New York Times: Kabul Bombing Kills at Least 80, Shaking City Center
KABUL, Afghanistan — A truck bombing near the Afghan presidential palace early Wednesday killed at least 80 people and wounded hundreds, officials said. The death toll seemed certain to rise, and the attack appeared to be one of the bloodiest of the long Afghan war.
The huge blast during the morning rush hour caused panic in much of central Kabul, shattering windows as far as a mile away. Nearly two hours after the explosion near Zanbaq Square, a crowded area in the capital that leads to the presidential palace as well as major foreign embassies, plumes of smoke were still rising from the scene.
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MIDDLE EAST
US arms Syrian Kurdish militia in fight against 'Islamic State' (IS). US begins sending weapons to Kurdish YPG in Syria.
Turkey blasts US for ‘extremely dangerous’ arming of Kurds in Syria.
Russia fires cruise missiles at ISIL targets in Syria.
100,000 people displaced by fighting in Raqqa, Syria, since April – UN.
Yemen facing total collapse as war continues, UN warns.
UNICEF: Nearly 500 dead in Yemen cholera outbreak.
Bahrain court dissolves main secular opposition group.
Palestinian power struggle threatens further Gaza power cuts.
ASIA
Kabul: at least 80 killed by massive car bomb in diplomatic quarter. Bombing in diplomatic area of Kabul kills 80, wounds scores.
World leaders condemn deadly attack in Kabul.
China urges U.S. to act 'prudently' after interceptor test.
South Korea defense ministry 'intentionally dropped' THAAD units in report: Blue House.
India's annual growth slows to 7.1% after controversial note ban.
Philippines' Duterte slams Clinton over rape criticism. Philippines' Duterte uses Lewinsky affair to hit back at critical Clinton.
Refugees face 'acute crisis' in cyclone-hit Bangladesh.
AFRICA
Four Kenyan police, civilian killed by IED: police.
Famine looms in former Boko Haram stronghold in NE Nigeria.
South Sudan ethnic violence hits new high as civilians flee.
Soldiers accused of rape and murder go on trial in South Sudan.
Egypt's president attempts to further silence dissent with "draconian" new law.
British minister admits UK 'could have done more' to prevent chaos in Libya.
Thousands rally in Morocco for release of protest leader.
Kenya launches multi-billion dollar railway amid concerns over costs.
EUROPE
France says worried by Ukraine crisis, demands guarantees for observers.
British PM May could lose majority in June 8 election: YouGov projection.
Germany brushes off US help on election cybersecurity: report.
French ministers Ferrand and de Sarnez under pressure already.
France using state of emergency against peaceful protests, Amnesty says.
Serbia: Aleksandar Vucic to assume presidency amid accusations.
Nordic prime ministers troll Trump's viral orb photograph.
AMERICAS
Official says Trump expected to pull US from Paris deal. Trump poised to pull out of Paris climate deal: US media.
Top Trump aide exits as wider White House overhaul expected.
Trump’s cellphone diplomacy raises security concerns.
Venezuela protests intensify, more flee country as crisis deepens.
Brazil's Temer sticks to reform to tame budget deficit.
Colombia and Farc rebels extend weapons handover deadline.
Central American refugees turn again to Belize – but find it far less welcoming.
L.A. law enforcement on high alert after street gangs threaten officers.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Allegations of abuse, mismanagement shadow gains against IS.
Manchester attack: Abedi bought most bomb parts himself, UK police say.
Ex-Gitmo inmate among 6 detained from french Jihadi network.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Global stocks close lucrative May on a high, sterling hits eight-week low.
Oil prices at three-week low as rising output risks OPEC-led deal.
Manchester United ranked as Europe's most valuable club, Bayern Munich in fourth place.