Iraq News

Security

Iran bankrolls aggressive drive to recruit vulnerable Syrian youth into militias
Security

2021-04-01

Iran bankrolls aggressive drive to recruit vulnerable Syrian youth into militias

The massive recruitment drive is coupled with cultural and sectarian indoctrination. Those who do not fall into line face death threats and property confiscation.

Iraqi forces take down 4 IRGC-backed 'death squads', hunt for more
Security

2021-03-31

Iraqi forces take down 4 IRGC-backed 'death squads', hunt for more

Such 'death squads' are trained by Iran's IRGC to carry out specific tasks, the foremost of which include silencing anyone who voices opposition to Iran.

SDF crack down as ISIS escalates criminal activity, terrorising civilians
Security

2021-03-29

SDF crack down as ISIS escalates criminal activity, terrorising civilians

ISIS sleeper cells are terrorising civilians in northeast Syria, resorting to kidnapping, murder, and extortion, while ISIS sympathizers inside al-Hol camp continue to create instability and concern.

'ISIS Hunters' belies mercenaries' true intent: to protect Russian interests in Syria
Security

2021-03-24

'ISIS Hunters' belies mercenaries' true intent: to protect Russian interests in Syria

The Kremlin is eager to depict the group as a terrorism fighting outfit, but in reality it has close ties with the Wagner Group, and its primary mission is to guard Russia's oil and gas interests in Syria.

Iranian missiles flood eastern Syria via secret smuggling routes in Iraq
Security

2021-03-23

Iranian missiles flood eastern Syria via secret smuggling routes in Iraq

Smugglers take secret routes to avoid detection, driving their trucks through the valleys and desert hills, and using old ISIS tunnels, to supply the growing colony of Iran-backed militias.

Kataib Hizbullah: a dangerous mafia that executes Iran's orders to the fullest
Security

2021-03-15

Kataib Hizbullah: a dangerous mafia that executes Iran's orders to the fullest

The Iran-backed militia has killed Iraqi civilians in a long series of attacks on international coalition forces and on diplomatic missions.

Rocket types 'unquestionably' tie Iran to series of recent attacks in Iraq
Security

2021-03-08

Rocket types 'unquestionably' tie Iran to series of recent attacks in Iraq

Saraya Awliyaa al-Dam, an Iraqi militia that claimed responsibility for the Erbil attack in February, is one of many smokescreen militias linked to the IRGC, as evidenced by the rockets they use.

Iran's isolation deepens following year of diplomatic breakthroughs in region
Security

2021-03-04

Iran's isolation deepens following year of diplomatic breakthroughs in region

Peace initiatives with Israel and a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Qatar have left Tehran outside looking in as it refuses to stop fanning regional instability.

Syrian-Russian smear campaign targets US, allies at al-Tanf
Security

2021-03-03

Syrian-Russian smear campaign targets US, allies at al-Tanf

While disinformation blames the US for the dire conditions at al-Rukban camp, in reality Russia and Syria are actively trying to starve its residents to force them to return to regime-held areas.

Iranian-made rockets hit Iraqi base hosting coalition troops
Security

2021-03-03

Iranian-made rockets hit Iraqi base hosting coalition troops

The attack comes days after US forces carried out an airstrike against Kataib Hizbullah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia stationed along the Iraqi-Syrian border.