Hard—line Islamic rebels captured a small town in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border as part of their offensive in the rugged coastal region that is a bastion of support for President Bashar Assad, activists said Monday. Fighters from an array of armed opposition groups, including the al—Qaida—linked Nusra Front, …

Azerbaijan and Afghanistan discussed the military and political situation in the region, as well as the security issues. Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov received a delegation led by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani on March 19.

Russia’s troops have seized control of a naval base near Crimea’s city of Feodosia. This was the third successful Russian assault of a Ukrainian base on the Crimean peninsula from the last two days.