Four militant groups in the Niger Delta region: the Coalition of Niger Delta Militant Groups yesterday expressed readiness to dialogue with the Federal Government for peace to return to the oil-rich region.

The group took the decision at the end of a meeting attended by the leader of Niger Delta Watchdogs, General John Duku, leader of Niger Delta Volunteers, General Ekpo Ekpo, Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Fighters, Commander Henry Okon Etete and Commander Asukwo Henshaw, spokesperson for Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF).

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Officials say that at least four soldiers have been killed in a border skirmish between Azerbaijan and Armenian troops.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said one of its troops had been killed in combat.

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A nationwide ceasefire in Syria, brokered by Russia and Turkey, which back opposing sides in the conflict, came into force at midnight on Friday, local time, (2200 GMT on Thursday) in the latest attempt to end nearly six years of bloodshed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced the ceasefire on Thursday after preparing the agreement with Turkey, a longtime backer of the opposition.

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Clashes and reports of gunfire caused chaotic scenes, interfered with economic activities and disrupted Christmas celebrations in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state.

Several aid workers and local officials told Sudan Tribune Tuesday that Christmas celebrations were disrupted by armed clashes which occurred 24 December, as most people stayed indoors.

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At least 13 militants were killed in Egyptian airstrikes in the restive Sinai Peninsula late Sunday, according to a local security source.

Apache helicopter gunships raided hideouts of alleged militants in southern Arish city in northern Sinai, the source said anonymously because he was unauthorized to speak to media.

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