As reports from Russia suggest it is sending more warplanes to Syria, the offensive by President Assad’s military on the ground is stepping up a gear.

More than 50 years of civil war and bloodshed have been officially brought to an end with the signing of a peace deal between Colombia and Farc rebels.

One of the longest stand-offs in Syria’s five year conflict is coming to an end.

It has been the most significant stronghold for ISIL outside Syria and Iraq. Now Libyan forces say they are close to capturing Sirte, pushing out the militants.

Afghan troops have forced the Taliban out of a strategic district in the northern province of Kunduz, just hours after the militant group had taken control of the district on Saturday.

The United Nations is calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire to be established in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

It is a ceasefire in all but name, the Syrian military’s declaration of a 72-hour “regime of calm”, coinciding with the end of Ramadan, that began at one o’clock on Wednesday morning, and will end at midnight on Friday.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has taken full responsibility for the British invasion of Iraq in 2003, but says he stands by the decision.

Israel has sealed off the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank after an upsurge in violence.

A Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli authorities after allegedly trying to stab an police officer.