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EU's Takuba anti-terror force quits junta-controlled Mali
The French-led Takuba task force of EU special forces has officially ceased operating in Mali, France announced Friday, ending a year-long anti-jihadist effort that soured after two military coups overthrew the civilian government.
'Stop interfering in Afghanistan', says Taliban leader in rare appearance
The Taliban's reclusive supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called Friday for the world to stop telling them how to run Afghanistan, insisting sharia law was the only model for a successful Islamic state.
Man City sign German goalkeeper Ortega
Stefan Ortega said he is living the dream after the German goalkeeper secured a move to Manchester City on Friday.
'American Woman' rocker reunited with stolen guitar... 46 years on
They say you never forget your first love, and after pining for his stolen guitar for almost half a century, Canadian rock star Randy Bachman has finally been reunited with the instrument which an eagle-eyed fan tracked down in Japan.
Metaverse years from being global phenomenon, says pioneer
Big brands are rushing to the metaverse but the path to profit is still unclear and mass adoption may be years away, one of the sector's biggest players, Sebastien Borget, told AFP in an interview.
Tottenham complete signing of £60 million Richarlison
Tottenham completed the signing of Richarlison from Everton on a five-year deal for a fee that could reportedly rise to £60 million ($73 million) on Friday.
Strikes kill 18 in Ukraine's Odessa
Missile strikes killed 18 people and wounded dozens in Ukraine's Odessa region Friday, a day after Russian troops abandoned positions on a strategic island in a major setback to the Kremlin's invasion.
Ukrainian Hare Krishna devotees seek sanctuary in N.Ireland
Nestled among the reeds of Northern Ireland's Lough Erne, the wooded island of Inish Rath has been home to a Hare Krishna temple since the 1980s.
Asian markets drop with traders gripped by recession fear
Asian markets struggled again Friday following another selloff on Wall Street fuelled by recession fears, with warnings of a bleak outlook for the global economy as central banks slam on the brakes to battle soaring inflation.
Wallabies look to end losing streak against under-pressure England
Australia captain Michael Hooper said Friday that his team were steeling themselves to break a jinx against England, as the under-pressure visitors braced for an ambush in the opening Test in Perth.
Lyon stars as Australia crush Sri Lanka inside three days
Spinner Nathan Lyon starred with a match haul of nine wickets as Australia wrapped up the opening Test on Friday with a crushing victory over Sri Lanka before lunch on the third day.
Taliban's reclusive supreme leader attends Afghan clerics' meeting
The Taliban's reclusive supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada showed up Friday at a major gathering of clerics in the Afghan capital called to rubber-stamp the hardline Islamist group's rule over the country.
Nine protesters killed in Sudan anti-coup mass rallies
At least nine Sudanese demonstrators were killed Thursday as security forces sought to quash mass rallies of protesters demanding an end to military rule, pro-democracy medics said.
Djokovic eyes Wimbledon last 16 as Isner targets aces record
Novak Djokovic faces fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic for a place in the Wimbledon last 16 on Friday as John Isner targets becoming the sport's king of aces.
Russian propaganda finds fertile ground in Serbia
After 12 years together, it was Russian propaganda that finally ended Liubov Maric's marriage to her Serbian husband.
Motivated All Blacks carry 'scar tissue' from last Ireland loss
Scrum-half Aaron Smith admitted Friday that New Zealand still carry "scar tissue" from their loss to Ireland last year, and will use it to fuel a furious response in the first Test in Auckland.
Players twist for glory at the table football World Cup
Dressed in athletic wear and using special hand grips for extra power, more than 1,000 players of table football are taking part in a World Cup this week in western France.
John Lee: the former Hong Kong cop Beijing trusts is sworn in
John Lee, a former beat cop who became Hong Kong's security chief and played a key role in suppressing democracy protests, became the business hub's new leader on Friday in a ceremony overseen by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Women battle for seats in PNG parliament
Women are fighting to get at least one seat in Papua New Guinea's male-dominated parliament when voting opens Monday in a mountainous, forest-clad land scarred by gender-based violence.
17 dead in southern Ukraine strikes, after Russia quits Snake Island
At least 17 people were killed and dozens wounded Friday in missile strikes on Ukraine's Odessa region, a day after Russian troops abandoned positions on a strategic island in a major setback to the Kremlin's invasion.
Xi hails China's rule over Hong Kong at handover anniversary
President Xi Jinping hailed China's rule over Hong Kong on Friday as he led 25th anniversary celebrations of the city's handover from Britain, insisting that democracy was flourishing despite a years-long political crackdown that has silenced dissent.
Bankrupt Sri Lanka's inflation jumps beyond 50%
Sri Lanka's inflation hit a ninth consecutive record in June, official data showed Friday, rising to 54.6 percent a day after the IMF asked the bankrupt nation to rein in galloping prices and corruption.
China accuses New Zealand of 'misguided' accusations
China accused New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday of making "wrong and thus regrettable" statements that were unhelpful for keeping the two countries' relationship "on the right track".
India bans many single-use plastics to tackle waste
India imposed a ban on many single-use plastics on Friday in a bid to tackle waste choking rivers and poisoning wildlife, but experts say it faces severe headwinds from unprepared manufacturers and consumers unwilling to pay more.
Xi hails China's rule over Hong Kong at handover ceremony
President Xi Jinping hailed China's rule over Hong Kong on Friday as he led 25th anniversary celebrations of the city's handover from Britain, insisting that democracy was flourishing despite a years-long political crackdown that has silenced dissent.
World Bank creates fund to better prevent, respond to pandemics
The World Bank's board on Thursday approved creation of a fund meant to finance investments in strengthening the fight against pandemics.
Globetrotter Cheika looking to revitalize Argentina
Former Australia coach Michael Cheika takes charge of Argentina for the first time on Saturday when Scotland visit the northern city of San Salvador de Jujuy, as the globe-trotting handler begins the tricky task of forming a cohesive unit out of his eternal exiles.
Russian ban and Olympic dream prompted Georgia switch before Wimbledon
Natela Dzalamidze, who switched from representing Russia to playing for Georgia on the eve of Wimbledon, said Thursday she had always intended to change her nationality to boost her dreams of taking part in the Olympics.
Asian markets struggle as traders gripped by recession fear
Asian markets struggled again Friday following another selloff on Wall Street fuelled by recession fears, with warnings of a bleak outlook for the global economy as central banks slam on the brakes to battle soaring inflation.
Australian, French leaders meet to mend frayed ties
French President Emmanuel Macron will hold talks Friday in Paris with Australia's new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seeking to repair ties badly damaged by the ditching of a submarine contract.
ICC marks 20th birthday with Ukraine in sights
The International Criminal Court marks its 20th anniversary on Friday, with the Ukraine war giving the tribunal new impetus after two decades of criticism and controversy.
China's Xi presides over muted Hong Kong handover anniversary
Chinese leader Xi Jinping presided Friday over tightly choreographed celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain, with once annual demonstrations silenced and a massive security presence in force.