The UN Security Council has welcomed a ceasefire announced by an Islamist-backed militia in Libya and threatened to impose sanctions on those who obstruct peace efforts. The 15-member council voiced support for a second round of UN-brokered talks to be held in Geneva next week and strongly urged all warring …

A local official says the Taliban have attacked Afghan troops in eastern Laghman province, triggering a gunbattle that killed two soldiers and wounded a third. The provincial governor’s spokesman Sarhadi Zwak says the attack began around today in Alishing district.

EU foreign ministers met today on building an alliance — including with Muslim countries — against a growing Islamist militant threat, with Europe on high alert after deadly Paris attacks and anti-terrorism raids in Belgium. The immediate focus for the 28-nation European Union is how to prevent citizens known as “foreign fighters” …