US troops pull out of Shaddadi base in Syria: What to know The base has been a hub for American troops between the central city of Hasakah and the strategic Khabur River Valley, once the gateway to the Islamic State's oil-producing heartland. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
US says Sudan warring parties back withdrawal plan as donors pledge $700M in aid State Department senior adviser Massad Boulos announced Tuesday that a "comprehensive peace plan" has been approved by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though it still needs to be approved by Sudan's warring parties. Sudan
Lebanon’s army chief in Washington as Hezbollah disarmament enters critical phase Gen. Rodolphe Haykal is seeking US support for what is likely to be a cautious approach to expanding the geographic scope of the Lebanese army's efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon
Analysis Israel ups Iran intel sharing with US, expects Trump to strike within 'weeks' By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
Attack on US Embassy in Lebanon, Syrian gunman wounded Investigations are ongoing into the shooting incident, which comes amid intensified cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon
Palestinian presidency criticizes Iran's Khamenei publicly: What we know Iran has long backed Hamas and threw its support behind the group following its assault on southern Israel last October. Palestine
What we know on Houthis' latest Ghadr anti-ship Iranian ballistic missile Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that the Yemeni militant group has obtained the technology to manufacture anti-ship ballistic missiles. Iran
Turkey's flag carrier resumes flights to Afghanistan after 3-year pause The Turkish envoy hailed the resumption of flights as a “new era.” Turkey
Pentagon delegation heading to Niger to discuss US withdrawal Hopes have faded in Washington that the roughly 1,100 American troops based at a remote drone base in central Niger will be allowed to remain in the country. By Al-Monitor Staff
Analysis Real or ruse, Hamas' yes to cease-fire proposal catches Netanyahu off guard Caught by surprise by the Palestinian militant group agreeing to an Egyptian deal, the Israeli prime minister has opted for a limited incursion into eastern Rafah. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Who is Saraya al-Ashtar, Bahraini group that claimed to target Israel? US and Bahraini officials have said Saraya al-Ashtar operates from Iranian territory. Bahrain
Who is Lebanon's Jamaa Islamiya, latest to parade weapons against Israel? Members of the Islamist group al-Jamaa al-Islamiya shot into the air during a funeral procession for two of its fighters killed in an Israeli drone strike in east Lebanon, causing widespread condemnation of the spread of uncontrolled weapons in the country. Lebanon
