October 2017
Barzani Criticizes Lack of International Support for Kurdistan Independence Referendum
Masoud Barzani criticized the lack of international support, particularly from the U.S., for the Kurdistan independence referendum. He highlighted the betrayal by rival Kurdish groups…
Kurdistan Region: Agreement Between Iraqi Forces and Peshmerga for Ceasefire
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq announced a ceasefire agreement between Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga to halt fighting in northern Iraq, although details remain unclear.…
5600 Foreign Fighters Have Returned from ISIS-Controlled Areas to Their Countries
The Soufan Group reports that over 5600 foreign fighters have returned to their home countries from ISIS-controlled areas, presenting a security challenge for their nations.…
Philippines Announces End to Siege of Marawi City by ISIS Allies
The Philippines has declared the end of the siege of Marawi City by ISIS-aligned militants after five months of military operations. Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana…
Trump: The Liberation of Raqqa is a Significant Advancement in the Global Campaign Against ISIS
Donald Trump announced the liberation of Raqqa from ISIS as a significant step in the global fight against the group. The Syrian Democratic Forces, supported…
At least 72 people killed in suicide attacks on two mosques in Afghanistan
At least 72 people were killed in suicide attacks on two mosques in Afghanistan, with ISIS claiming responsibility for one of the attacks. The violence…
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack on Shia Mosque in Kabul
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Shia mosque in Kabul, resulting in at least 39 deaths and many injuries. The Afghan…
Two Suicide Bombings in Afghanistan Leave Dozens Dead
Two suicide bombings targeting Shia mosques in Afghanistan resulted in at least 72 deaths, highlighting ongoing violence against religious minorities. The Islamic State has been…
Raqqa Completely Cleared of ISIS
Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S., have declared complete victory over ISIS in Raqqa, handing control to local leaders. This marks a significant milestone…
Barzani: Individual and Unilateral Decisions Were the Cause of the Kirkuk Events
Masoud Barzani criticized unilateral decisions by Kurdish political leaders that led to the retreat of Peshmerga forces from Kirkuk, which was swiftly captured by Iraqi…
Death of Dozens of Members of the 'Haqqani Network' and 'ISIS' in Attacks in Pakistan and Yemen
A U.S. drone strike in Pakistan killed at least 20 members of the Haqqani Network, while the Pentagon confirmed the deaths of dozens of ISIS…
Iraqi Forces Take Control of Kirkuk
Iraqi government forces have taken control of Kirkuk in response to a Kurdish independence referendum, altering the regional power dynamics. The operation has led to…
Iraqi Forces Begin Operations to Control Kirkuk Oil Fields
Iraqi forces have initiated operations to seize control of oil fields and an airbase in Kirkuk, currently held by Kurdish Peshmerga forces, amid rising tensions…
Kirkuk; Continued Standoff Between Government Forces and Peshmerga Following Baghdad's Deadline
Tensions continue to rise in Kirkuk as Iraqi government forces and Kurdish Peshmerga face off following a deadline issued by Baghdad for the Peshmerga to…
The 'Final' Battle of US-Supported Forces to Retake Raqqa is Underway
US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces are engaged in the final battle to reclaim Raqqa from ISIS, which has lost significant territory over the past year. The…
U.S. Defense Secretary Calls for Iraq and Kurds to Avoid Conflict
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis urged Iraq and Kurdish forces to focus on defeating ISIS rather than engaging in conflict amid rising tensions around Kirkuk.…
The Kurdistan Region Government Reopens Roads to Mosul
The Kurdistan Regional Government reopened roads to Mosul after briefly closing them due to concerns over Iraqi military movements. This incident follows heightened tensions after…
Concerns of Iraqi Kurds Over Baghdad's 'Military Movements'; Abadi: We Will Not Attack
Tensions are rising between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the central government in Baghdad due to military movements and preparations for potential conflict. Kurdish…
A Court in Iraq Issues Arrest Warrant for Organizers of the Kurdistan Independence Referendum
A court in Iraq has issued arrest warrants for key officials in the Kurdistan Region who organized an independence referendum that was deemed illegal by…
Three Killed in Armed Attack on Salama Palace in Jeddah
An armed attack occurred at the Salama Palace in Jeddah, resulting in the deaths of two royal guards and the assailant. This incident highlights ongoing…
Syrian Army Enters the City of Mayadeen
The Syrian army has reportedly entered Mayadeen, a key Islamic State stronghold, amid ongoing military operations supported by Russian airstrikes. This development follows significant casualties…
Iraqi Army Recaptures Hawija from ISIS
The Iraqi army has recaptured the city of Hawija from ISIS after 13 days of fighting, marking a significant loss for the group in Iraq.…
Investigations into the Las Vegas Shooting and the Motives of the Perpetrator Continue
Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas shooter, transferred $100,000 abroad shortly before the attack and was found to have prepared extensively with firearms and surveillance equipment.…
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Las Vegas Attack Without Providing Evidence
ISIS claimed responsibility for the Las Vegas shooting that resulted in 58 deaths and over 500 injuries, but U.S. officials found no evidence linking the…
Canadian Police Charge Somali Refugee with Knife and Vehicle Attacks in Edmonton
A Somali refugee has been charged in Edmonton for a knife attack on a police officer and for driving a vehicle into pedestrians, which authorities…