WASHINGTON—Online appeals from the so-called Islamic State to wage jihad are nothing new. But now they’re suggesting a very new tactic. Virtual digital money is increasingly being promoted as a way for money-needy jihadists to support their efforts, according to intelligence agency and media reports. Also known as crypto-currency, the trading method has rapidly grown […]
Italian authorities say at least 29 African migrants have died of hypothermia while crossing the Mediterranean in freezing weather and rough seas. The Italian coast guard says it found seven people dead when it answered a distress call from the migrants’ boat off Libya late Sunday. It says 22 others died on a vessel that […]
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said his government receives information about U.S.-led airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, but he stressed there is no direct cooperation. Assad told the BBC in Damascus that there are exchanges of messages through third parties, such as Iraq, but the exchanges do not include tactical information. He said Syria […]
MANILA—The Philippine Navy is upgrading its capabilities at a time of continuing tensions with China over disputed territory in the South China Sea. In recent weeks, an Indonesian naval shipbuilder started work on two “strategic sealift vessels” that the Philippines is acquiring for more than $87 million and expects within two years, said Commander Lued […]