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
Five Palestinians killed in Israel's West Bank raid as Hamas leader visits Iran The latest violence left five Palestinians dead and wounded at least 91 more, while the Israeli army said seven of its troops were injured in the fighting. Palestine
In new purge, Iran expels independent, Reformist professors Iran's hard-line government is forcing its own critics out of universities. Iran
Lebanon: Argentina issues arrest warrant for 4 Hezbollah operatives in AMIA bombing The four suspects are linked to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured hundreds. Lebanon
Lebanon's Hezbollah denies links to suspects in killing of UN Irish peacekeeper Hezbollah officials have denied court findings that five people formally accused of killing an Irish soldier of the UNIFIL last year were members of Hezbollah. Lebanon
Israel, Hezbollah rattle swords, with military drills near border The military drills of Hezbollah and of the Israel Defense Forces — only a few days apart — reflect growing tensions on Israel’s northern border. Israel
Mysterious Lebanon blast kills Palestinian fighters, Israel denies involvement Israel denied it was behind the mysterious blast that killed five members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command in Lebanon's Bekka Valley region. Israel
CENTCOM commander visits Israel, observes multifront war exercise Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla is on a wider tour of the Middle East as the Pentagon aims to build regional military capabilities to better deter attacks by Iran and its proxies. Israel
Who is the Saudi citizen kidnapped in Lebanon, rescued in army operation? The kidnapping and swift rescue come at a time Lebanon is working to mend ties with Saudi Arabia. Lebanon
Lebanon’s Hezbollah stages war games, unveils drone weapon against Israel The exercises elicited condemnation from local parties in Lebanon. Lebanon
Iran threatens 'pressure' on Taliban amid deepening water row The warning marked the most serious episode in Iran-Taliban ties since the extremist group's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Iran
Sudan: 280 killed as fighting rages in West Darfur The conflict in war-torn Geneina is ethnic in dimension and predates the current conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the rebel Rapid Support Forces. North Africa
Gazans mourn loved ones, lick their wounds, as truce is reached with Israel The Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed dozens of civilians, including a 19-year-old woman engaged to be married in a few weeks. Palestine
