Sudan fighting: US military evacuates diplomats from Khartoum
The US military has evacuated American diplomats and their families from Khartoum, President Joe Biden has said.
"Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an operation to extract US government personnel from Khartoum," he said in a statement.
A US official said fewer than 100 people were evacuated early on Sunday, when three Chinook helicopters landed near the US embassy to collect them.
Fierce violence erupted last week in Khartoum between two opposing armies.
The power struggle between Sudan's regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has seen heavy bombardment in the capital city, with hundreds killed and thousands more injured. read more
The US military has evacuated American diplomats and their families from Khartoum, President Joe Biden has said.
"Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an operation to extract US government personnel from Khartoum," he said in a statement.
A US official said fewer than 100 people were evacuated early on Sunday, when three Chinook helicopters landed near the US embassy to collect them.
Fierce violence erupted last week in Khartoum between two opposing armies.
The power struggle between Sudan's regular army and a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has seen heavy bombardment in the capital city, with hundreds killed and thousands more injured. read more
Twitter restores blue tick to high profile accounts
Some Twitter accounts with more than one million followers have had their blue tick badges re-instated by Twitter without paying to subscribe.
Beyoncé, Harry Kane, Richard Osman and Victoria Beckham are among those to have their blue tick back.
The BBC News Twitter account also has its gold badge again, but has not paid for it.
Before the platform was bought by Elon Musk, the blue tick was a badge of verification given for free by Twitter.
It was originally used as a tool of authentication, designed to help stop fake accounts and the spread of misinformation. read more
Some Twitter accounts with more than one million followers have had their blue tick badges re-instated by Twitter without paying to subscribe.
Beyoncé, Harry Kane, Richard Osman and Victoria Beckham are among those to have their blue tick back.
The BBC News Twitter account also has its gold badge again, but has not paid for it.
Before the platform was bought by Elon Musk, the blue tick was a badge of verification given for free by Twitter.
It was originally used as a tool of authentication, designed to help stop fake accounts and the spread of misinformation. read more
Sudan fighting: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated
A growing list of countries have evacuated diplomats and citizens from Sudan's capital as fierce fighting continues to rage in Khartoum.
The US and UK announced on Sunday they had flown diplomats out of the country.
France, Germany, Italy and Spain are among other nations that also carried out evacuations.
A vicious power struggle between the regular army and a powerful paramilitary force has led to violence across the country.
US authorities said they had airlifted fewer than 100 people with three Chinook helicopters on Sunday morning in a "fast and clean" operation. read more
A growing list of countries have evacuated diplomats and citizens from Sudan's capital as fierce fighting continues to rage in Khartoum.
The US and UK announced on Sunday they had flown diplomats out of the country.
France, Germany, Italy and Spain are among other nations that also carried out evacuations.
A vicious power struggle between the regular army and a powerful paramilitary force has led to violence across the country.
US authorities said they had airlifted fewer than 100 people with three Chinook helicopters on Sunday morning in a "fast and clean" operation. read more
China disowns ambassador's remarks questioning Ukrainian independence
China has distanced itself from the remarks of one of its envoys who questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet countries.
Paris ambassador Lu Shaye's comments last week caused widespread outrage, leading on calls to Beijing to clarify.
On Monday, China's foreign ministry said it respected the independence of all post-Soviet republics.
China is a major ally of Russia and has not condemned President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last year.
It sees itself as a major player in attempts to bring peace to Ukraine, but has become an increasingly important trading partner for Russia amid Western sanctions prompted by the invasion, and many in the West doubt its impartiality on the issue. read more
China has distanced itself from the remarks of one of its envoys who questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet countries.
Paris ambassador Lu Shaye's comments last week caused widespread outrage, leading on calls to Beijing to clarify.
On Monday, China's foreign ministry said it respected the independence of all post-Soviet republics.
China is a major ally of Russia and has not condemned President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last year.
It sees itself as a major player in attempts to bring peace to Ukraine, but has become an increasingly important trading partner for Russia amid Western sanctions prompted by the invasion, and many in the West doubt its impartiality on the issue. read more
India's population to surpass China this week - UN
India will overtake China to become the most populous country in the world by the end of this week, the United Nations has said.
India's population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people by the end of April, the new data shows.
A different UN body last week predicted that India would overtake China by the middle of this year.
The Asian nations have accounted for more than a third of the global population for over 70 years.
"China will soon cede its long-held status as the world's most populous country," the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) said in a statement. read more
India will overtake China to become the most populous country in the world by the end of this week, the United Nations has said.
India's population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people by the end of April, the new data shows.
A different UN body last week predicted that India would overtake China by the middle of this year.
The Asian nations have accounted for more than a third of the global population for over 70 years.
"China will soon cede its long-held status as the world's most populous country," the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) said in a statement. read more
Haiti crisis: Mob burns suspected gang members to death
A group of 13 suspected gang members has been beaten and burned to death by a mob in Haiti's capital after being seized while police were searching their vehicle.
The suspects were reportedly beaten with gasoline-soaked tyres before being set alight in Port-au-Prince on Monday.
Police say they confiscated weapons from them just before the incident.
They have not explained how members of the public got hold of the suspects.
Haiti has descended into increasing lawlessness since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The United Nations said in a report published on Monday that insecurity in the capital has reached levels similar to countries at war. read more
A group of 13 suspected gang members has been beaten and burned to death by a mob in Haiti's capital after being seized while police were searching their vehicle.
The suspects were reportedly beaten with gasoline-soaked tyres before being set alight in Port-au-Prince on Monday.
Police say they confiscated weapons from them just before the incident.
They have not explained how members of the public got hold of the suspects.
Haiti has descended into increasing lawlessness since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The United Nations said in a report published on Monday that insecurity in the capital has reached levels similar to countries at war. read more
Taliban kill IS leader behind Kabul airport bombing
The Islamic State group mastermind thought to have planned the devastating 2021 bombing at Kabul airport has been killed by Afghanistan's ruling Taliban, US officials say.
The bombing that August killed 170 civilians and 13 US soldiers as people were trying to flee the country as the Taliban took control.
The IS figure was killed weeks ago but it took time to confirm his death, US officials told BBC news partner CBS.
His name has not been released.
US officials said they had determined through intelligence gathering and monitoring of the region that the leader had died, though they did not provide further details on how they had learned that he was responsible for the bombing. read more
The Islamic State group mastermind thought to have planned the devastating 2021 bombing at Kabul airport has been killed by Afghanistan's ruling Taliban, US officials say.
The bombing that August killed 170 civilians and 13 US soldiers as people were trying to flee the country as the Taliban took control.
The IS figure was killed weeks ago but it took time to confirm his death, US officials told BBC news partner CBS.
His name has not been released.
US officials said they had determined through intelligence gathering and monitoring of the region that the leader had died, though they did not provide further details on how they had learned that he was responsible for the bombing. read more
US and South Korea agree key nuclear weapons deal
The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
The Washington Declaration will strengthen the allies' co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack, US President Joe Biden said.
Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland. read more
The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
The Washington Declaration will strengthen the allies' co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack, US President Joe Biden said.
Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland. read more
Ukraine war: Bakhmut defenders worry about losing support
A year ago Volodymyr and his men were firing all 40 barrels of their BM-21 Grad rocket launcher in one go. Now they can only afford to fire a few at a time at Russian targets.
"We haven't got enough ammunition for our weapon," he explains.
His unit, the 17th Tank Battalion, is still being called on to provide fire support to Ukrainian forces desperately clinging on to the edges of Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city which Russia has spent months trying to capture.
Russian forces are getting ever closer to their goal of taking the city, but at enormous cost.
While we're waiting in a line of trees, hidden from view, Volodymyr receives a call to fire his rocket launcher at a Russian mortar position about 15 kilometres away. read more
A year ago Volodymyr and his men were firing all 40 barrels of their BM-21 Grad rocket launcher in one go. Now they can only afford to fire a few at a time at Russian targets.
"We haven't got enough ammunition for our weapon," he explains.
His unit, the 17th Tank Battalion, is still being called on to provide fire support to Ukrainian forces desperately clinging on to the edges of Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city which Russia has spent months trying to capture.
Russian forces are getting ever closer to their goal of taking the city, but at enormous cost.
While we're waiting in a line of trees, hidden from view, Volodymyr receives a call to fire his rocket launcher at a Russian mortar position about 15 kilometres away. read more
US and South Korea agree key nuclear weapons deal
The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
The Washington Declaration will strengthen the allies' co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack, US President Joe Biden said.
Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland. read more
The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
The Washington Declaration will strengthen the allies' co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack, US President Joe Biden said.
Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland. read more
Palestinians condemn EU's von der Leyen for 'racist trope'
Palestinians have described remarks about Israel by the head of the European Commission as "inappropriate, false and discriminatory".
It follows a congratulatory video message by Ursula von der Leyen on Israel's Independence Day on Wednesday.
In it she praised Israel, including for having "made the desert bloom".
It has sparked an unusual diplomatic spat between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the European Union (EU), its main donor.
A spokesperson for the commission told the BBC: "The EU is unpleasantly surprised by the inappropriate statement of the Palestinian foreign ministry accusing the president of the European Commission of racism." read more
Palestinians have described remarks about Israel by the head of the European Commission as "inappropriate, false and discriminatory".
It follows a congratulatory video message by Ursula von der Leyen on Israel's Independence Day on Wednesday.
In it she praised Israel, including for having "made the desert bloom".
It has sparked an unusual diplomatic spat between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the European Union (EU), its main donor.
A spokesperson for the commission told the BBC: "The EU is unpleasantly surprised by the inappropriate statement of the Palestinian foreign ministry accusing the president of the European Commission of racism." read more
Mike Pence testifies in criminal probe of Trump and Capitol riot
Former US Vice-President Mike Pence has testified as part of a criminal investigation into alleged efforts by Donald Trump to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election.
Mr Pence, 63, sat for more than seven hours before a federal grand jury in Washington DC, sources told the BBC's US partner CBS News.
He was issued with a subpoena to testify under oath earlier this year.
The questioning by prosecutors took place behind closed doors.
His appearance on Thursday came just hours after an appeals court rejected a last-ditch bid by Mr Trump's legal team to stop Mr Pence from testifying.
Mr Pence's lawyers had also sought unsuccessfully to challenge the subpoena, arguing that his role as president of the Senate during his time in office meant he had congressional immunity.
read more
Former US Vice-President Mike Pence has testified as part of a criminal investigation into alleged efforts by Donald Trump to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election.
Mr Pence, 63, sat for more than seven hours before a federal grand jury in Washington DC, sources told the BBC's US partner CBS News.
He was issued with a subpoena to testify under oath earlier this year.
The questioning by prosecutors took place behind closed doors.
His appearance on Thursday came just hours after an appeals court rejected a last-ditch bid by Mr Trump's legal team to stop Mr Pence from testifying.
Mr Pence's lawyers had also sought unsuccessfully to challenge the subpoena, arguing that his role as president of the Senate during his time in office meant he had congressional immunity.
read more
Sudan fighting: No talks until bombing stops, Hemedti tells BBC
One of Sudan's duelling generals, who leads the paramilitary force fighting the country's army, has told the BBC he will not negotiate until fighting ends.
But Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, said his fighters were being "relentlessly" bombed since a three-day truce had been extended.
"We don't want to destroy Sudan," he said, blaming army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for the violence.
Gen Burhan has tentatively agreed to face-to-face talks in South Sudan.
Thursday night's extension of an uneasy ceasefire followed intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, as well as the US, UK and UN. read more
One of Sudan's duelling generals, who leads the paramilitary force fighting the country's army, has told the BBC he will not negotiate until fighting ends.
But Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, said his fighters were being "relentlessly" bombed since a three-day truce had been extended.
"We don't want to destroy Sudan," he said, blaming army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for the violence.
Gen Burhan has tentatively agreed to face-to-face talks in South Sudan.
Thursday night's extension of an uneasy ceasefire followed intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, as well as the US, UK and UN. read more
North Korea warns of serious danger over US-South Korea deterrence deal
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's powerful sister has warned that a recent US-South Korean deal will lead to a "more serious danger".
Kim Yo-jong said North Korea's nuclear deterrent "should be brought to further perfection", state media reported.
The US agreed to deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning to counter nuclear threats from the North.
In return, South Korea agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
The deal - known as the Washington Declaration - was announced this week during President Joe Biden's talks with his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol's in the American capital. read more
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's powerful sister has warned that a recent US-South Korean deal will lead to a "more serious danger".
Kim Yo-jong said North Korea's nuclear deterrent "should be brought to further perfection", state media reported.
The US agreed to deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning to counter nuclear threats from the North.
In return, South Korea agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
The deal - known as the Washington Declaration - was announced this week during President Joe Biden's talks with his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol's in the American capital. read more
Turkey's President Erdogan back on campaign trail after illness
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reappeared on the campaign trail in western Turkey on Saturday in the flesh, and in thundering form.
He arrived in the port city of Izmir to a sea of flags, and a large crowd that had been waiting hours under a hot sun. It was a strong turnout in an opposition stronghold.
There was no sign of the illness which caused him to drop out of key events for three days this week - just a fortnight ahead of critical elections. The polls - for the presidency and parliament - will be his toughest challenge yet, after twenty years in power.
The president spoke for almost 40 minutes, in a strong voice, mocking the opposition, raising the spectre of "terrorism", and saying only he could deliver growth for Turkey. It was a combative performance which will have reassured his supporters and may have worried his detractors. read more
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reappeared on the campaign trail in western Turkey on Saturday in the flesh, and in thundering form.
He arrived in the port city of Izmir to a sea of flags, and a large crowd that had been waiting hours under a hot sun. It was a strong turnout in an opposition stronghold.
There was no sign of the illness which caused him to drop out of key events for three days this week - just a fortnight ahead of critical elections. The polls - for the presidency and parliament - will be his toughest challenge yet, after twenty years in power.
The president spoke for almost 40 minutes, in a strong voice, mocking the opposition, raising the spectre of "terrorism", and saying only he could deliver growth for Turkey. It was a combative performance which will have reassured his supporters and may have worried his detractors. read more
Sudan crisis risks becoming a nightmare for the world - former PM Hamdok
The former prime minister of Sudan has warned that the conflict in his country could become worse than those in Syria and Libya.
Abdalla Hamdok said the fighting will be a "nightmare for the world" if it continues.
The Sudanese army says it is attacking the capital Khartoum from all directions, using heavy artillery.
Almost two weeks of fighting has left hundreds dead, while tens of thousands of people are fleeing the country.
Thursday night's extension of an uneasy ceasefire between the rival factions followed intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, as well as the US, UK and UN. read more
The former prime minister of Sudan has warned that the conflict in his country could become worse than those in Syria and Libya.
Abdalla Hamdok said the fighting will be a "nightmare for the world" if it continues.
The Sudanese army says it is attacking the capital Khartoum from all directions, using heavy artillery.
Almost two weeks of fighting has left hundreds dead, while tens of thousands of people are fleeing the country.
Thursday night's extension of an uneasy ceasefire between the rival factions followed intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, as well as the US, UK and UN. read more
Suspected Islamic State chief Qurayshi killed in Syria, Turkey says
Turkish forces have killed the suspected leader of Islamic State (IS) in Syria, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced.
Abu Hussein al-Qurayshi is said to have taken over the group after his predecessor was killed last autumn.
Mr Erdogan told broadcaster TRT Turk the IS leader was "neutralised" in a Turkish MIT intelligence agency operation on Saturday.
IS has so far made no comment on the reported operation.
The BBC has been unable to independently verify President Erdogan's claim.
The MIT intelligence agency had been following Qurayshi for a "long time", Mr Erdogan said. read more
Turkish forces have killed the suspected leader of Islamic State (IS) in Syria, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced.
Abu Hussein al-Qurayshi is said to have taken over the group after his predecessor was killed last autumn.
Mr Erdogan told broadcaster TRT Turk the IS leader was "neutralised" in a Turkish MIT intelligence agency operation on Saturday.
IS has so far made no comment on the reported operation.
The BBC has been unable to independently verify President Erdogan's claim.
The MIT intelligence agency had been following Qurayshi for a "long time", Mr Erdogan said. read more
Ukraine war: Russia launches second pre-dawn missile attack in three days
Russia has launched a series of missile and artillery attacks on Ukraine, the second pre-dawn attack in three days.
One person died in Kherson region and 25 people - including three children - were injured in Dnipropetrovsk.
Ukraine's armed forces said 15 of 18 missiles fired were intercepted by the country's air defence.
One of the main targets was the city of Pavlohrad near Dnipro - a Russian-installed official said resources for a Ukrainian offensive were hit.
Writing on Telegram with a thumbs-up gesture, Vladimir Rogov said missiles targeted railway infrastructure and fuel depots.
Nineteen high-rise apartment blocks, 25 private houses, six schools and kindergartens and five shops were also damaged. read more
Russia has launched a series of missile and artillery attacks on Ukraine, the second pre-dawn attack in three days.
One person died in Kherson region and 25 people - including three children - were injured in Dnipropetrovsk.
Ukraine's armed forces said 15 of 18 missiles fired were intercepted by the country's air defence.
One of the main targets was the city of Pavlohrad near Dnipro - a Russian-installed official said resources for a Ukrainian offensive were hit.
Writing on Telegram with a thumbs-up gesture, Vladimir Rogov said missiles targeted railway infrastructure and fuel depots.
Nineteen high-rise apartment blocks, 25 private houses, six schools and kindergartens and five shops were also damaged. read more
Ukraine war: More than 20,000 Russian fighters dead in Bakhmut, US says
The White House believes that more than 20,000 Russian combatants have died in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in the last five months.
A further 80,000 have been wounded, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, citing newly declassified intelligence.
Half of the dead are from the Wagner private mercenary company, the US says.
If accurate, the number of Russian casualties outweighs the eastern city's pre-war population of about 70,000.
Moscow has been trying to take Bakhmut since last year in a grinding war of attrition. read more
The White House believes that more than 20,000 Russian combatants have died in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in the last five months.
A further 80,000 have been wounded, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, citing newly declassified intelligence.
Half of the dead are from the Wagner private mercenary company, the US says.
If accurate, the number of Russian casualties outweighs the eastern city's pre-war population of about 70,000.
Moscow has been trying to take Bakhmut since last year in a grinding war of attrition. read more
AI 'godfather' Geoffrey Hinton warns of dangers as he quits Google
A man widely seen as the godfather of artificial intelligence (AI) has quit his job, warning about the growing dangers from developments in the field.
Geoffrey Hinton, aged 75, announced his resignation from Google in a statement to the New York Times, saying he now regretted his work.
He told the BBC some of the dangers of AI chatbots were "quite scary".
"Right now, they're not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be."
Dr Hinton also accepted that his age had played into his decision to leave the tech giant, telling the BBC: "I'm 75, so it's time to retire." read more
A man widely seen as the godfather of artificial intelligence (AI) has quit his job, warning about the growing dangers from developments in the field.
Geoffrey Hinton, aged 75, announced his resignation from Google in a statement to the New York Times, saying he now regretted his work.
He told the BBC some of the dangers of AI chatbots were "quite scary".
"Right now, they're not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be."
Dr Hinton also accepted that his age had played into his decision to leave the tech giant, telling the BBC: "I'm 75, so it's time to retire." read more
Palestinian Khader Adnan dies in Israel jail after 86 days on hunger strike
A prominent Palestinian prisoner has died in an Israeli jail after 86 days on hunger strike.
Khader Adnan was a senior figure in the militant group Islamic Jihad who Israel had charged with terrorism offences.
The Israel Prison Service said he had refused medical treatment before he was found unconscious in his cell on Tuesday.
Hours after his death, militants fired three rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. No-one was hurt.
The Palestinian prime minister accused Israel of "deliberately assassinating" Adnan, while Islamic Jihad warned Israel that it would pay "the highest price". read more
A prominent Palestinian prisoner has died in an Israeli jail after 86 days on hunger strike.
Khader Adnan was a senior figure in the militant group Islamic Jihad who Israel had charged with terrorism offences.
The Israel Prison Service said he had refused medical treatment before he was found unconscious in his cell on Tuesday.
Hours after his death, militants fired three rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. No-one was hurt.
The Palestinian prime minister accused Israel of "deliberately assassinating" Adnan, while Islamic Jihad warned Israel that it would pay "the highest price". read more