Drone Strikes Kills Taliban Second-In-Command

A U.S. drone strike is suspected to be the cause of death for the Pakistani Taliban’s second-in-command according to the BBC.

A senior Taliban official told the BBC that Waliur Rehman was killed when missiles destroyed a home near Miranshah in the northwest part of the country. The Pakistani Taliban had originally claimed only a local commander was killed but senior sources have contradicted the initial reports. Continue reading

Pakistan Troops Rush To Earthquake Site

Pakistan troops are rushing to a remote region of the Balochistan province to help with rescue efforts after a massive 7.8 magnitude quake.

The region is at least 10 hours from the provincial capital by car and the route is extremely dangerous. Rescue groups have been hesitant to travel because of Islamic extremists who routinely kidnap travellers on that road. Continue reading

Strongest Earthquake In 50 Years Shakes Iran; Pakistan; Afghanistan

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Iran reached three countries resulting in fatalities in at least two.

The quake, centered near the Iranian cities of Khash (population 180,000) and Saravan (population 250,000), struck approximately 3:14pm local time Tuesday. The earthquake was measured at a depth of almost 60 miles. The Iranian Fars news agency said on the surface the quake had the impact of a 4.0 surface quake. Continue reading