A former “Islamic State” militant returns to Russia

Pope Francis thanks Iraq officials for allowing him to make his historic trip to the country and questions the need to fight wars that ‘devour humanity’.

The Islamic State group claims responsibility for seizing the northern town of Palma in Mozambique. It's the latest attack in an escalating Islamist insurgency sweeping the region. Also, tensions erupt between students and the government in South Africa over free higher education. Our correspondents went to find out whether cancelling student debt is a viable option. And we catch up with DR Congo music star Fabregas Le Métis Noir in the lead-up to the release of his first French-language album.

The Islamic State group claims responsibility for seizing the northern town of Palma in Mozambique. It's the latest attack in an escalating Islamist insurgency sweeping the region. Also, tensions erupt between students and the government in South Africa over free higher education. Our correspondents went to find out whether cancelling student debt is a viable option. And we catch up with DR Congo music star Fabregas Le Métis Noir in the lead-up to the release of his first French-language album.

An Afghan national, codenamed Basim and who allegedly led the terrorist group's military structure, has been detained in Istanbul.

A group of fighters from the Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram have pledged allegiance to rival group the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) weeks after the former group's leader died, a video obtained by Reuters showed.

The head of Germany's foreign intelligence agency has warned that the Islamic State is just as strong as it ever was — even without its caliphate. Terrorism experts agree that it has morphed into a powerful network.

After the so-called "Islamic State" saw its influence wane in the Middle East, the group and its affiliates targeted poorly governed areas in Africa. But just how big is the threat across the continent?

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Thursday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Thursday.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

More than 10 people are reported to have died and at least 50 injured. State media blamed the attack on the 'Islamic State' (IS) militant group, which has revived its campaign of violence in Iraq.

Islamic State suicide bombers attacked crowds of people gathered Thursday outside Kabul airport hoping to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, killing dozens including 13 US troops, as President Joe Biden vowed to hunt down those responsible.

The bombings at Kabul airport show central Asia's Islamic State affiliate, IS-K, is a major security threat in Afghanistan and globally. The group has a record of lethal attacks and finds the Taliban too moderate.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Friday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Friday.⁣⁣ ⁣