Al-Qaeda-linked fighters killed the defense minister, a top Moscow ally, and forced Russian mercenaries to retreat, highlighting the Mali-Russia partnership’s failure.

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, West Africa’s most well-armed militants, struck across Mali in an “unprecedented” attack in the epicenter of global terrorism.

Pope Leo XIV shed his previous image as he denounced war in the Middle East and responded assertively to criticism by President Donald Trump.

In Luanda, Catholics expressed love and admiration for Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, but not so much for President Trump because of the war in Iran.

The pontiff did not name the president during a speech in Cameroon. He criticized those who manipulate religion “for their own military, economic or political gain.”

Villagers, health workers and human rights monitors see a pattern of reckless attacks in the U.S.-backed fight against Boko Haram and its Islamic State-affiliated offshoot.

Leo’s early papacy has been defined largely by his response to President Donald Trump but a 10-day trip, starting Monday, will let the pope focus on spreading the faith.

Residents of Khasab, a sleepy exclave that depends on fishing and tourism, are frustrated by the war in Iran and fearful of what’s next.

As Iran’s retaliatory attacks hit regional centers of commerce, such as Dubai, the majority of the deaths have been among migrant workers who could not afford to flee.

The war has disrupted shipping routes, raised fuel and insurance prices, closed airports, and left aid groups with tons of essential supplies stuck in warehouses.