Islamic State (IS) fighters have launched several offensives near the city of Haditha in northwest Iraq in the last 48 hours.

• January 5, 2016

A social network account belonging to Russia's communications minister has been blocked briefly by hackers identifying themselves as a Turkish activist group.

• January 4, 2016

Saudi Arabia has cut diplomatic relations with its regional rival, Iran, after attacks on the Saudi Embassy and consulate in Tehran over the execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric by Riyadh.

• January 4, 2016

Vietnam formally accused China of violating its sovereignty and a recent confidence-building pact on Saturday by landing a plane on an airstrip Beijing has built in a contested part of the South China Sea.

• January 2, 2016

Militants launched a deadly attack on an Indian Air Force base near the Pakistan border on Saturday, exchanging fire with Indian forces who, backed by tanks and helicopters, battled for more than 15 hours before wresting back control of the compound.

• January 2, 2016

The leaders of Germany, France, Russia, and Ukraine have renewed their support for a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine during phone discussions between them.

• December 30, 2015

The Pentagon says air strikes by a U.S.-led coalition have killed 10 Islamic State (IS) leaders over the past month, including several linked to the Paris attacks or other plots against the West.

• December 29, 2015

Pakistani counterterrorism officials say authorities have arrested nine local militants with alleged ties to the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, who were planning terrorist attacks across the country.

• December 29, 2015