airstrikes

Egypt launches 'revenge' airstrikes on ISIS in Sinai

While the military did not specifically name the group, ISIS claimed responsibility for Friday's attack that left at least 12 soldiers and 15 of the assailants dead.

According to the army statement, released Saturday, the three-hour air operation targeted several concentrations of militants, destroyed ammunition and weapons storage facilities, destroyed seven vehicles and killed an unspecified number of militants.

 

Battle for control

The attackers hit the checkpoint using four-wheel drive vehicles, the Egyptian military said.

Russia defends its military action in Syria

The claim of agreement with Washington came amid conflicting reports about Russia's intentions in Syria and whether it is targeting only Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked militants.

The U.S. and its allies fear that Russia, which has backed the family of President Bashar Assad since the current leader's father was in power, is using the air campaign as a pretext to go after anti-Assad rebels that include CIA-backed groups.

Saudi Arabia denies striking Yemen wedding party

Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asiri tells The Associated Press Wednesday that "we did not conduct any operations in that area two days ago," referring to Monday's incident, in which more than 130 people were killed in the deadliest single event of Yemen's civil war.

Asiri says there is no evidence of what caused the deaths, and that ordinary civilians cannot distinguish between airstrikes, missiles, cannon fire or local explosions.

Russia confirms start of airstrikes in Syria

Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told Russian news agencies on Wednesday that Russian jets are carrying out targeted airstrikes on the positions, vehicles and warehouses that Russia believes belong to IS militants.

Russia's upper chamber of parliament earlier on Wednesday gave the green light to President Vladimir Putin's request to send Russian troops to Syria.

     

Yemen officials: Death toll from strikes on wedding at 131

The U.N. says at least 2,355 civilians have been killed in fighting since March, when the coalition began launching airstrikes against Shiite Houthi rebels and allied army units, who control the capital and are at war with the internationally recognized government as well as southern separatists, local militias and Sunni extremists.

Saudi airstrikes in Yemen's capital kill 29

The coalition's airstrikes hit an apartment building in the center of the capital, a UNESCO world heritage site, killing a family of nine, the officials who remain neutral in the conflict that has divided Yemen's security forces said.

One more civilian was killed and the search for more that may be buried under rubble is ongoing. The rebels, known as Houthis, lost 19 fighters in the overnight attack, the officials said.

France to conduct airstrikes in Syria

France made its first reconnaissance flights over Syria last week in order to plan a potential air operation.

Hollande confirmed that airstrikes "will be necessary in Syria," in a news conference on Monday in Paris. He didn't say when the operation will start.

Until now, France has only conducted airstrikes in Iraq as a member of the U.S.-led coalition, fearing that hitting at IS in Syria would ultimately help the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

     

VIDEO: Explosions at weapons depot in Yemen capital

Saudi-led coalition planes have targeted Houthi strongholds with greater intensity since a Houthi-led attacked killed dozens of Arab coalition forces last Friday.

Yemen is torn between the Houthis, allied with army units that have pledged allegiance to Saleh, and forces loyal to exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

The conflict has killed over 2,100 civilians, according to the United Nations.

Yemeni rebels bombed by Saudi-led coalition in key province

Shiite Houthi rebels said more than 20 coalition airstrikes hit the province.

Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition of mainly Gulf nations fighting the Houthis. The coalition suffered its worst day of losses Friday in the missile strike in Marib.

On Friday, Bahrain's state news agency also reported that five of its soldiers were killed guarding Saudi Arabia's southern border, without elaborating. Yemen is the only country on that border in which hostilities are underway.

US strikes southern Afghan district seized by Taliban

"U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Musa Qala today against individuals threatening coalition and Afghan forces," Col. Brian Tribus, a spokesman for U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan, said without providing further details.

Afghan Army Brig. Gen. Mohammad Rasool Zaizai said Afghan and allied warplanes struck army and police headquarters in the Musa Qala district in northern Helmand province Thursday, likely killing fighters and civilians.