October 21, 2021

*) Drone attack targets US military base in Syria A drone attack has targeted a US military base near Syria's border with Iraq, US officials and a war monitor said. A US official confirmed the attack on Al Tanf military base in Syria's southwestern Rif Dimashq governorate where US forces are deployed. There were no casualties among American forces, the official told Anadolu Agency. *) Russia, China, Iran agree to work with Taliban for 'regional stability' Russia and Central Asia power brokers have agreed to work with the Taliban to promote security in the region. They called on Afghanistan's new leaders to implement "moderate" policies and Moscow said official recognition would only come when the Taliban meets expectations on human rights and inclusive governance. Russia hosted the Taliban for talks in Moscow, seeking to assert its influence in the region and push for action against Daesh fighters in Afghanistan. *) Turkey signs energy, defence deals with Nigeria Turkey and Nigeria have signed multiple bilateral agreements, extending from energy to defence. Nigeria's President Buhari and Turkey's President Erdogan announced the signing of seven deals after a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in the capital Abuja. The two sides signed agreements on defence, energy, mining and hydrocarbon as well as youth and foreign affairs cooperation. *) Ethiopia govt claims strikes hit 'weapons site' in Tigray region At least 9 people have been badly wounded in air strikes that hit Ethiopia's Tigray region. Ethiopia's government said it targeted facilities to make and repair weapons, which a spokesman for the rival Tigray forces denied. Ethiopian authorities said air force jets conducted air strikes on a Tigray rebel military training centre 80 kilometres outside Tigrayan capital Mekele. And finally… *) Trump to launch new social media network 'TRUTH Social' Former US president Donald Trump has announced plans to launch his own social network platform called "TRUTH Social". The platform is expected to b