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
In Trump meeting, Iraq PM says US troops to withdraw by Sept. 30 The White House appeared to support a deadline to remove remaining American counter-ISIS troops from Iraq, but security concerns among Washington's Kurdish partners and US business firms remain. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
At least 6 killed, 22 wounded in Damascus cafe explosion: What to know Syrian authorities have yet to identify a perpetrator in relation to the incident, and armed groups opposing the transitional government did not immediately take credit. Syria
Turkey captures alleged ISIS-K media chief near Afghanistan-Pakistan border The capture comes as Turkish authorities intensify raids against Islamic State networks following recent attacks and alleged plots. Turkey
Iraq, counter-IS coalition kill, capture Islamic State figures The US-led anti-IS coalition provided helicopter transport for the Iraqi raid in al-Rutba. Iraq
How the Islamic State found a haven in Syrian desert The Syrian regime and Russian forces are facing a growing threat of the Islamic State, which continues to hold pockets across the desert in central Syria. Syria
Biden endorses lower troop levels in Iraq, fight against IS in interview Joe Biden told Stars and Stripes he wants to stop "forever wars" but keep some troops in Iraq and Syria. His opponent, Donald Trump, also pledges to withdraw more troops. United States
Iraqi Kurdistan president carries conciliatory message from Baghdad to Ankara Iraqi Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani carried a conciliatory message from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Ankara. Iraq
Coalition withdrawal from base near Baghdad worries locals The recent pullout of international coalition personnel from Camp Taji, the first airstrike in years in an area close to the capital, and continued targeting of facilities keep tensions high as the drawdown continues. Iraq
American who joined IS pleads guilty to terrorism charge Omer Kuzu faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Syria
US vetoes UN resolution on foreign terrorists, citing lack of repatriation language The United States said the Security Council resolution did not mention the need to send Islamic fighters to their home countries. US-backed forces detain thousands of them in Syria. Originals
Intel: US plans to reduce troops in Iraq The Pentagon plans to reduce its current troop presence in Iraq by about one-third as President Donald Trump heads for November's vote on his reelection amid a campaign promise to end US military involvement in conflicts abroad. Iraq
Trump talks Israel-UAE deal, Biden’s Middle East record at last night of Republican convention The president slammed his Democratic rival for voting for the 2003 Iraq war, but there's no record Trump opposed the invasion at the time. United States
French armed forces minister visits Iraq following turnover of US base French Defense Minister Florence Parly's visit coincides with discussions between Iraq and the United States on the future of American troops in the country; France is a part of the US-led anti-IS coalition in Iraq. Iraq
UN convoy hit by explosion in northern Iraq The convoy was being operated by the World Food Program. Iraq
Islamic State operative planning 'sensational' attack nabbed in Istanbul Ankara has arrested a man suspected of planning “a sensational attack” in Istanbul and six others in raids that point to a festering Islamic State problem in Turkey. Turkey
