US-backed Syrian fighters advancing on the Islamic State group from the eastern and western parts of the northern city of Raqqa have linked up for the first time since launching their offensive on IS’ de facto capital, officials said Friday.

Though the development marked a significant milestone in the battle for the IS stronghold, a US military spokesman cautioned that there is still tough fighting ahead before Raqqa is completely taken from the militants.

[Read more…]

At least 19 militants were killed in fierce fighting between al-Shabaab fighters and president Mohamed Hassan Fiqi backed loyalists of the former group’s leader Mukhtar Robow in Somalia’s southwestern region of Bakool.

Al-Shabaab militants stormed the Abal village, located southwest to capital Mogadishu and forced Robow’s loyalists to retreat from Abal village. But they later returned to beat back their attackers in a midday counter offensive.

[Read more…]

Seven people were killed in a clash on Thursday, August 10, as the government forces continue its operations to rescue the kidnap victims in the province of Sulu.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash took place around 4 a.m., Thursday, at Sitio Langhub in the village of Pang, Kalingalan Caluang town.

[Read more…]

Clashes between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Tatmadaw erupted in Khay Khin and Man Wel villages, part of Namhsan Township, Shan State, on Tuesday morning, sending more than 100 locals fleeing to neighbouring Namtu Township.

Currently, the displaced are seeking refuge in Pote Bar Yone Parirati Shwe Kyin Monastery in the town of Namtu. The monastery continued to receive more civilians on Wednesday.

[Read more…]

Congolese security forces killed at least 14 members of separatist sect Bundu dia Kongo (BDK) on Monday during clashes in the capital Kinshasa and southwestern city of Matadi.

At least one police officer also died, police said.

[Read more…]