The Syrian government extended its intense aerial campaign against rebel-held areas of the northern city of Aleppo on Monday, conducting a series of airstrikes that killed at least 18 people, including five children, activists said. President Bashar Assad’s air force has pounded opposition areas of the divided city since mid-December, …

Algeria has agreed to provide planes to facilitate transportation of equipment and troops of the International Support Mission for Central African Republic (MISCA). MISCA is an intervention force under the African Union (AU) mandate charged with the responsibility of helping to restore security and stability in Central African Republic.

As the Pakistan government and the outlawed Taliban prepare for peace talks, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said he wants to overcome both terrorism within the country and outstanding issues with India through dialogue as peace is vital for reviving the country’s economy.