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
Tunisia: Attack on Djerba synagogue was premeditated by national guard member Tunisia’s interior minister identified the assailant and revealed details of the attack at an ancient synagogue on the island of Djerba that killed at least five people. Tunisia
Germany arrests two suspected Hezbollah members over 'recruiting activities' Germany designated the Lebanese militant group a terror organization in 2020 and has seen its relations with Iran sour in the last year. Lebanon
Over 200 rockets hit Israel, 20 Palestinians killed in Gaza escalation Over 200 rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza on Wednesday, and 20 people were killed in the Gaza Strip after Israeli airstrikes as Egypt tries to broker a ceasefire. Israel
Hamas, Islamic Jihad vow response to Israel's Gaza strikes as West Bank erupts Three leaders of the Gaza-based Islamic Jihad were killed in the Israeli strike that came in response to rockets fired into Israel. Palestine
Israel braces for revenge after killing Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza Israel braces for retaliation, after the IDF said it had killed three Islamic Jihad operatives in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning. Israel
Iran executes two men accused of blasphemy for 'insulting Islam' Iranian authorities have executed at least 150 people this year alone, according to human rights organizations. Iran
Biden issues new Sudan executive order authorizing sanctions President Joe Biden paved the way for sanctions on members of Sudan’s warring factions but stopped short of imposing them. Sudan
Iran's president meets Palestinian Hamas, Islamic Jihad leaders in Syria The meeting between Raisi and Palestinian officials comes days after Palestinian militants fired dozens of rockets from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel in response to the death of Islamic Jihad prisoner Khader Adnan. Palestine
Israeli troops kill 3 Palestinians in raid connected to April attack One month after the killing of an Israeli woman and her two daughters, Israeli troops have killed three Palestinian men suspected of carrying out and assisting the attack in Nablus. Israel
Explosion in Beirut suburb as Iran FM tours Lebanon's border with Israel The explosion occurred at an apartment belonging to a man previously arrested for manufacturing explosive devices and working with foreign agents. Lebanon
Second US warship arrives off Port Sudan as pressure builds to evacuate citizens Despite similar efforts undertaken by allies, the Biden administration has yet to order the US military to help evacuate American civilians seeking to flee Sudan. Sudan
US says Sudan diplomacy ‘degraded’ but continues after pullout With the US Embassy in Khartoum indefinitely closed, the Biden administration is exploring whether to base US diplomats out of Port Sudan. Sudan
