Archive For 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 January February March April May June July August September October November December Submit Security 2019-11-29 Iraqi forces beef up security in eastern Diyala The area's natural terrain has been conducive to harboring ISIS remnants, prompting the local authorities to impose extra security measures. Refugees 2019-11-29 Syria metalsmith welds shelters for Idlib's displaced With winter approaching in Idlib province, the welder nicknamed 'metalsmith of the camps' says his skills are in especially high demand. Security 2019-11-28 France remains committed to regional partnerships France's ongoing presence and engagement, mainly through the war on ISIS and the fight against smuggling, contribute to the region's security and stability. Women's Rights 2019-11-28 From captive to activist, a Yazidi girl's fight against violence Iman Abbas was only 13 when ISIS stormed through her village in Sinjar, separated her from her family and sold her on "slave markets" to ISIS members. Terrorism 2019-11-27 6 dead in Baghdad blasts amid deadly protests The three explosions went off near-simultaneously in the first such violence in the capital after months of relative calm. Terrorism 2019-11-27 3,524 Yazidis rescued from ISIS to date A total of 6,417 Yazidis had disappeared after the terror group overran Sinjar in 2014. Security 2019-11-27 Salaheddine government prepares for return of residents to al-Awja Residents were displaced in 2014 when security forces fought to liberate the area from ISIS. Now work is under way to restore services and enable the return of IDPs. Human Rights 2019-11-27 Russia, Syria must answer for Wagner Group murder: lawyer The Russian mercenaries responsible for the brutal 2017 murder of a Syrian conscript must be held to account, along with their backers. Security 2019-11-26 Heavy bombardment heralds Syrian regime advance in Idlib Syrian and Russian airstrikes have emptied villages and towns in rural Idlib and Hama, paving the way for a ground advance, an activist says. Security 2019-11-26 Iraqi forces raze ISIS hideouts in Anbar desert The 72-hour operation sought to secure the desert near the Syrian border from ISIS remnants and destroy areas where they might shelter. Protests 2019-11-26 Iraqi protestors denounce 'hostile behaviour' of Iran-backed militias The militias consider the protests a threat to their very existence and to the influence of the IRGC in Iraq. Media 2019-11-25 ISIS messaging efforts in disarray following defeats Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death has revealed a serious lack of co-ordination among ISIS's different branches around the world. Security 2019-11-25 Iraqi forces, coalition pound ISIS remnants in al-Sharqat Coalition warplanes targeted ISIS in al-Khanouka mountains, destroying three underground tunnels and a hideout. Media 2019-11-25 European police launch cyber attack on ISIS Officers plan to reveal more about the operation at a Monday news conference at Europol's headquarters in the Netherlands. Security 2019-11-25 Showdown looms over Syria chemical weapons probe A new team that has the authority to name the perpetrators of chemical attacks in Syria is expected to release its first report early next year. Security 2019-11-25 SDF hunt down ISIS remnants in Deir Ezzor The operation, conducted in co-ordination with the international coalition, has so far led to the capture of more than 20 ISIS elements. Security 2019-11-22 ISIS rest-houses, explosives destroyed in Hatra desert The security operation is focused on the desert areas of Ninawa, from the town of Hatra towards al-Baaj district and the Iraq-Syria border. Human Rights 2019-11-22 UK begins to repatriate British orphans in Syria Three British orphans whose parents belonged to ISIS have been handed over to a delegation representing the British Foreign Ministry. Refugees 2019-11-22 Iraq helps former IDPs settle into their homes in al-Karma Thousands of Iraqi families are spending their first winter in their own homes after living in tents in IDP camps for five years. Human Rights 2019-11-22 In bombed-out camp, displaced Syrians say they are no longer safe The bombardment by regime forces shattered a popular belief that areas along the Turkish frontier were relatively safe, camp residents say. Security 2019-11-21 Iraqi forces kill 6 ISIS militants in Badoush mountains The operation north-west of Mosul targeted militants who 'may have infiltrated Iraq via the Syria border', an official says. Security 2019-11-21 France supports Iraqi military in post-ISIS era After supporting Iraq in its battle to oust ISIS, France has continued to assist the Iraqi military with training and equipment in the post-ISIS era. Security 2019-11-21 Syrian regime, Tahrir al-Sham wrestle in rural Idlib Fierce fighting is ongoing in eastern Idlib province as the regime and its allies seek to wrest control of the area from Tahrir al-Sham. Terrorism 2019-11-21 ISIS likely to decentralise financing: US official The group's financial operations are expected to move away from a centralised model in Iraq and Syria into a much more fragmented one after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Economy 2019-11-20 Basra protestors push back on Iranian interference Residents of the southern province taking part in the ongoing protests say they have been angered by the intervention of Iran-aligned militias. Crime & Justice 2019-11-20 2 Dutch ISIS women arrested on return home The women, one of whom has two young children, are being held on charges of participating in a terrorist organisation. Terrorism 2019-11-20 More countries affected by terrorism even as deaths fall: index For the first time since 2003, Iraq was not the country worst-hit by terrorism, according to the index. Security 2019-11-20 Iraqi forces launch surprise anti-ISIS attack in Mutaibija ISIS remnants have been converging on the area that lies between Salaheddine and Diyala in a bid to regroup, but Iraqi forces are on the lookout. Society 2019-11-19 Deir Ezzor activists expose locations of IRGC bases Maps, photos and other information has been posted online, despite the IRGC's efforts to conceal its movements and keep a low profile. Terrorism 2019-11-19 US clamps down on ISIS financing network in Syria, region The US Treasury has designated individuals and companies involved in financing the group and facilitating its operations. Protests 2019-11-19 Najaf unhappy with 'foreign interference' in Iraqi affairs The Iranian regime is worried that the current protests will gain in size and momentum and undermine its influence in Iraq, analysts say. Security 2019-11-18 Iraqi forces secure al-Qayyarah outskirts from ISIS threat The district, along with other towns south of Mosul, has been the site of successive military campaigns over the past two months to crack down on ISIS remnants. Protests 2019-11-18 Iran spy agency leaks reveal 'vast' sway in Iraq Leaked reports show Iran has been working to maintain Iraq as a client state and ensure political factions loyal to Tehran remain in power. Security 2019-11-18 Russian strikes continue to kill civilians in Idlib Airstrikes on the city of Saraqeb and the village of al-Milaja have left at least nine civilians dead and many others wounded, an activist says. Security 2019-11-15 Iraqi forces destroy ISIS shelters near Allas oilfield Security forces have been protecting the Allas and Ajeel oilfields from ISIS attacks in co-operation with Salaheddine police and tribesmen. Society 2019-11-15 Syrian regime zeroes in on Damascus-area youth Syrian regime forces have been pursuing young men in the Damascus hinterland in violation of agreements intended to protect them. Youth 2019-11-14 IRGC continues to recruit children in Deir Ezzor A new scout centre sponsored by the Syrian-Iranian Friendship Association in Deir Ezzor is merely a front for IRGC recruitment, an activist says. Security 2019-11-14 Iraq eyes closer ties with France through military, economic co-operation French president Emmanuel Macron is slated to visit Iraq in November to explore further co-operation on the military, security and economic fronts. Security 2019-11-14 Iraqi forces nab ISIS 'incursions commander' in Ninawa Officials say the ISIS operative was responsible for a spate of attacks carried out over the last two years in east Mosul and western Ninawa. Politics 2019-11-14 Iraqi protesters denounce Iranian interference Slogans shouted on the streets of Iraq during the ongoing protests reflect the Iraqi people's resentment of the Iranian regime. Society 2019-11-13 Kirkuk encourages displaced families to return Efforts to help Kirkuk families displaced by ISIS return to their homes are making headway, with three displacement camps closing. Protests 2019-11-13 Daraa protesters decry creeping Iranian influence Demonstrators expressed their anger at the expansion of Iranian influence in the region and the policies and actions of the Syrian regime. Security 2019-11-13 Anbar district begins home-rebuilding campaign The campaign aims to rehabilitate at least 700 homes damaged during the battle to oust ISIS from the western Anbar district of al-Baghdadi. Terrorism 2019-11-13 Dozens attend funeral of ISIS-slain priest in northeast Syria Joseph Hanna Ibrahim and his father were killed on the road to Deir Ezzor, where they were going to inspect a church restoration project. Health 2019-11-12 Iraqi paralympic athletes gain international acclaim Some Iraqi athletes who suffered debilitating injuries in terror attacks have gone on to compete in international sports championships. Security 2019-11-12 Iraqi forces raid ISIS hideouts in Makhmour district More than a dozen ISIS remnants who had been hiding out in the mountainous area south-east of Mosul were killed in the surprise operation. Human Rights 2019-11-12 Dutch must help to return ISIS children: court The Netherlands must 'actively' commit itself to repatriating the children residing in camps in Syria, according to a judge who ruled on the case. Terrorism 2019-11-12 Idlib residents refuse to pay ‘olive zakat’ to Tahrir al-Sham Protests broke out in cities across the province after the group stationed zakat collectors at all olive mills and demanded payment. Economy 2019-11-11 Salaheddine works to rebuild Baiji district post-ISIS Baiji's local government has been hard at work to reconstruct damaged homes and provide basic services in order to encourage IDPs to return. Security 2019-11-08 Trade stagnant as al-Qaim border crossing serves Iran-backed militias The reopening of the border linking Baghdad and Damascus brought hope of an economic revival that has yet to materialise. Terrorism 2019-11-07 New ISIS chief 'a nobody': US official Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Qurashi appears to be a little-known figure even among ISIS followers online, according to a senior US official. Human Rights 2019-11-07 Russian, Syrian strikes knock hospital, civil defence centre out of service A maternity hospital in Idlib province and a civil defence centre operated by the White Helmets in rural Aleppo suffered extensive damage. Health 2019-11-06 Ninawa hospitals gradually return to service A plan to restore the province's healthcare facilities, heavily damaged during the battle to oust ISIS, has been making steady progress. Economy 2019-11-06 Iraqi pilot project helps former IDPs generate income The programme is focused on helping families displaced by ISIS overcome the challenges they face upon returning to their former homes. Refugees 2019-11-06 Heavy rain worsens conditions at IDP camps in rural Idlib The advent of winter has devastated camps in the area amid the absence of humanitarian organisations and the incompetent governance of Tahrir al-Sham. Security 2019-11-05 Iraqi forces launch security operation against ISIS remnants in Ninawa The new operation targets remote areas in the province after cities and towns have been largely secured against the group's threat. Terrorism 2019-11-05 Al-Baghdadi sister arrested in northern Syria The arrest of Rasmiya Awad along with her family could be an 'intelligence gold mine', according to a Turkish official. Security 2019-11-05 Russian, Syrian warplanes hit a school in Idlib Russian and Syrian warplanes have stepped up their bombardment in various areas of Idlib province, resulting in a number of civilian deaths. Security 2019-11-04 Iraqi forces arrest ISIS leader in south Baghdad The militant had been planning terror attacks to derail the ongoing anti-government protests in Iraq. Education 2019-11-04 Teachers in Idlib protest suspension of aid Syrian teachers and activists in areas of Idlib still outside regime control warn that children might be deprived of education in the current school year. Terrorism 2019-11-04 Disputes on Telegram over 'apostates' reveal growing rifts within ISIS-K A split in opinion on Telegram and other social media platforms over the Islamic credentials of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has exposed disunity within the terrorist group. Politics 2019-11-04 Iraq protests spread after 4 killed outside Iran consulate A crowd of demonstrators gathered around the consulate in Karbala to protest against Iran's interference in Iraq. Economy 2019-11-01 Al-Rutba rehabilitates 22 service projects IDPs have returned en masse to the border district of al-Rutba amid a flurry of reconstruction activity and the restoration of basic services. Security 2019-11-01 Pentagon releases video, photos of al-Baghdadi raid Grainy black-and-white footage shows US troops approaching the high-walled compound where the ISIS leader was holed up. Terrorism 2019-11-01 ISIS names little-known al-Baghdadi successor Little is known about 'Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Qurashi', whose name was seldom mentioned as a possible successor to al-Baghdadi.