The Syrian regime struck the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa on Saturday, killing at least 29 people, most of whom died in a crowded bakery hit by air strikes, reported AP.

At least 20 civilians were among the dead in the northern Syrian city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, who said that the death toll was likely to rise.

A day after US President Barack Obama announced a global coalition to fight IS, Canada announced that it will send “several dozen” members of its armed forces to work in Iraq, according to Premier Stephen Harper.

A spokesman for Harper described the broader Canadian mission as one that provides "strategic and tactical counsel to Iraqi forces before they start tactical operations" against the Islamic State.

The Indian government has signed a civilian nuclear deal with Australia, allowing the export of Australian uranium to the country, which is facing increasing energy needs.

The deal was signed during Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit to India, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, reported AP.

“I don’t think it’s that complicated because obviously the Iraqi government is a legitimate government... whereas President Assad has committed war crimes on his own people and is therefore illegitimate."

The Nigerian army are reported to be carrying out airstrikes against Boko Haram's bases, especially the town of Bama which had been captured by the militant group earlier this week.

A government official said "Bama today is the centre of the military battle with the terrorists... Boko Haram is being repelled by the Nigerian troops as we are talking now."