News brief: Big stories of the day

Anti-Haftar forces near Libya capital launch counter-attack

Forces loyal to Libya's unity government announced Saturday a counter-attack against military strongman Khalifa Haftar's fighters, as clashes south of the capital Tripoli intensified.

Attack at government office building kills 11 in Kabul

Eleven people were killed and eight civilians wounded after assailants armed with guns, grenades and suicide bomb jackets stormed an 18-story government office building in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Saturday.

As comedian eyes presidency, Ukraine braces for uncertain future

Ukraine readied Saturday for a change in leadership as a young comedian appeared set to crush his incumbent rival in presidential polls, delivering a stinging rebuke to the old elite.

50 Syrian soldiers killed in Islamic State attacks

At least 50 Syrian soldiers have been killed in attacks carried out by Islamic State and al Qaeda in the last few days, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Saturday.

Over 30,000 displaced in Libya after Haftar offensive

Expressing "grave concern" over the violation of International Humanitarian Law in Libya, United Nations said nearly 30,200 people have been displaced so far amid hostilities in the country.