Security | 2020-04-03 Base handover shows growing Iraqi capabilities: experts The Iraqi Security Forces are now able to rely on themselves to manage and implement military operations targeting ISIS elements, military experts said. Health | 2020-04-03 Needy Syrians in Kurd-run areas receive food The autonomous administration has been compiling lists of families in greatest need and has started distributing food in some areas. Society | 2020-04-03 Projects underway to rebuild Salaheddine cities affected by terrorism Despite having to postpone an international funding conference due to COVID-19 fears, the province presses on with reconstruction projects. Security | 2020-04-02 Paramilitary groups leave PMF for Iraqi army Four Najaf-aligned factions left the Popular Mobilisation Forces to join the Iraqi army, reflecting a trend towards keeping arms in state hands. Terrorism | 2020-04-02 Extremists set tents on fire in Syria's al-Hol camp Security forces are taking steps to prevent future attacks staged by self-appointed vigilantes and to protect camp residents from coronavirus. Security | 2020-04-02 Iraqi forces launch counter-terror operations in Diyala Iraqi forces embark on a series of pre-emptive operations to track down ISIS elements in Diyala. Security forces also attacked ISIS hideouts, killing four remnants of the terrorist group. Security | 2020-04-01 French task force builds up Iraqi soldiers' skills French forces have focused on training Iraqi troops since playing an instrumental role in ousting ISIS from its last Syrian stronghold. Security | 2020-04-01 Banking services restored in Anbar's Anah district The local Al-Rafidain Bank branch has reopened at a new location, two years after its old building was damaged in the fight to oust ISIS. Society | 2020-04-01 Syria war records lowest monthly death toll While the death toll is the lowest since the conflict began nine years ago, there are mounting fears about the impact of novel coronavirus. Security | 2020-04-01 Iraqi forces kill 3 ISIS elements in Wadi al-Tharthar Iraqi forces successfully carried out a joint operation to rid the areas from western Salaheddine to southern Ninawa of ISIS remnants. Security | 2020-03-31 Anbar Olympic Stadium reconstruction begins ISIS blew up the 30,000-seat stadium in Ramadi in 2015, reducing it to a pile of rubble and prohibiting youth from watching sports. Security | 2020-03-31 US deploys Patriot air defence system to Iraq The Patriot systems are made of high performance radars and interceptor missiles that can destroy incoming ballistic missiles in flight. Security | 2020-03-30 Calm restored at Kurd-run Syria jail after ISIS riot Four detainees believed to have broken out of Ghouairan prison in the town of al-Hasakeh had been tracked down within the jail with help from coalition aircraft. Security | 2020-03-27 Iran-backed militias attempt to recruit Iraqi youth Despite the militias' best efforts, including promises of money and 'immunity', Iraqi youth are resistant to joining factions that serve Iran. Politics | 2020-03-27 US sanctions vast network of IRGC-QF officials, front companies The network's activities include transferring arms to Iran-backed Iraqi militias, smuggling weapons to Yemen and selling oil to Syria's regime. Security | 2020-03-26 Russia, Iran hijacked Syria's revolution, activists say As the conflict enters its tenth year, activists say they blame outside intervention from regime allies for extending the war. Security | 2020-03-26 Iraqi forces pound ISIS hideouts in Diyala province Ongoing security operations have rendered ISIS remnants 'weaker than ever', a military spokesman told Diyaruna. Security | 2020-03-26 Rockets hit Iraq's Green Zone, US-led coalition leaves base This month's attacks have been claimed by a previously unknown group identifying itself as Usbat al-Thaereen, but the coalition expects the group is an amalgamation of more well-known militias. Security | 2020-03-25 Iraqis support closing border with Iran to stem coronavirus spread Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus, Iran-aligned Iraqi militias are attempting to keep the borders open using pressure tactics to serve Iran's economic interests. Health | 2020-03-25 Governance failures imperil Syrians in regime-controlled areas With coronavirus cases now surfacing in Syria, activists have expressed alarm that the regime is not doing enough to prevent the spread. Security | 2020-03-24 Iraqi, Peshmerga forces work together to fight ISIS The Iraqi Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs are working together to fight ISIS remnants and improve security. Health | 2020-03-24 Medical teams ward off COVID-19 in north Syria Preventive measures are being implemented as aid groups warn that the Idlib region is especially vulnerable to a coronavirus outbreak. Health | 2020-03-24 Spotlight shines on coronavirus lies spread by China, Russia and Iran Despite overwhelming evidence, leaders in China, Russia and Iran are spreading disinformation about the origin of COVID-19, each for their own malign reasons. Security | 2020-03-23 France supports regional, international efforts to fight terrorism France's carrier strike group arrived in the Mediterranean at the end of January for a one-month mission within the international coalition fighting ISIS. Security | 2020-03-23 International coalition reaches out to al-Hasakeh businesses Local business leaders have been invited to become certified and registered for contracts with the coalition to help revitalise the region and keep ISIS at bay. Security | 2020-03-23 Al-Baghouz residents clean detritus of war one year after ISIS 'We are fixing the wreckage so we can sow this land with wheat for bread,' a local farmer said, pointing out discarded explosive belts and tattered military vests crumpled in the dust. Health | 2020-03-23 Iraq on lockdown as Syria reports first COVID-19 case As measures to contain the virus are extended across Iraq, Health Minister exhorts populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to call off mass prayers. Health | 2020-03-20 Iraq works to curtail COVID-19 spread in IDP camps The Ministry of Migration and Displacement is implementing new measures to prevent an outbreak of the novel coronavirus in IDP camps. Terrorism | 2020-03-20 Hizbullah's actions jeopardise Lebanon's economy: analysts The party's affiliation with the Iranian regime and its proxies could deprive Lebanon of the assistance it needs to pull out of its crisis.
