International sanctions on Iran will be lifted on January 16 when the International Atomic Energy Agency issues its final report on Tehran's disputed nuclear program, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted as saying.

An IAEA report verifying that Iran has kept its promises under last year's nuclear deal with world powers and triggering sanctions relief for Tehran is likely to be issued on January 16, a diplomatic source said on January 15.

At least 20 people died and others were taken hostage when Islamist gunmen stormed a hotel in the capital city of Burkina Faso on  February 15, a hospital director told Reuters, and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Indonesian police announced on January 15 that they had arrested three men on suspicion of links to a series of terror bomb attacks and gunfight in downtown Jakarta on the previous day, which caused seven deaths, including five attackers, and injured 20 others. 

Both the ASEAN community and China have publicly criticized the gunfire and bomb attacks that took place in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta on January 14. 

The bodies of nine people, some of whom may have drowned up to 10 days earlier, were found on Turkey's western coast this week as the flow of Europe-bound migrants persisted despite rough winter weather and the efforts of the Turkish government.

Indonesian Minister of National Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu said on January 14 that Bali could be the next target of terrorism following bomb attacks in Sarinah, Jakarta.

Southeast Asian countries should enhance intelligence cooperation to cope with the threat of terrorism, a Thai official said.

(VOV) - US President Barak Obama’s final State of the Union address on January 13 highlighted achievements during his terms of office and challenges that the US is facing. 

The Philippines has asked the United States to hold joint naval patrols, a defense ministry spokesman said on January 14, amid a territorial dispute with China in the East Sea.