Iran says 13 ISIS affiliates arrested for planning suicide attacks ISIS’ Khorasan branch has conducted numerous attacks against Iran in recent years, prompting authorities to pursue its members. Iran
US Syria envoy Barrack says troop drawdown to continue, support for Kurds to remain Trump’s ambassador to Ankara told a Turkish TV news outlet that American troops will eventually draw down to a single base in Syria, but that Washington is unlikely to abandon the Kurdish-led forces. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey, Syria, Jordan launch anti-ISIS ops center in Damascus: What to know The coordination unit began operations on May 19 in Damascus as the Turkish president accused the SDF of stalling on an integration deal with Damascus. Turkey
Turkey’s intel chief Kalin makes surprise visit to Syria, meets Sharaa Kalin's visit comes as a Turkish delegation arrives in Washington to discuss sanctions relief on Syria with the Trump administration. Turkey
Feature Nightlife rocks Raqqa as Syria’s Islamist leaders navigate power By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive Syria's Kurds say Trump aid cuts are feeding radicalism in ISIS camps By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Netanyahu set to meet Trump amid differences over Iran, tariffs and Turkey: What to know United States
Biden’s nominee for Iraq ambassador vows to counter resurgent ISIS The career diplomat emphasized the role of economic development and good governance in combating the terrorist group. By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Iraq recovers over 6,000 stolen historical artifacts, government says An Iraqi official says the Iraqi government’s efforts to get back historical artifacts smuggled out of the country were focused on Mosul, which was overrun by ISIS in 2014. Iraq
ISIS resurgence in Iraq sees fresh attacks, clashes after commander killed The Islamic State is suspected of killing soldiers in eastern Iraq in the latest sign of the group’s persistence. Iraq
Turkey expands ISIS crackdown, detains over 100 in a week Eight more people were detained on Monday in a raid on individuals who were allegedly planning to carry out a bomb attack. Turkey
ISIS takes advantage of Israel-Iran spiral to mount resurgence in Syria Amid the relocation of Iranian-backed forces due to Israeli and US airstrikes and the lack of coordination between the SDF and Damascus, ISIS has intensified its operations, clawing back parts of the vital highway separating Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Syria
Syria’s Kurds face ISIS threat, US indifference as Turkey destroys critical infrastructure Turkish strikes have left hundreds of thousands without water and electricity, as well as undermining security at prisons and detention centers where tens of thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families are being held. Syria
What’s behind ISIS threat to Champions League soccer matches? The threats follow an ISIS-linked shooting in Belgium in October. The group remains particularly active in Iraq and Syria, though it no longer holds territory there. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
From Russia to Iran and Turkey: Understanding rise, narrative of ISIS-K The jihadi group has been raising its profile since the beginning of 2024 through suicide attacks in southern Iran in January and the armed attack on an Istanbul Roman Catholic church last month. Russia
Iraq says it killed prominent ISIS leader as group resurfaces The Islamic State remains active in Iraq as Baghdad and Washington discuss winding down the US presence in the country, though the group is relatively weak at present. Iraq
Amid Biden-Netanyahu split over Rafah, Pentagon leans on lessons from Iraq As the Biden administration seeks to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah, former US commanders told Al-Monitor there are key ways the Israeli military can shape an operation to protect civilians. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey expands crackdown on ISIS after Russia attack Tuesday’s detentions brought the number of people detained in the country to more than 180 since the ISIS branch's attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow. Turkey
