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
Day 5 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Wednesday, Oct. 11 On day five of the war, Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens while Israel readies for a ground incursion against Hamas. Israel
Explainer: As Lebanon-Israel border heats up, 3 armed groups stand out Several Palestinian militants are active in southern Lebanon, a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Lebanon
Khamenei cheers Hamas' 'epic' attacks on Israel, but denies Iran role While taking "pride in Palestinian youths" for their attacks on Israel, the Iranian leader shielded Tehran from mounting accusations that it was behind the deadly operations. Iran
Pentagon warns Iran, Hezbollah to stay out of Hamas war with Israel The Biden administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group in a bid to deter a multi-front war against Israel, but lack of a formal defense treaty with Israel and Congressional authorities could inhibit Washington's ability to respond. Iran
Day 3 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Monday, Oct. 9 On the third day of our live coverage, Israel called up reservists and was preparing for a ground offensive into the Gaza Strip. Israel
US works to confirm reports 'several Americans' killed, missing in Israel Secretary of State Antony Blinken said US citizens could be among the more than 100 people the Israeli government said were held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Israel-Saudi normalization falls casualty of Hamas attack The US-brokered talks were making progress; that’s probably why Iran gave Hamas the green light. Israel
Day 1 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Saturday, Oct. 7 In our first day of live coverage, Hamas militants invaded southern Israel. Israel
Turkey escalates airstrikes in Syria, but will it cross US, Russia red lines? The likelihood of a fresh Turkish ground offensive in northern Syria appears to weaken after the unprecedented shooting down of a Turkish drone by the United States. Turkey
Turkey's Fidan declares all PKK, YPG facilities in Syria, Iraq 'legitimate targets' High-level and open threats by Turkey have ramped up fears of a fresh escalation in northern Syria between Turkish forces and Syrian Kurdish groups that Ankara deems terrorists. Turkey
![Smoke billows from the Babasi oil facility in the countryside of al-Qahtaniya in Syria's Kurdish-controlled northeastern Hasakeh province on October 6, 2023 following a Turkish strike. (Photo by Delil souleiman / AFP) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Delil souleiman has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [BABASI] instead of [BASBASI]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your serve](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2023-10/GettyImages-1709016702.jpg?h=8f404aa9&itok=3DbBgJnW)
