October 2016
Iraqi Soldiers Enter the City of Mosul
Iraqi forces have entered the city of Mosul for the first time in a significant operation to retake the city from ISIS. This operation involves…
The U.S. Asks Families of Diplomats in Istanbul to Leave Turkey
The U.S. has requested that families of diplomats in Istanbul leave Turkey due to threats from extremist groups. The U.S. embassy continues to operate, but…
UN: 'Islamic State' Uses Thousands as Human Shields in Mosul
The UN reports that the 'Islamic State' is using thousands of civilians as human shields in Mosul amid ongoing Iraqi military operations to reclaim the…
US: Approximately 900 ISIS Members Killed in Mosul Operations
The US military reports that approximately 900 ISIS fighters have been killed in the ongoing Mosul liberation operation, which has seen significant military involvement from…
Vladimir Putin: Russia Has No Plans to Attack Others
Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia does not intend to engage in military interventions outside of Syria, dismissing U.S. claims of Russian threats as election-related propaganda.…
Continued Operations in Mosul; ISIS Executed Dozens
The Islamic State has executed dozens of individuals near Mosul, primarily targeting former Iraqi military and police members. This violence occurs amidst ongoing military operations…
Iraqi President Calls for Review of Alcohol Prohibition Law
Iraqi President Fouad Massoum has urged parliament to reconsider a recently passed law banning alcohol, which has faced criticism for violating minority rights. The law's…
Visit of the U.S. Commander of Middle East Operations to Key Mosul Battle Base
General Joseph Votel of the U.S. Central Command visited the Qayyarah airbase, which plays a crucial role in the ongoing operation to retake Mosul from…
U.S. Defense Secretary: International Coalition Prepares to Retake Raqqa in Syria
U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced preparations for the international coalition to retake Raqqa from ISIS, amid concerns from European leaders about ongoing threats from…
Clinton Criticizes Trump's Remarks on the Battle of Mosul
Hillary Clinton criticized Donald Trump's comments about the battle of Mosul, arguing they demonstrate his unfitness for presidential command. Trump suggested the attack would be…
Turkish Prime Minister: Peshmerga Requested Help, We Will Provide Military Support
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım announced military support for Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq against the Islamic State, following their request for assistance. This development…
Iraq's Parliament Votes to Ban Production and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Iraq's parliament has voted to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, citing constitutional grounds against anti-Islamic laws. This has sparked controversy, especially among…
Abadi: We Do Not Need Turkey's Presence in Mosul Operations
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi has stated that there is no need for Turkish military involvement in the Mosul operations, despite a previous agreement between…
UN: Islamic State Group Has Used 550 Families as Human Shields in Mosul
The UN reports that the Islamic State group has taken 550 families hostage in Mosul, using them as human shields amid ongoing military operations to…
Death of Three Iranians in Kirkuk Following ISIS Suicide Attacks
Three Iranian technicians were killed in Kirkuk, Iraq, due to ISIS suicide attacks amidst ongoing battles in Mosul. The attacks highlight the continuing threat of…
An American Soldier Killed in Mosul Operation
An American soldier was killed in an IED explosion near Mosul during the ongoing liberation operation involving U.S. and Iraqi forces. This incident marks the…
Radio Farda Reporter Loses Eye While Covering Mosul Liberation Operation
Rasoul Mahmoud, a Radio Farda reporter, lost his left eye due to a mortar explosion while covering the Mosul liberation operation. He is currently receiving…
Iraqi Prime Minister: Mosul Will Be Liberated Sooner Than Expected
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that Mosul is likely to be liberated from ISIS sooner than expected, with Iraqi forces advancing rapidly. The international…
Commander of Coalition Ground Forces in Iraq: ISIS Leaders Are Fleeing Mosul
General Gary Volesky announced that ISIS leaders are fleeing Mosul as the U.S.-led coalition continues its offensive. The coalition will not support the Shiite militia…
General Wolski: The Number of ISIS Militants in Mosul is Between Three to Five Thousand
General Gary Wolski of the U.S. Army stated that the liberation of Mosul is crucial for defeating ISIS in Iraq, estimating the number of militants…
ISIS Uses Mosul Residents as Human Shields
As Iraqi forces advance towards Mosul, ISIS is reportedly using civilians as human shields, complicating the liberation efforts. The presence of ISIS leader Abu Bakr…
Warning About the Islamic State's Use of Chemical Weapons in Mosul
International organizations have warned that ISIS may use chemical weapons against civilians in Mosul. The Red Cross and IOM are preparing for this possibility while…
Mosul Operation; US Defense Secretary Says 'Decisive Moment' Has Arrived
The US and Iraqi forces have launched an operation to retake Mosul from ISIS, marking a significant moment in the fight against the group. US…
US: Foreign military forces can only be in Iraq with the permission of the Iraqi government
The US State Department emphasized that foreign military forces in Iraq must have the Iraqi government's approval, amid escalating tensions between Iraq and Turkey over…
Erdogan to Iraqi Prime Minister: You Better Understand Your Position
Turkish President Erdogan insulted Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, asserting Turkey's military presence in northern Iraq will continue despite Iraqi protests. This exchange highlights rising…
Intensified Clashes Between Turkey-Supported Militias and ISIS in Northern Syria
The Turkish army reported the deaths of 31 ISIS militants in northern Syria due to clashes and airstrikes. Turkey-backed militias are advancing towards the city…
Arrest of an 'Egyptian Suspect' After a 'Failed Suicide Attack' in Kuwait
An Egyptian citizen was arrested in Kuwait for attempting a failed suicide attack on American soldiers. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region,…
Dust Storms Force School Closures in Khuzestan Province
All schools in Khuzestan Province, Iran, have been closed due to severe air pollution caused by dust storms, primarily originating from Iraq. The health minister…
Under the Terrifying Shadow of the 60s; Interview with Babak Anvari, Director of 'Under the Shadow'
Babak Anvari's film 'Under the Shadow' has been selected by Britain for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2017 Oscars. The film, set…