ISIS seizes two villages in Syria
Beirut: The Islamic State (ISIS) group launched a surprise assault on Monday near its besieged stronghold in northern Syria, killing residents of two villages it recaptured from US-backed fighters, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said ISIS had dispatched a small group of jihadists — including one driving an explosives-laden car — into villages southeast of their bastion of Manbij.
Nepalese police arrest 36 ‘fake' doctors
Kathmandu: Nepalese police have arrested 36 fake doctors, including six women, for possessing fake credentials taking the total number of arrests to 53 as part of a nationwide crackdown on fake medical professionals. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police detained 36 doctors after weekend raids at reputed hospitals, clinics and medical schools across the country as part of 'Operation Quack' on charges of practicing medicine by using fake certificates.
Afghan MPs confirm new defence minister
Kabul: Afghan lawmakers on Monday approved President Ashraf Ghani's nominees for Defence Minister and Intelligence director, two crucial posts that sat vacant for months as the country struggles to rein in an ascendant insurgency. The confirmations came as attacks left at least 23 people dead across Afghanistan today and wounded dozens more, as the Taliban's resurgence continues to raise serious questions about the ability of Afghan forces to hold their own without the support of US-led NATO troops.
Putin to visit China this week
Beijing: Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to China this week in a bid to consolidate mutual political and strategic trust and inject new impetus to bilateral ties, senior Chinese diplomat said today. Putin will visit China from June 25 after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Tashkent where he will be meeting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.