In eastern Syria, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) say Islamic State is trying to slow the attack on the terror group’s last scrap of territory in the town of Baghuz by using snipers, suicide bombers and civilians as human shields.

The Pentagon has for the first time deployed its most advanced missile system in Israel, hailing the move as Washington’s “continued commitment” to the security of the regime in Tel Aviv.

The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree suspending Russia’s participation in a key Cold War-era nuclear arms-control agreement with the United States.