Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they killed six "armed bandits" in a shootout in the country's southeast that also left three of its members dead.

Ukraine said Saturday one of its soldiers was killed in fighting with pro-Moscow separatists, as the US again warned Russia against any attacks on the country. 

Two rockets fired from Gaza early Saturday fell into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Tel Aviv, the Israeli army said, with no injuries reported.

Pope Francis urged the world to "roll up our sleeves" for peace in a New Year's message Saturday, telling the faithful to keep positive while working to build a better society.

Iran said Friday the current U.S. administration is also "responsible" for the assassination two years ago of its revered commander Qassem Soleimani, as the Islamic republic started commemorations to mark his death.

Israeli troops Friday shot dead a Palestinian man who attempted to stab soldiers and settlers at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank, the military said.

The world prepared to usher in 2022 on Friday after another tumultuous and pandemic-ridden year capped by new restrictions, soaring case numbers, and a slight glimmer of hope for better times ahead.

Turkey's currency crisis turned increasingly political on Thursday after a top minister urged citizens to sue economists who comment on social media about the lira's slide.

India's tiger conservation body said 126 of the endangered big cats died in 2021, the most since it began compiling data a decade ago.

European champions Chelsea announced Thursday an annual loss of £145.6 million ($196.7 million, 173.5 million euros) for the year to June 30 2021 despite their Champions League triumph.