Famine threatens war-torn Yemen – UN
Craig TaylorFood shortages, lack of fresh water, and dwindling fuel supplies amid a civil war have pushed Yemen close to famine, the UN warns. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Palmyra archaeologist ‘killed by IS’
The archaeologist who looked after ancient ruins of Palmyra in Syria for 40 years is reported to have been murdered by Islamic State militants. BBC News – Middle East
Iran ‘to work with rivals for peace’
Iran wants to work with regional powers to promote peace and security after last month’s nuclear deal, Vice-President Masumeh Ebtekar tells the BBC. BBC News – Middle East
Syria market air strikes ‘kill 80’
At least 80 people have died after government air strikes on a marketplace in the rebel-held town of Douma, near Damascus, activists say. BBC News – Middle East
IS leader ‘raped US hostage Mueller’
An American aid worker, killed in February while held hostage by Islamic State in Syria, was sexually abused by the group’s top leader, US officials tell ABC news. BBC News – Middle East
Suspected IS chemical attack in Iraq
Militants from Islamic State are suspected of using chemical weapons in an attack against Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, officials say. BBC News – Middle East