Islamist militants massacred 52 villagers who refused to join their ranks in an escalation of terrorism that is threatening Africa’s largest gas project.

Spanish police who this week arrested a former London rapper allegedly turned Islamic State fighter in Syria say they have no evidence he was planning an attack in Europe, but his illegal, undocumented entry into Spain raises suspicions about his motivation.

Israel had deliberately avoided killing Hezbollah members during a strike on Syria last week, reported the New York Times on Thursday.