New ISIS leader remains shrouded in mystery

If Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's successor is to avoid an internal leadership challenge, he will be forced to step out of the shadows, experts say.

Iraqis boycott Iranian products, promote their own

Anger over Iran's influence in Iraq and demands for reform encouraged a protest movement to start a campaign to boycott Iranian goods.

US airstrikes hit pro-Iran militia in Iraq, Syria

The Pentagon says it targeted weapons caches and command and control facilities linked to Kataib Hizbullah in western Iraq and eastern Syria.

Syria regime must halt 'escalation of violence': EU

The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks, protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law, EU says.

ISIS efforts to regroup in northern Iraq doomed to fail: experts

The group's remnants have been ramping up their activities in Diyala, Kirkuk and Salaheddine, but it is impossible for them to achieve any real progress.

Syrian, Russian warplanes target fleeing civilians in Idlib

Thousands of civilians have fled the region over the past two weeks, as fierce fighting rages and airstrikes hit vehicles ferrying civilians to safer areas.

Iraqi president threatens to quit over pro-Iran PM pick

Asaad al-Aidani is considered as the candidate of Iran, which protestors accuse of meddling in Iraq's affairs.

Strikes kill 8 in Syria's Idlib as Turkey, France urge de-escalation

Russian airstrikes on north-west Syria have killed nearly 80 civilians since mid-December, as regime forces advance on the ground despite an August ceasefire.

Iraqi forces maintain control of Hatra desert in Ninawa

Officials say claims that ISIS remnants are regrouping in the Hatra desert are inaccurate and Iraqi security forces remain in control.

US sanctions aim to enhance Iraq's sovereignty: Iraqi politician

Former MP Entifadh Qanbar said sanctions are an effective tool to help undermine Iran's 'harmful influence' in Iraq.

Iraq's al-Zawiya stable despite ISIS activity

The security situation in Salaheddine's Makhoul mountains is stable as ISIS remnants are hunted down by Iraqi and international coalition forces.

Iraqis set conditions for premier's replacement

Protestors have issued a set of criteria that a new Iraqi prime minister must meet, which include 'competence and independence'.

Iran seeks control of key Syria land, sea ports

By gaining control of strategic areas in Syria, Iran has sought to establish corridors through which to transport its fighters and goods.

Syrian regime forces close in on Maaret al-Numan

A Syrian and Russian advance on the largest urban centre of the last opposition bastion has triggered a massive wave of displacement.

Iraqi forces kill 8 ISIS remnants in Makhmour

Missile attacks on an ISIS hideout in the mountain of Qara Jogh leave eight dead, with Iraqi official saying security threats in the area have been on the decline.

ISIS elements express shame, regret post-capture

A former ISIS element who is expected to receive a life sentence spoke with Diyaruna about how joining the extremist group destroyed his life.

White Helmets warn of humanitarian disaster in northern Syria

The rescue group says that an escalation of Syrian and Russian airstrikes in Idlib province has triggered a fresh surge of displacement.

UN calls for 'de-escalation' in Syria's north-west

The organisation condemned the recent intensification of hostilities in Idlib that killed tens of civilians.

Joint security operation to remove ISIS remnants in Diyala

Iraqi commands have created a strike force after sporadic ISIS attacks on military posts in Diyala province killed five soldiers.

Protests rage against Iran's influence in Syria

Hundreds of rural Daraa and Deir Ezzor residents have been taking to the streets to denounce the presence of Iran-backed militias in their areas.

Security forces conduct al-Hol camp crackdown

Forces charged with maintaining security inside the al-Hasakeh province camp have been rooting out the perpetrators of recent violence.

Iraq investigates mass grave near Fallujah

A newly found mass grave will be the first one to be opened in Anbar since ISIS was ousted from the province.

Rains, flooding inundate northern Syria camps

Civilians fleeing Syrian and Russian bombardment in Idlib province have had to contend with heavy flooding in makeshift displacement camps.

Iraqi committee to investigate assassination of activists

A new government committee will investigate the assassination and kidnapping of activists who have taken part in the mass protests.

Idlib children killed in Russian, Syrian strikes

Children are among the casualties of the latest violence in north-western Syria, where the UN is stressing the need to allow access to aid.

Peshmerga forces crack down on ISIS in eastern Iraq

Areas lying between the provinces of Diyala and al-Suleimaniya have seen an uptick in ISIS activity, prompting an immediate crackdown by the Peshmerga.

Baghdad must 'take proactive actions' after strikes on US interests: Washington

The US called on Iraq to take action to protect US interests after a series of attacks that have been blamed on Iran-backed groups.

IRGC-affiliated militia dominates east Aleppo

The so-called Aleppo Defenders Corps militia has extended its influence in the area after sidelining Syrian regime and Russia allied factions.

IRGC supplies Iraqi militias with short-range missiles, advanced weapons

Iraqi sources confirmed that the IRGC is supplying ballistic missiles to Iran-backed militias, which could further undermine Iraq's stability and turn it into an Iranian satellite state.

Pompeo warns Iran of 'decisive response' to Iraq attacks

The US has expressed mounting concern over a flurry of attacks on Iraqi bases used by US troops, several of which it has blamed on Iran-backed factions.

ISIS releases video full of falsehoods: Iraqi officials

The group's claims that it did not sustain any losses in a September attack on its hideouts in Kanous island in Salaheddine are 'laughable', according to an Iraqi official.

Iraqi forces launch search operation for ISIS remnants in al-Hawijah

Soldiers uncovered five ISIS hideouts, 19 IEDs and 27 RPGs during the search.

Fire torches Russia's only aircraft carrier in latest military setback

In 2019, a string of disasters and accidents has plagued Russia's military, fanning growing concerns over the country's aging defence systems.

Iran support to Houthis prolongs Yemen war

Front companies and smuggling operations have enabled 'Iran's tails' in Yemen to continue to fight, analysts say.

ISIS loses key funding streams post-defeat

Deprived of its previous sources of revenue, including oil smuggling, ISIS is scrambling to find alternative means to raise money.

Idlib area schools close amid airstrikes, shelling

The decision to suspend educational services was made out of concern for students' safety after over 75 schools came under fire.

Defeated ISIS fighters choose surrender over life on the run

Hundreds of ISIS elements have turned themselves in to the authorities after facing crushing defeat in areas of Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

Ninawa recovers rare manuscript stolen by ISIS

The militants had destroyed or looted thousands of manuscripts and historical documents from Mosul during their period of control.

Another Iraqi activist killed as UN accuses militias

The UN accused militias of killing and abducting Iraqi demonstrators, as protestors complain of an intensifying campaign of intimidation in a country where pro-Iran groups wield growing influence.

Rocket attack targets Iraq base housing US forces

This is the latest in a streak of similar attacks, several of which the US has blamed on Iran-backed Iraqi militias.

Power supply restored to all parts of Mosul

Electricity services have been restored across the Ninawa province city, which suffered heavy damage during the battle to oust ISIS.

Iraq continues to fortify border with Syria

Efforts to protect the long and porous border with Syria have been significant and are ongoing until the border strip is completely sealed, officials say.

Iran-aligned factions targeted in Iraq's Amara

Security sources say the attacks were committed against the armed groups due to their loyalty to neighbouring Iran.

Syrian activists launch campaign to save Idlib

A new social media campaign aims to draw international attention to the plight of civilians facing airstrikes and shelling in the Idlib region.

Iraq receives new border equipment from international coalition

The coalition is providing Iraq with heavy equipment as part of a programme to build fortifications along its border with Syria.

Anbar removes checkpoints in sign of enhanced security

The police have drafted a plan to remove most security checkpoints by the start of 2020 in order to ease travel for citizens and boost economic activity.

Rockets hit military complex near Baghdad airport

Six members of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service were wounded in the attack, with two of them in critical condition.

Iraq surrounds ISIS remnants in phase 7 of 'Will of Victory' campaign

The newest phase of the 5-month old campaign covers a geographically complex area shared by the provinces of Diyala, Salaheddine and Kirkuk.

Hizbullah official assassinated in rural Daraa

The killing in Tafas comes amid a climate of rising tension and opposition to the presence and actions of the Syrian regime and its allies.

Airstrikes kill 5 pro-Iran fighters near Syria border

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes hit positions of Iranian forces and allied militias on the edge of Albu Kamal, killing five fighters.

Idlib displaced face hardships as winter nears

Relief organisations have been driven out of the area, and thousands of newly displaced families have been forced to camp out in the cold.

Iran brings in Iraqi militias to suppress protests

By bringing in foreign militias to help it suppress demonstrations, the Iranian regime has shown little regard for its own people.

Iran-backed militia attacks Iraqi demonstrators

Members of Kataib Hizbullah tried to provoke the protestors into confrontation, and stabbed at least 25 of them.

New IRGC 'scout centre' recruits kids in Deir Ezzor

The IRGC has widened its net and is no longer restricting recruitment efforts to its supporters and the children of affiliated militiamen.

Security plan aims to end ISIS remnants' presence in Ninawa

Each new security operation against ISIS varies in terms of objectives and methods of execution, a local official said.

Iraqi, Iranian protestors reject IRGC and its agents

Researchers tell Diyaruna the IRGC has had a direct hand in creating the conditions that are driving the angry protests in both countries.

Russia responsible for strike on Haas housing complex: reports

A Russian airstrike hit an Idlib province housing complex for displaced persons on August 16th, killing at least 20 civilians, reports confirm.

771 displaced families return home to Diyala

The Iraqi government is working hard to return the 65,000 families still living in displacement camps across the country.

Iraqi Christians cancel Christmas celebrations in solidarity with protests

A large segment of Iraq's Christian community is expressing solidarity with protests that have left nearly 430 dead and 20,000 wounded.

Ground cleared ahead of Mosul airport reconstruction

The civilian airport is key to future reconstruction efforts in Ninawa province that have stalled in the aftermath of ISIS's defeat.

Pound's collapse compounds Syria's suffering

The black market exchange rate for the Syrian pound has plummeted to 1,000 pounds to the US dollar, in a new low for the currency.

Civilians killed as regime strikes Idlib markets

Open-air fruit and vegetable markets in Saraqeb and Maaret al-Numan were hit before noon, when they are usually packed with shoppers.

Pompeo points to Iran in Mideast protests

Opposition to the Iranian regime has been the uniting factor behind protests in Iraq, Lebanon and Iran itself, said the US Secretary of State.

Heet district sees full return of displaced residents

Displaced families from western Anbar's Heet district have returned home thanks to improved security and the availability of basic services.

Idlib residents breathe sigh of relief after al-Baghdadi death

With al-Baghdadi gone, residents now believe the end is near for ISIS and other terror groups in the Idlib region.

Iraq parties in talks over new PM amid anti-Iran fervour

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has stepped down following a wave of violence that led to over 420 deaths, mostly among protestors.

Anbar opens ISIS-damaged factories to investors

International investors have been invited to help fund the reconstruction of industrial plants and factories knocked out of service by ISIS.

Dozens killed in fierce fighting in rural Idlib

Close to 100 people have been killed in the most deadly fighting the province has seen since the August ceasefire went into effect.