The strike occurred shortly after an evacuation warning was issued for all civilians in the Mukalla area, advising them to evacuate until further notice ahead of military operations.

The Nigerian government and independent analysts reject the accusations. The framing of Nigeria’s violence in religious terms, the lack of clarity around the targets and the fact that the strikes were delayed til Christmas all add to concerns from critics that the attack was bigger on symbolism than substance.

Emirati-backed separatists in Yemen said they would press ahead with their campaign to restore an independent south after air strikes blamed on Saudi Arabia hit their positions.

An air strike by Myanmar’s military on a tea shop in Sagaing region has killed at least 18 civilians and wounded 20 others.

A recent study has flagged the presence of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the ISIS affiliate in Nigeria, in Sokoto

Cambodia has accused Thailand of launching “ruthless” air strikes near their disputed border, even as officials from both countries continue talks aimed at easing tensions and ending the latest round of violence.

The United States War Department missed most of the individuals and groups targeted in its first air strikes against Islamic jihadists on Thursday,

Their actual church is a pile of rubble. The Melkite Greek Catholic St George Church, just steps away from this Mass, was destroyed last year by an Israeli bombing attack. The main prayer hall is now a mess of stones and concrete. The strike killed at least two people.