World

Islamabad, Aug 21 (IANS) Pakistani police on Monday rescued seven policemen kidnapped on Sunday in the country's Punjab province, the media reported.

Madrid, Aug 21 (IANS) The death toll in the Spain double attacks climbed to 15 on Monday as authorities confirmed the identity of the suspected driver of a van that ploughed into pedestrians in Barcelona. The manhunt for the attacker was extended across Europe, a government official said.

Abuja, Aug 21 (IANS) Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said his government will work to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight against terror group Boko Haram, which is attempting attacks on soft targets.

Damascus, Aug 21 (IANS) At least 40 civilians were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes by the US-led coalition on neighbourhoods in Raqqa city of Syria, the media reported on Monday.

Seoul, Aug 21 (IANS) South Korea's Prosecutor's Office on Monday sought a 12-year prison sentence for the vice chair of the Samsung Group over charges that include bribing the former President as part of a massive corruption scandal that has rocked the country.

Koktebel (Crimea), Aug 21 (IANS) In what came as a big surprise to visitors on the closing day of Koktebel Jazz Party, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the longest running event of its kind here on late Sunday night.

Rabat, Aug 21 (IANS) Morocco's King Mohammed VI has reiterated his country's commitment to Africa, stressing that his 14 visits to African countries since October last year and Rabat's return to the African Union are part of the vision of serving shared interests through solidarity-based, win-win partnerships.

Riyadh, Aug 21 (IANS) Saudi Arabia announced on Monday the setting up of 109 security centres in Mecca to monitor violations by pilgrims and fraudulent Haj firms, the Interior Ministry said.

Jerusalem, Aug 21 (IANS) Israeli teenagers reportedly attacked two off-duty soldiers because they believed the soldiers were Arabs, police said on Monday.

Singapore, Aug 21 (IANS) Ten US Navy sailors were missing and five were injured after a US Navy guided missile destroyer collided with an oil tanker near Singapore on Monday, officials said.

Lahore, Aug 21 (IANS) Pakistani sufi rock band Junoon's frontman Salman Ahmad says Pakistan is a country where artistes are an endangered species.

Riyadh, Aug 21 (IANS) A fire broke out in a hotel in the Saudi city Mecca on Monday, sparking alarm among Haj pilgrims, an official said on Monday.

Pyongyang, Aug 21 (IANS) North Korea has warned Australia that it has committed a "suicidal act" by committing its troops to help the US in any conflict over Pyongyang's nuclear programme and by joining military exercises with US and South Korean forces.

Washington, Aug 21 (IANS) The US administration's decision to reverse a ban on the sale of plastic water bottles in some of Americas national parks shows "the corporate agenda is king and people and the environment are left behind", campaigners have said.

Madrid, Aug 21 (IANS) The hunt for the driver who killed 13 people in the Barcelona attack has been extended across Europe, a Spanish government official said on Monday.