Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know Abu Jihad al-Muhajir is the highest-profile alleged Islamic State official captured by Syrian government forces since US troops withdrew from the country in April. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
What we know about Israeli strikes on Syrian air base tied to Turkey An Israeli official told Fox News on Tuesday that Israel shared “highly sensitive intelligence” with the US ahead of the strike, without providing further details. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis Netanyahu yields to Trump on Gaza, betting Hamas won’t disarm Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to advance the US administration's Gaza plan in a meeting with envoy Jared Kushner despite his skepticism about Hamas' commitment. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
After meeting Netanyahu, Kushner agrees Hamas disarmament precedes Israel's withdrawal Israel and the Gaza Board of Peace have agreed that the Israeli military will begin withdrawing from the Gaza Strip after Hamas disarms. Israel
Analysis RSF turns to drones, new fronts as Sudan battlefield pressure grows By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq's Sadr calls for disarming factions after Baghdad explosion After an unsanctioned weapons cache exploded recently in Sadr City, Muqtada al-Sadr is proposing an initiative to hand over to the state the weapons of Iraqi factions — beginning with his own movement. Iraq
Iraqi militias, US make nice following elections Some factions of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units and their political wings among the Fatah Alliance are showing possible interest in rapprochement with the United States. Iraq
Too much at stake for full-on conflict in southern Syria Prioritizing de-escalation in southern Syria appears to be the regional consensus, but the rebels’ opposition to any deals could lengthen the process. Israel
Are Palestinian armed factions forming joint army? Hamas and the Islamic Jihad’s military wing have claimed responsibility for the recent rockets fired into Israel, raising talk about the potential that factions may form a joint armed operations room. Palestine
Armed factions join forces to counter Syrian regime gains Opposition militias in north and central Syria are banding together in the hope that a unified front will be able to fend off regime advances. Syria
Politicized peshmerga adds to Iraqi Kurdistan destabilization There's long been talk of unifying the fractured peshmerga forces in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, but action is direly needed. Iraq
Libya's Hifter launches operation to retake opposition stronghold Libyan military strongman Khalifa Hifter announced the launch of the long-awaited military operation to take Derna, which is expected to boost his popularity in the country’s upcoming elections. Libya
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy? Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics. Saudi Arabia
Iraq’s Shiite militias hope battlefield wins can secure electoral victory An electoral coalition formed by some pro-Iranian Shiite Popular Mobilization Units is confident it can secure enough seats in parliament to form a majority and claim the premiership. Iraq
Iraqi police who fought for tribal PMUs won't return to force Local Iraqi police officers who joined the Popular Mobilization Units to fight the Islamic State seem to have no intention of returning to their old jobs. Iraq
Turkey offers death benefits to its Syrian anti-Kurdish allies Kudos bestowed on Turkey's Free Syrian Army allies for their performance in Operation Olive Branch appear to have earned the fighters additional financial and medical support from the Turkish government. Syria
Hamas pursues conflicting paths While preparing for the March of Return and conducting massive military exercises, Hamas is also sending conciliatory messages to Israel and the US. Palestine
