Iraqi forces begin new anti-ISIS sweep in al-Sharqat

The new campaign, backed by tribal forces, is the latest in a series of operations to secure the edges of the Salaheddine province district.

Northern Syria region sees high rates of school attendance

The number of enrolled students this year passed the 80,000 mark, almost double the number of students last year, a local official told Diyaruna.

IRGC expands its presence in Syria's Ghouta

Charitable, social and educational organisations backed by Iran are spreading out in the Damascus suburbs, an activist cautions.

Iraq launches post-ISIS stabilisation project

The project seeks, through various means, to improve the livelihoods of more than a million Iraqis in areas of the country liberated from ISIS.

10 ISIS elements arrested in security raids in Mosul

Relentless security efforts have netted 10 individuals wanted on terrorism charges based on tip-offs by the local population and intelligence information.

Iran seeks to corner Syria reconstruction market

The Iranian regime is seeking to ensure its future presence in Syria by establishing a dominant position in the country's economic sectors , experts say.

Ramadi rebuilds low-income complex post-ISIS

A 100-unit low income housing complex has been fully restored, and there are plans for further rehabilitation and new home construction.

Tension in Idlib as clashes, assassinations resume

The recent assassination of a Tahrir al-Sham commander comes amid a spike in acts of violence on the edges of Idlib and Hama provinces.

Syrians call on Tahrir al-Sham to release activists

Idlib activists are calling on the extremist alliance to release two of their colleagues, who were detained while advocating for civilians.

Iraqi forces clear Tal Afar mountains of ISIS remnants

A military operation launched this week has led to the killing of three ISIS elements and the arrest of nine others in Tal Afar's mountainous areas.

Joint forces target ISIS in Anbar's southern desert

Iraqi forces have increased the number of operations they are conducting against ISIS remnants in desert areas and along key routes.

Al-Rukban camp residents face worsening conditions

Syrian activists are working to draw attention to conditions in the desert camp near the Syria-Jordan border, where a child died last week.

Iraq Western Desert sweep nets ISIS remnants

Joint forces are conducting an ongoing security sweep in the desert areas of Anbar, Salaheddine and Ninawa provinces, up to the border.

Joint forces increase vigilance in Iraq's Upper Euphrates area

As the Syrian Democratic Forces bear down on ISIS on the other side of the border, joint Iraqi forces step up their operations to prevent ISIS infiltration into the country.

Displaced residents return to al-Rashad in Kirkuk

A first batch of 70 families has returned to al-Hawijah district now that explosives have been cleared and services have been restored.

Russia spreads disinformation with manipulated ISIS video

The botched video is an example of Russian attempts to spread unsubstantiated claims -- this one targeting Arabic and Russian speakers.

Iraqi banks reopen their branches in Mosul

The reopening of major national banks in east and west Mosul will help drive reconstruction and stimulate economic activity, officials say.

Cautious calm prevails in Syria's Idlib province

Thousands of families have begun to return to their homes following the announcement of a peaceful settlement, while others are opting to wait until the situation gets clearer.

Syria's White Helmets protest regime, Russian attacks

Syria Civil Defence personnel staged protests to condemn airstrikes against medical teams and facilities in northern Syria.

ISIS inflates its ferocity with fraudulent claims

The group has been claiming random murders and kidnappings that have nothing to do with it, in addition to crimes that never occurred.

8 Yazidis rescued from ISIS after 4-year ordeal

Eight women and children from the minority group have been rescued from ISIS in Syrian territory after spending four years in captivity.

Mosul residents, authorities restore city markets

The local authority has been working with residents of Mosul's Old City to restore destroyed shops and marketplaces and revive the economy.

Al-Qaeda slams Muslims for doubting its role in September 11th attacks

Seventeen years later, al-Qaeda is still focused on its 'victory' in the September 11th terrorist attacks in the US, debunking conspiracy theorists -- and proving its loss of relevance.

Joint forces kill 4 ISIS remnants in al-Sharqat

The large-scale security operation is part of ongoing efforts to rid the remote areas of Salaheddine, Kirkuk and Ninawa of ISIS remnants.

White Helmets refute Russia claims they are 'staging chemical attack'

Russia and the Syrian regime are spreading false rumours that the Syria Civil Defence and some opposition factions are planning to stage chemical attacks in Idlib province, activists say.

Syrian activists describe local elections as a farce

Holding elections is an attempt to circumvent a peaceful political solution by planting regime allies in key administrative posts, they say.

Anbar’s al-Karma welcomes displaced residents home

Basic services are up and running, and security forces continue to conduct sweeps in search of ISIS sites and remnants, officials say.

Scout troops an incubator for IRGC-linked militias in Syria

Militaristic scout troops linked to Hizbullah and the IRGC that are popping up around Syria serve as a pathway to various Iran-backed militias.

Iraqi forces boost security in Ninawa desert

Security forces have been carrying out search and raid operations in the desert areas of Ninawa province's southern Hatra district.

As tension builds, extremists join forces in Idlib

Ahead of an anticipated regime assault, Tahrir al-Sham and ISIS have negotiated a truce, and ISIS has joined forces with rival Hurras al-Din.

Iraq deepens international counter-terror co-operation

Iraq has been exchanging counter-terrorism intelligence information on ISIS operatives and cells with countries in the region and beyond.

Iraqi forces sweep Anbar desert for explosives

About 175 improvised explosive devices and seven tunnels were destroyed in the latest operation against ISIS remnants in Anbar's desert areas.

SDF launch final phase of Deir Ezzor operation

The Syrian Democratic Forces have begun the final phase of an operation to drive ISIS from the provinces of Deir Ezzor and al-Hasakeh.

In Mosul, a vibrant art scene takes root amid the rubble

Some artists portray the bitterness they experienced during ISIS's rule, while others present themes of hope and a bright future.

Iran-funded foundation makes 'soft power' inroads in Syria

A foundation operated by Lebanon's Hizbullah with direct funding from Iran has been attempting to further Iranian interests in Syria.

School year gets under way in Syria's Manbij

The reopening of schools and other cultural events encourage freedom of expression and signal a return to normal life, residents say.

Joint forces storm ISIS remnants in al-Sharqat

The Salaheddine Operations Command, al-Sharqat police and Iraqi army and air force killed 19 ISIS elements in a surprise attack.

Iraqi forces, SWAT team collaborate to oust ISIS from Albu Saif

Elite and security forces have been co-operating to clear the islands of Albu Saif, south of Mosul, from ISIS remnants.

Idlib's displaced face harsh living conditions

Internally displaced persons face difficult conditions, from high temperatures to water scarcity and the lack of a sanitation system.

Iran tightens grip on pro-regime Syrian militias

Dozens of fighters from the pro-regime National Defence Forces have opted to join militias directly aligned with the IRGC following recent clashes between the two sides.

Iraqi forces target ISIS's food supply sources

ISIS sleeper cells are supporting the group by smuggling food and water to militants hiding in remote areas.

Al-Hasakeh town of Markada regains its vigour

Residents of the southern al-Hasakeh town have been working with local authorities to restore services and revive commercial activity.

Salaheddine's Baiji refinery is ready to reopen

The Salaheddine 2 unit will return to operation this month with a 70,000 barrels per day capacity, with Saleheddine 1 slated to reopen later.

Iraqi forces kill 4 ISIS elements in al-Hawija

A recent search operation led to the uncovering of a network of tunnels the militants used to travel between rest houses and carry out attacks, according to the Federal Police.

Intense airstrikes pound rural Idlib and Hama

At least nine civilians were killed in Russian and regime airstrikes in rural Idlib and Hama provinces that triggered a wave of displacement.

Iraqi intelligence dismantles ISIS cell in Ramadi

The cell, which had been planning attacks in areas west of the city, was apprehended as a result of strong intelligence co-operation.

Iran-Syria accord cements IRGC presence in Syria

The latest military and defence co-operation agreement allows for continued Iranian 'presence and participation' in Syria.

Ninawa schools seek to erase effects of ISIS

ISIS sought to impose its deviant ideology on susceptible youth, but with the group gone, its influence is fading fast, educators say.

Children killed in Russian strikes on Syria's Idlib: monitor

The UN, the US and Turkey are warning against an offensive on Idlib, saying it would trigger 'a catastrophe'.

ISIS remnants target remote Diyala villages

Despite a spate of sporadic, nighttime attacks on remote villages and outlying areas of the province, ISIS is no longer capable of engaging Iraqi forces.