Pakistan, Russian militaries hold joint drill
The Pakistan and Russian militaries are currently holding a two-week long joint exercise which focuses on counter terrorism operations, hostage and rescue, cordon and search operations. It is aimed to enhance and further strengthen military ties between both countries and share the Pakistan Army's experience in the war against terrorism.
Iraqi Kurds vote in historic referendum
Iraqi Kurds participated in an independence referendum as tensions began to escalate between the country's largest ethnic minority and the government in Baghdad. Voters were asked to respond with either a "yes" or "no" to the question of whether they wanted the region to become an independent state. Both Iran and Turkey have sizable Kurdish minorities and fear a vote for independence in Iraq might galvanise movements in their countries.
Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from London, where his wife Kulsoom Nawaz is undergoing cancer treatment. Sharif has been summoned on Tuesday in three corruption references, filed by the National AccountÂability Bureau. Nawaz Sharif is expected to hold an informal meeting with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership for consultations on his appearance before the accountability court.
Kushner used private email account for White House officials
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner occasionally used a private email account for correspondence with fellow administration officials. Federal law requires that all White House records be preserved, including emails. On campaign trail, Trump repeatedly criticised opponent Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email account.
Russian General killed in IS shelling in Syria
A Russian lieutenant general was killed in a shelling launched by Islamic State militants in northeastern Syria. Lt. Gen. Valery Asapov, a member of the group of Russian military advisers working with Syrian commanders, sustained a fatal injury when hit by an IS mortar shelling.
Thousands evacuated near Bali volcano
Some 35,000 people were evacuated from their homes near an active volcano in Bali, Indonesia, as authorities warned that it could erupt soon. The area around Mount Agung has seen hundreds of tremors and signs of magma rising to the surface since last week. However, the island's main tourist areas and flights remain unaffected for now.
Baghdad orders Kurds to hand over ports
Hours before the Kurds get ready to carry out a controversial referendum, Iraq's central government in Baghdad ordered the country's Kurdish region to hand over all border crossings and airports to federal government control. The United States and the United Nations also have voiced strong opposition to the vote, warning it could further destabilise the region, as Iraqi and Kurdish forces continue to battle the Islamic State group.