The death toll from clashes between Islamists and police in Bangladesh has risen to 20 people, police said May 6, Reuters reported.

The Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for the May 6 suicide bombing at an election rally for members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam religious party, Reuters reported.

The UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement denouncing a visit by an Iranian Shura Council delegation to the disputed islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, SPA reported May 6.

Malaysia's ruling National Front coalition retained its 56-year hold on power by winning a simple majority of 112 seats in the 222-seat national parliament in polls May 5, the country's Election Commission said, AFP reported.

Libya's General National Congress passed the Isolation Law on May 5, barring anyone who held a senior position under ousted leader Moammar Gadhafi from working in the new administration, Reuters reported.

According to Lebanon's Hezbollah-affiliated Almayadeen television channel, senior Syrian officials have said the Syrian military has deployed missile batteries aimed at Israel, Israel News reported May 5.

Egypt has condemned Israeli strikes in Syria, saying that the strikes violate international law and will only further complicate matters, The Daily Star reported May 5.