Islamic State fighters renew their advance in the Syria-Turkey border town of Kobane, as the US warns that air strikes alone cannot save it.

Mali urges the UN to send a rapid intervention force to fight Islamist militants in the country, following the killing of peacekeepers in the north.

EU leaders meet in Italy to discuss Europe's persistent unemployment problem, but fail to reach agreement as differences over austerity remain.

Hundreds of members of self-defence groups join the search in the Mexican town of Iguala for 43 missing students who disappeared almost two weeks ago.

Asian markets are trading higher after minutes from the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting reduced fears of an early interest rate increase.

The chief executive officer of US retail clothing chain Gap is stepping down as it plans Asian expansion.

Health authorities in Spain put to death the dog of a nurse infected with the Ebola virus in Madrid, sparking protests from animal rights groups.

Advances in bionic hands have restored a sense of touch to two patients for more than a year, report US scientists.