The streets of Baalbek have been in chaos over the past two days because of violent clashes between the Jaafar and Shamas clans. Video footage released on social media showed dozens of armed men walking the streets to an inflammatory soundtrack. State security forces are conspicuous by their absence from …

The Syrian Arab Army has responded to Islamic State attacks, with airstrikes and ground assaults, causing a number of casualties reports Al-Masdar.

Japan and Australia on Wednesday discussed what Tokyo termed their special, strategic partnership, agreeing to broaden security measures and deepen cooperation in the face of “changing” regional conditions.