Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stalling on the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but at the end of the day, Trump has much more leverage over Netanyahu. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US bombs ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for Palmyra insider attack The Islamic State has not claimed direct credit for the ambush by a member of Syria's domestic security forces that killed three American personnel in Palmyra last week. Syria
Second Lebanon-Israel meeting agrees to strengthen Lebanese army: What to know The second round of civilian-led talks between Israel and Lebanon focused on the economic track while also addressing the removal of Hezbollah's weapons. Lebanon
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kataib Hezbollah member’s family massacred in Baghdad An assassination attempt on a member of the Popular Mobilization Units and the massacre of his wife and children have raised questions about security in the Iraqi capital amid continuing US-Iran geopolitical tension in the region. Iraq
Babil massacre increases demand to reform Iraqi security forces Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi refers to the "heartbreaking massacre" and reinforces his commitment to security reform after 20 family members are killed based on specious charges. Iraq
US troops in Syria, Iraq targeted with renewed rocket and drone attacks Iran-backed militias are not buying the Pentagon's attempt to rebrand the coalition's defeat-ISIS mission. Iraq
US coalition in Iraq halts second drone attack in two days Coalition forces in Syria also hit back in response to rocket fire near al-Omar oilfield. Iraq
Drones shot down in Baghdad on Soleimani death anniversary The thwarted attack came on the second anniversary of the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Here's what the 2022 NDAA has to say about the Middle East These are the key takeaways on what the 2022 NDAA says – and doesn’t say – about US policy in the region. United States
Yemen’s Houthis say Sanaa airport reopen to flights after bombing The UN envoy for Yemen said the recent escalation was "among the worst" seen in the conflict in years. Saudi Arabia
Saudi-led coalition renews airstrikes against Yemen's Houthis Riyadh-led airstrikes came after Yemen's Houthis launched a projectile into the southern Saudi province of Jizan, killing two people late last week. Saudi Arabia
Iraq urged to 'starve’ those profiting from rising drug trade An apparent increase in drug trafficking into the country from both its eastern and western borders, with fallout from instability in Afghanistan and 'mafia' groups in Syria as well as use of illicit substances in Iraq, has raised concern. Iraq
US Navy seizes thousands of guns bound for Yemen’s Houthis The US military said the boat, which was carrying the AK-47 cache, came from Iran. News Brief
US government designates alleged al-Qaeda network in Brazil The US government has said in the past that Middle Eastern armed groups are operating in South America. News Brief
Intel: US concerned over Iran, Turkey, UAE-supplied drones in Ethiopia war Ethiopia's government has rejected calls for a cease-fire after routing Tigray rebels with the help of high-tech foreign drones. The Horn of Africa
