Russia rejects criticism of air strikes in Syria, Iraq welcomes air strikes

Lavrov says operations targeting "ISIL and other terrorist groups", with announcement of raids in two Syrian provinces.

Russia's foreign minister has defended Russia's military operations in Syria after it came under international criticism during a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Sergey Lavrov said the goal of the Russian military operation was in response to the request of President Bashar al-Assad and on the basis of the decision granted by the Russian parliament with the Russian president and in accordance with the Russian constitution.

Russian warplanes backing Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad bombed rebel groups for a second day Thursday as reports suggested Iran is sending combat troops to support the embattled regime in Damascus.

Boko Haram Disguised as Preacher, kill scores in Borno

Recent Timeline of attacks:

Sunday - Tuesday: At least 200 people killed by gunmen in military dress in a wave of attacks on six villages in the Gwoza area of Borno state.
Wednesday: Some 45 people killed by militants posing as preachers in Barderi village near Maiduguri, the capital Borno State
Thursday: Two killed in gunfire exchange in village of Madagali, Adamawa state

Boko Haram Islamist militants launched an attack in a village near the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing about 45 people.

Speaking to the BBC, a Survivors said the attackers said they had come to preach, before opening fire on a crowd that gathered. Meanwhile, residents and officials fear at least 200 people were killed in a wave of attacks earlier this week.

The militants came into the village of Barderi, near the University of Maiduguri on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday night, telling people to gather to hear them preach, but then turned the guns on the crowd.

The insurgents have used various tactics to gather residents together when they enter a village before attacking them.