RFE/RL

Pirates Seize Six Russian Hostages Off West Africa

Pirates seized a cargo ship off the coast of the West African country of Benin, robbing crew members and sailors and abducting six hostages before fleeing, Russia’s Interfax and marine news websites report.

Seven Afghan Border Guards Killed In Militant Attack In Kandahar

Militants have attacked a checkpoint in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar Province, killing seven border guards, officials said on January 5.

Syria, IS, Khashoggi On Agenda For Pompeo, Bolton Middle East Visits

NASA Calls Off Rogozin Visit After Outcry From U.S. Lawmakers

NASA has called off the planned visit of Dimitry Rogozin, the chief of Russia’s space agency who is subject to U.S. and European Union sanctions, following critical press reports and calls by U.S. lawmakers to cancel the visit.

Turkey To Host Afghanistan, Pakistan For Taliban Peace Talks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country will host the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to end the Afghan Taliban's 17-year insurgency.

Trump 'Evaluating' Whether To Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan

U.S. President Donald Trump is in the "process of evaluating" whether to withdrawal some troops from Afghanistan, said Vice President Mike Pence.

U.K. Warns Russia Over Playing 'Diplomatic Chess Games' With Whelan

Britain has cautioned Russia against playing “diplomatic chess games” following the arrest on spying charges of Paul Whelan, a dual U.S.-British citizen.

U.S. Army Chief Of Staff Visits Kabul For Talks With Afghan Leaders

U.S. General Mark Milley, chief of staff of the army, visited Kabul for talks with Afghan leaders, according to the Afghan president's office.

First Funerals Set For 39 Victims Of Russian Building Collapse

The funerals for six victims who died in the partial collapse of an apartment building in the Russian city of Magnitogorsk on New Year's Eve will be held on January 4, local officials say.

Bolton To Travel To Turkey, Israel To Discuss Syria, IS Fight

Russia Charges Former U.S. Marine With Espionage; Lawyer Appeals

Russia has charged a retired U.S. Marine arrested in Moscow with espionage, said his lawyer, who appealed the ruling.

Two Prisoners Announce Hunger Strike For Lack Of Medical Care

Two female political prisoners in Iran in a joint letter have announced a three-day hunger strike in protest to being deprived of medical care.

Trump Calls On Russia, Pakistan To Take More Active Role In Afghan Conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump urged other countries, specifically Russia, Pakistan, and India, to become more involved in the fighting in Afghanistan as he argued against continued long-term presence of U.S. troops in the war-torn country.

Pakistan Shoots Down Indian 'Spy Drone' Over Disputed Kashmir

Pakistan's military claims it has shot down a second Indian "spy drone" in two days flying in Pakistani airspace over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Trump Gives No Timetable For Syria Withdrawal, Vows To Protect Kurdish Fighters

U.S. President Donald Trump has said U.S. forces will withdraw from Syria "over a period of time," insisting he wants to protect U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

U.S. Demands Explanation From Russia Over Arrest Of Ex-Marine On Spying Charges

Russia says it has allowed U.S. consular access to the American citizen arrested in Moscow on suspicion of espionage.

Five Afghan Soldiers Killed In Taliban Attack

An Afghan official says at least five government soldiers were killed after Taliban militants attacked a military base in the country's south.

Family Says Detained U.S. Citizen Is Innocent, Was In Moscow For Wedding

The family of a U.S. citizen being held by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) over suspected spying says he is innocent and was in Moscow to attend a wedding.

North Korea Warns Of 'New Path' If U.S. Insists On Sanctions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has warned that his country could seek a "new path" in relations with the United States "if the U.S. does not keep its promise made in front of the whole world…and insists on sanctions and pressures on our republic."

Rescue Operations In Magnitogorsk After High-Rise Blast, Dozens Missing

At least seven people were killed and dozens remain unaccounted for after a suspected gas explosion triggered the collapse of a section of a high-rise apartment building in the Russian city of Magnitogorsk early on New Year's Eve.