Iraq

Americans Help Raise Anti-ISIS Christian Militia in Iraq

As jihadists threaten to wipe out Iraqi Christians, their US coreligionists are backing a controversial private war against ISIS.

Christians Struggle to Maintain Legacy versus ISIS

Decimated by 12 years of war in Iraq and Syria, Christians find refuge in Kurdistan and in a new militia.

The US is Under-Arming the Kurds against ISIS

As ISIS employs modern equipment, the Kurds are not getting new weapons at the same time Iran makes gains instead.

Watch: ISIS Destroys Ancient Iraqi City of Hatra

Islamic State jihadists use pickaxes, assault rifles and sledgehammers to reduce UNESCO world heritage site to rubble.

Reports of Shi'ite War Crimes in Tikrit

Amnesty International investigating reports that Iraqi forces and militias committing serious violations in conquering Tikrit from ISIS.

Amnesty Probing Iraqi Abuses in Tikrit Takeover

Human rights group Amnesty International said Thursday it was investigating Iraqi forces for human rights violations in Tikrit battle.

Iraq: Militiamen Loot Tikrit After its Recapture from ISIS

Pro-government militiamen seen looting shops in the center of Tikrit, a day after it was recaptures from ISIS.

Iraq 'Liberates' Tikrit in Key ISIS Defeat

With help from US and Iran who vied for influence, Iraq takes back fortified city chalking up largest victory against ISIS yet - or did it?

Canadian Lawmakers Vote to Expand Anti-ISIS Campaign

Motion to expand airstrikes against ISIS passes by a majority of 142 to 129, despite objections from opposition.

Iran: US Killed Two Revolutionary Guard Advisors in Iraq

US offensive against ISIS in Tikrit killed two Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisors, Tehran claims; US denies.

Ban in Iraq, Where US and Iran Vie for Influence

UN head meets Iraqi PM, president and FM for talks of an undisclosed nature, as US and Iran try to assert themselves in key Tikrit battle.

Japan Funds UNESCO Mission to Save Iraq's Heritage

New initiative to use satellite imaging and other tools to stop jihadists from destroying artifacts or selling them on black market.

US and Iran Vying for Influence in Tikrit Battle

Iran-backed militias pull back and US forces keen to give strong showing in fight against ISIS stronghold at Hussein's hometown.

First Iraqi Official Visit to Assad Since Civil War Started

In first visit by senior official since outbreak of war in 2011, Iraqi FM meets with Syrian president, urges greater cooperation.

Iranian General Reportedly in Iraq 'Whenever Needed'

The commander of Iraq's Badr militia says that Iran's top officer provides assistance in Iraq "whenever we need him".

Ex-CIA Head Says Iran is a Greater Danger than ISIS

Rebuking Obama rapprochement, Petraeus warns Iran is taking control in Iraq, and is an enemy of the US and its allies.

UN Report: ISIS May Have Committed Genocide

Report listing atrocities committed by ISIS shows it is guilty of 'war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide' against Yazidis.

ISIS Beheads 4 Government 'Recruiters' as Tikrit Advance Slows

Anti-ISIS advance slows significantly as Iraqi army and Shia militias encounter stiff resistance.

United States 'Concerned' About ISIS Use of Chlorine Gas

American military "concerned" about reports that ISIS jihadists used chlorine gas, but cannot confirm the account.

WHO Bemoans Lack of Health Service for Millions in Iraq

World Health Organization says more than five million in need of health services - but no funds to provide it.

Former Iraqi Dictator's Tomb Levelled in Fighting for Tikrit

Tomb of Saddam Hussein virtually leveled in heavy clashes between ISIS and Iraqi forces fighting for Tikrit.

Report: Hezbollah to Send Hundreds of Fighters to Iraq

Lebanese Shia terrorist group to send at least 800 elite fighters to battle ISIS in northern Iraq, according to pan-Arab paper.

Iraqi Forces Poised for Final Assault on ISIS Tikrit Stronghold

Iraqi army and Shia Islamist militia forces surround last remaining ISIS jihadis, say they'll finish them off in '72 hours'.

Is ISIS Collapsing or Expanding?

Iraq backed by Iran is retaking Tikrit stronghold and repulsing ISIS, even as the group gains alliances in Africa and threatens White House.

Iran Deepening Involvement in Iraq's War on ISIS

Iraq welcomes Iranian soldiers, advisers on its soil as it fights to liberate Tikrit.

Iraq's First Christian Brigade Graduates

'Tiger Guards,' formed from Assyrian force, takes on ISIS in Kurdish region of Iraq after graduating training.

Wary Iraqi Forces Tighten Noose on ISIS in Tikrit

Thousands of Iraqi soldiers, Shia militiamen and Sunni tribal fighters inching in on Islamic State under heavy attack.

Iraqi Forces Won't Be Rushed Into Final Assault on Tikrit

Iraqi forces say that despite superior numbers and firepower, they do not want to rush assault to retake Tikrit from ISIS.

Australian ISIS Suicide Bomber 'Was Under Surveillance'

Jake Bilardi, 18-year-old convert to Islam who left to join Islamic State, left bomb-making equipment in his Australian apartment.

Pentagon Chief: Iran's Presence in Iraq is 'Concerning'

The presence of Iranian advisers in the Iraq battle for Tikrit is "concerning" to the United States, says Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.

At Least 17 Killed in Attacks Around Baghdad

Attacks in and around Baghdad, mostly bomb blasts, kill at least 17 people.

Could US Inaction against ISIS be a Trap for Iran?

Expert suggests Obama admin trying to draw Iran into an Iraqi 'Vietnam' by letting it take the lead on the ground. Clever or misjudged?

Iraqi Forces Finally Enter ISIS-Controlled Tikrit

Operation to capture key Islamic State stronghold making slow but steady progress, officers say.

Former CIA Chief 'Uncomfortable' with Iran's Role in Iraq

Michael Hayden says he is "uncomfortable" with Iran's growing influence in Iraq, made especially evident by offensive in Tikrit.

ISIS Blows Up Key Tikrit Bridge to Slow Iraqi Army Advance

Islamic State blows up the only bridge across Iraq's Tigris river in the Tikrit area, as anti-ISIS forces close in on the Sunni city.

ISIS Executes 20 Would-Be Rebels in Kirkuk

Gruesome pictures on social media purportedly show aftermath of execution of men accused of planning to join anti-ISIS forces.

Iran's New Missile Puts Israel 'in Range'

The Iranian military on Sunday announced that it had developed a new long-range cruise missile with a range of some 2,000 kilometers.

Minister: Coalition Must Save Iraq Heritage Sites

ISIS's offensive against archaeological sites moves Iraq to ask the global community for aerial support.

Canadian Soldier Killed by Friendly Fire in Iraq

Canadian special forces soldier killed and three more injured in Iraq when their Kurdish allies accidentally open fire on them.

Report: ISIS Destroys Ancient City of Hatra

UNESCO condemns 'appalling' destruction as reports surface city has been razed; archaeologists lament loss.

ISIS Begins Bulldozing Ancient Iraqi City

Islamic State bulldozing the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in Iraq, the group's latest attack on the country's historical heritage.

Sources: Iran in Charge of Major Iraq Battle

The US and Iran have been cooperating in fighting ISIS forces in Iraq, sources in the country said.

Turkey Will Not Help Iraq Militarily to Retake Mosul from ISIS

Although Turkey offers Iraq assistance in effort to take back ISIS-controlled Mosul, refuses to get too involved by sending troops to help.

Fears that Tikrit Operation May See Massacres

Shi'ite revenge killings topic of concern in key battle for strategic ISIS stronghold, as US notes 'most overt conduct of Iranian support.'

Iraqi Militia Chief Vows to Make ISIS 'Wear Women's Clothing'

Angry at missing out on Iranian arms, head of Shia Al-Mukhtar Army vows to defeat ISIS in a month. And make them wear women's clothes...

ISIS Unleashes Guerrilla Tactics in Bitter Battle for Tikrit

Battle for key ISIS stronghold bogged down by snipers and booby traps; may be preamble to operation on Mosul headquarters.

ISIS Says American Suicide Bomber Carried Out Iraq Attack

Islamic State terror group names US citizen 'Abu Dawud al-Amriki' as suicide bomber who targeted Iraqi forces in a truck bomb attack.

US Takes Back Seat as Iran Runs Op on Key ISIS Stronghold

US says it hasn't been asked to provide airstrikes for massive operation on Tikrit, although Iranian planes may be involved.

ISIS Executes Sunni Tribesmen Ahead of Tikrit Offensive

Islamic State video shows four tribesmen, accused of collaborating with the government, being shot dead.

Official: US Military Specifically Targeting 'Jihadi John'

Mohammed Emwazi from London, recently revealed as the face behind ISIS executioner Jihadi John, is in America's crosshairs, Senator says.

Iraq: Major Military Offensive Begins to Seize ISIS Stronghold

Iraqi army forces backed by pro-government militias begin operation to take Tikrit, hometown of executed dictator Saddam Hussein.

Egypt Islamic Body Condemns ISIS Destruction of Artifacts

Dar al-Ifta says Islamic State's destruction of Iraq's ancient heritage shows their ignorance of the Muslim faith.

Kurds Blocking Return of Arabs to Disputed Iraq Areas

Human Rights Watch issued a report Thursday warning Kurdish fighters against 'collective punishment' as displaced Arabs try to return home.

Report: Top ISIS Commanders Killed in Air Strike

A report said that a coalition airstrike against ISIS targets in areas they control has killed a “large number” of the its top commanders.

Anti-ISIS Mission Puts Hardened French Pilot on New Flight Path

Veteran French pilot says burning to death of Jordanian pilot has only made his resolve to defeat ISIS stronger.

1,000 Assyrian Christian Families Flee Syria Jihadists

After ISIS kidnaps 90 Christians hostage in northeast Syria, thousands flee their homes fearing further attacks.

WHO Seeks $1 Billion More for Four Conflict-Hit Countries

Syria, Iraq, Central African Republic and South Sudan all in dire need of emergency aid, World Health Organization says.

Iraq Irate at US for Giving Date of Mosul Campaign

Iraqi defense minister up in arms after US Central Command gives April-May timeframe for major op. against ISIS stronghold.

A Divided New Zealand Joins Fight Against ISIS

Poll gives a small edge to those backing government decision to train Iraqi troops, as 'price of the club' of being in intelligence network.

New ISIS Video Shows Kurdish Fighters Paraded in Cages

Latest Islamic State video shows 21 captives paraded through streets of Iraqi town, implies grim fate awaits them.

News and updates about Iraq