The Central African Republic (CAR) is said to be in talks with the US private security company Bancroft Global Development — potentially challenging the influence of Russia’s Wagner Group in the conflict-ridden nation. Last week, Albert Yaloke Mokpeme, spokesman for the Central African presidency, mentioned the country’s efforts to diversify …

The killing of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri in a reported drone strike in Beirut will be perceived as a warning to Iran, which has armed and financed Hamas, and other Hamas leaders, experts said. Al-Arouri, the commander of Hamas’ military wing in the West Bank and deputy chairman of the …

The group, which has struck before in Iran, has a long history of division with the country. The Islamic State claimed responsibility on Thursday for the bombing attack that killed 84 people in Kerman, Iran, a day before, during a memorial procession for Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, according to a …