Soldiers stop a vehicle at a military checkpoint in Jolo, Sulu, in the southern Philippines, Sept. 25, 2014.

39 Islamic State-Linked Abu Sayyaf Militants Surrender in the Philippines

Among them is one who participated in high-profile abductions and executions of foreigners, the military says.

22 Thai Tourists Detained in Myanmar for ‘Trespassing’ Wait to Get Home

22 Thai Tourists Detained in Myanmar for ‘Trespassing’ Wait to Get Home

Thai embassy in Yangon scrambles to help them, while regional authorities in Myanmar want Naypyidaw to press charges.

Indonesia’s Program to De-radicalize MIT Militants Off-Target, Analysts Say

Indonesia’s Program to De-radicalize MIT Militants Off-Target, Analysts Say

In efforts to reform ex-fighters, government must pay more attention to education and community outreach, observers in Poso regency say.

Philippine Military to Forgo Yuletide Truce with Communist Rebels

Philippine Military to Forgo Yuletide Truce with Communist Rebels

In the spirit of Christmas, the Armed Forced of the Philippines traditionally observe a ceasefire – but not this year.

How a Christian-Muslim Conflict in Eastern Indonesia Birthed the MIT Militant Group

How a Christian-Muslim Conflict in Eastern Indonesia Birthed the MIT Militant Group

Many who joined the group had lost relatives to violence in Poso in 1998-2001, a former militant says.

Bangladesh to Start Sending Rohingya Refugees to Remote Island This Week

Bangladesh to Start Sending Rohingya Refugees to Remote Island This Week

International organizations have criticized the plan, saying Bhashan Char is vulnerable to cyclones and not inhabitable.

Thai Court Clears PM Prayuth of Conflict of Interest over Military Housing

Thai Court Clears PM Prayuth of Conflict of Interest over Military Housing

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters express concerns that judicial system is not reliable.

Malaysia Launches Probes into Top Glove’s Housing for Workers

Malaysia Launches Probes into Top Glove’s Housing for Workers

Six factories are being investigated after raids uncovered cramped, uncomfortable accommodations for laborers.

Philippines: Chief of Autonomous Muslim Region Says he Needs More Transition Time

Philippines: Chief of Autonomous Muslim Region Says he Needs More Transition Time

The pandemic and IS-linked militants have stalled reforms, Murad Ebrahim, head of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, tells BenarNews.

Thailand Threatens to Reject Electricity from Laos Dam Over Environmental, Security Concerns

Thailand Threatens to Reject Electricity from Laos Dam Over Environmental, Security Concerns

Experts say Thailand can prevent dam construction as it is the intended market for the power.

Bangladesh Roundly Criticized as it Begins Moving Rohingya to Remote Island

Bangladesh Roundly Criticized as it Begins Moving Rohingya to Remote Island

Dhaka broke its promise not to relocate refugees until humanitarian experts approved the move, Human Rights Watch says.

Indonesia: Controversial Cleric Apologizes over Gatherings after Public Outcry

Indonesia: Controversial Cleric Apologizes over Gatherings after Public Outcry

With COVID cases surging, police still seek to question Muhammad Rizieq Shihab over health protocol violations.

Five Years on, Indonesian Manhunts Fail to Destroy MIT Militant Group

Five Years on, Indonesian Manhunts Fail to Destroy MIT Militant Group

The Islamic State-linked Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen group remains small but lethal.

Philippine Special Forces Kill 5 Communist Rebels in Southern Clash

Philippine Special Forces Kill 5 Communist Rebels in Southern Clash

A bomb maker for the New People’s Army was among those slain during raid in South Cotabato.

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Troubled Waters:
The South China Sea

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Indonesia: Putting the Sigi Attack in Context

Indonesia: Putting the Sigi Attack in Context

Bangladesh Starts Moving Rohingya to Bay of Bengal Isle

Philippines: Extended Bangsamoro Transition Reasonable, but Risky

Philippines: Extended Bangsamoro Transition Reasonable, but Risky

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