding sway in Tripoli. The clashes took place in the …
Read More »Kerry to ask US Senate for new authorization to fight IS
US Secretary of State John Kerry appeared before Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday to ask for a new, broadened, three-year Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) under which US can continue to fight ISIL with boots on the ground if needed. The current AUMF used by the Obama Administration to …
Read More »Putin visits New Delhi, meets Indian PM
Expansion of ties in a range of crucial sectors like nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and defence will be in focus when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi deliberate at the annual summit here on Thursday with an aim to further strengthen the already close strategic partnership.
Read More »Obama, Ghani discuss Afghan future
US President Barack Obama spoke by video conference with President Ashraf Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, the White House announced late Tuesday. “The President commended President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah on the timely ratification of the Bilateral Security Agreement and …
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