Islamic State

Intel: US-led coalition reaffirms support for prisons holding IS fighters in northeast Syria

The coalition commander called the Syrian Kurdish fighters' achievements against the Islamic State "astounding" and reaffirmed international support.

Al-Monitor Staff | Syria | Aug 2, 2021

A fighter from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) guards a gate as Syrian women wait inside the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp, which holds relatives of suspected Islamic State (IS) group fighters in the northeastern Hasakah governorate, on July 15, 2021.

Taliban victory in Afghanistan could inspire terrorists, armed groups throughout Middle East

There are increasing reports of foreign jihadist fighters in Afghanistan.

Shelly Kittleson | Iraq | Aug 1, 2021

In this picture taken on July 15, 2021, an Afghan militia fighter keeps a watch at an outpost against Taliban insurgents at Charkint district in Balkh Province.

Iraq still needs US help to defeat Islamic State, foreign minister says

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein made the remarks ahead of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s visit to Washington on Monday.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iraq | Jul 24, 2021

Baghdad explosion kills at least 28 in busy Sadr City market

The attack occurred in a crowded marketplace as residents were shopping for the holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iraq | Jul 19, 2021

Has Turkey changed its anti-Islamic State strategy?

Although Turkish authorities have increased security operations against Islamic State cells in the country, Ankara’s anti-IS strategy remains riddled with gaping holes.

Fehim Tastekin | Turkey | Jul 15, 2021

2021 Turkish protest against 2015 Islamic State Suruc attack

The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties

Also: Gulf airline race takes off; Islamic State steps up Iraq attacks; Fortnite fatwa riles Egyptian gamers; is Israel’s army too small?; child beggars in Gaza’s cemeteries; Iraq unearths 4,000 year old city; and more! All in only about 1,500 words.

Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell | Turkey | Jul 14, 2021

Islamic State uses hit-and-run tactics in Iraq

Islamic State cells continue to target Sunni areas while armed groups thought to be close to Iran step up attacks on facilities hosting international coalition forces.

Shelly Kittleson | Iraq | Jul 11, 2021

This photo taken during a press tour organized by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State shows US soldiers clearing rubble at Ain al-Asad military air base, Anbar province, Iraq, Jan. 13, 2020.

Islamic State suspected of sabotaging Iraqi electrical towers

Power transmission towers have recently been targeted in Iraq, which already is suffering from major electricity shortages.

Mustafa Saadoun | Iraq | Jul 3, 2021

The sun sets behind electrical grids in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah in the Dhi Qar province, on Jan. 3, 2021.

Islamic State exploits economic downturn in Iraq, Syria, US envoy says

John Godfrey said the thousands of suspected Islamic State fighters held in northeast Syria constitute a security threat to the region.

Al-Monitor Staff | Syria | Jul 1, 2021

US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter gunners scan the desert while transporting troops on May 26, 2021, over northeastern Syria. US forces coordinate with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in combatting residual ISIS extremists.

Iraq seeks to rehabilitate Islamic State families

Baghdad’s program to allow families of Islamic State adherents to return from a Syrian camp and to reintegrate them back into Iraqi society stirs controversy.

Adnan Abu Zeed | Iraq | Jul 1, 2021

Explosion at Baghdad's Sadr City injures at least 15

At least 15 people were injured in an explosion at a crowded market in Baghdad's Sadr City.

Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jul 1, 2021

Turkey's mixed record against Islamic State

Structural problems continue to keep Turkey from putting in place a comprehensive strategy to combat Islamic State elements in the country, despite numerous operations against networks linked to the radical Islamist group.

Metin Gurcan | Turkey | Jun 30, 2021

Islamic State suspects in prison in Hasakah, Syria

Iraq-Syria border strikes on pro-Iran ‘militias’ spark retaliation

Airstrikes on both sides of the Iraqi-Syrian border near Qaim conducted by the United States were followed by retaliatory strikes by Iran-linked groups against a Kurdish-led SDF base housing coalition forces in eastern Syria.

Shelly Kittleson | Iraq | Jun 29, 2021

Iraqi mourners attend the funeral of a fighter of the Hashid Shaabi paramilitary alliance following US airstrikes on the Syrian-Iraqi border, on June 28, 2021, in the northern Ninevah province.

Turkey arrests 26 in raids against Islamic State

There are concerns about the Islamic State's ability to still operate within and close to Turkish territory.

Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jun 28, 2021

Islamic State

Intel: US-led coalition reaffirms support for prisons holding IS fighters in northeast Syria

The coalition commander called the Syrian Kurdish fighters' achievements against the Islamic State "astounding" and reaffirmed international support.

Taliban victory in Afghanistan could inspire terrorists, armed groups throughout Middle East

More women prisoners linked to Islamic State released from al-Hol camp

Iraq still needs US help to defeat Islamic State, foreign minister says

Baghdad explosion kills at least 28 in busy Sadr City market

Has Turkey changed its anti-Islamic State strategy?

The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties

Islamic State uses hit-and-run tactics in Iraq

Islamic State suspected of sabotaging Iraqi electrical towers

Islamic State exploits economic downturn in Iraq, Syria, US envoy says

Iraq seeks to rehabilitate Islamic State families

Explosion at Baghdad's Sadr City injures at least 15

Turkey's mixed record against Islamic State

Iraq-Syria border strikes on pro-Iran ‘militias’ spark retaliation

Turkey arrests 26 in raids against Islamic State

Popular Articles

4,000-year-old city discovered in Iraq

Saudi Arabia’s race for Gulf economic leadership takes to the sky

Ancient fossilized fish found in Egypt that survived in hot waters

Will Turkey use Syrian mercenaries in Kabul?

Has Israel’s army become too small?

Recent Podcasts

Saudis see agreement with US on 90% of issues in region, says Stephen Kalin

Meretz legislator Gaby Lasky: Israel's ruling coalition divided ideologically, but united on bettering citizens’ lives

Nile Dam talks may be ‘in a lot of trouble,’ says Samuel Ramani

NSO officials comment on Pegasus spyware affair: We are self-regulated on right for privacy, transparency

Ali Hashem on what to expect from Ebrahim Raisi and the rise of the Hezbollahis in Iran