Iraq

Saudi Arabia warns of retaliation after intercepting Iraqi drones

Saudi Arabia shoots down three drones arriving from Iraqi airspace, warning it will take all operational measures to defend its sovereignty.

Report:

Israel operated two secret bases in Iraqi desert for over a year

A New York Times investigation claims that Israel operated two secret bases in western Iraq for more than a year, as part of preparations for a confrontation with Iran.

Iraqi terror mastermind charged in US with 18 plots against Jews

Leader of Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah arrested for plotting 18 terror attacks targeting Jews and Americans, including targeting a NY synagogue.

Sources:

Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq

Reuters reveals that both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait launched direct strikes on Iraqi militias to halt drone and missile attacks.

'I was woken up by explosions'

The haredi journalist who visited Baghdad

Journalist Yitzhak Horwitz described Iranian influence, Shiite militias and surviving Jewish heritage sites during a rare visit to Iraq.

Report: Iraq, Pakistan reach Hormuz shipping deals with Iran

Tehran shifting from threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz toward controlling access, Reuters report claims.

Dramatic report: Israel set up secret base in Iraq

Israel reportedly set up a secret military base deep in the Iraqi desert, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Expert warns: 'Don't be tempted into visiting Iraq'

Dr. Ronen Zeidel addresses the haredi sector and warns against visiting Iraq, due to an immediate fear of kidnapping by hostile elements.

Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister sanctioned over Iran oil operation

The US imposed sanctions on Iraqi officials and companies accused of diverting oil revenues to Iran and Tehran-backed terrorist groups.

Report: US suspends security coordination with Iraq

US demanding information on pro-Iran militia members involved in attacking American targets, Al-Hadath report says.

Iran-backed group

US offers $10 million bounty for Kata’ib Hezbollah chief

The US Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $10 million for information leading to Ahmad al-Hamidawi, leader of the Iran-backed terrorist group Kata’ib Hezbollah.

Iran-backed militia in Iraq releases kidnapped US journalist

Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah releases American journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped last week in Baghdad.

Iranian-linked militias attack US diplomats in Iraq

Iranian-linked militias launch two attacks on US diplomats and facilities in Iraq, the State Department says.

Watch: American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad

American freelance journalist kidnapped in central Baghdad. Iraqi security forces are pursuing her captors.

Drone and rocket attacks hit US Embassy in Baghdad again

US Embassy in Baghdad again targeted by drone and rocket attacks, causing some damage.

Former hostage:

'Commander involved in my captivity killed in Baghdad strike'

Kataib Hezbollah confirms the death of senior commander Abu Ali al-Askari, reportedly killed in a Baghdad strike. Former hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov says he was directly involved in her captivity.

Pentagon identifies six airmen killed in Iraq aircraft crash

The Pentagon identifies six US airmen killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. The incident remains under investigation.

US military confirms

All six crew members in Iraq aircraft crash are dead

The US military confirms that all six crew members of a downed KC-135 refueling aircraft in Iraq are deceased. The crash is under investigation.

US confirms

4 crew members killed in Iraq aircraft crash

CENTCOM confirmed that at least 4 of the 6 crew members on the KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraqi airspace yesterday were killed in the incident.

Iraqi Kurds launch ground offensive inside Iran

Thousands of Iraqi Kurds launch a ground offensive inside Iran. Sources say the militias aim to seize territory and challenge the regime.

5,700 ISIS fighters moved to Iraq in secretive night operation

US and coalition forces complete 23-day operation transferring more than 5,700 ISIS fighters from Syria to Iraqi custody to bolster regional security.

Iraqi forces capture ISIS terrorists, destroy hideouts

Iraqi forces arrest two ISIS terrorists in Anbar and destroy three hideouts in Kirkuk. The operations follow earlier arrest of an ISIS terrorist wearing an explosive belt.

Iraq arrests three ISIS terrorists in joint counter‑terror raids

Iraqi authorities arrest three ISIS terrorists in Anbar and Sulaymaniyah, including a bomb‑maker.

Heightened alert:

Iran closes its airspace

Iran closes its airspace except for approved flights. Meanwhile, fighter jets heard over Iraq.

Iran stops gas supplies to Iraq

'Unforseen circumstances' lead to sudden cutoff of Iranian gas shipments, severely affecting Iraq's ability to provide electricity to its populace.

After error

Iraq removes Hezbollah, Houthis from asset freeze list

Iraq will remove Hezbollah and Houthis from an asset-freeze list after officials admitted their inclusion was a mistake.

Israeli researcher reveals: This is how I was tortured in Iraq

Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli researcher who spent two and a half years in captivity under a pro-Iranian militia in Iraq, speaks about the physical and psychological abuse she endured.

US warns: Israeli operation in Lebanon imminent

US Ambassador Tom Barrack has delivered a clear warning to the government in Beirut: any Israeli operation will continue until the terror organization is fully disarmed.

'Go to Gaza'

Segal fires back after former captive criticizes Gaza coverage

A tense exchange erupted after captivity survivor Elizabeth Tsurkov accused Channel 12 of whitewashing the killing of two Gaza youths, prompting Amit Segal to fire back with sharp personal attacks on her record.

Iraq:

Drone strike hits Kurdistan gas field, sparks blackouts

Drone strike hits Kurdistan’s Khor Mor gas field, halting supplies and cutting 3,000 MW of power. Officials call it a “terrorist” attack.

Kurdistan:

Court drops death penalty for Jewish man after 10 years

A judge in Iraqi Kurdistan withdrew the death sentence of Kurdish Jew Binyamin Hassin after a 'sulha' agreement between families ended a decade-long global legal and diplomatic effort.

Iraqis head to polls in parliamentary vote as discontent grows

Over 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote as hundreds of parties compete in elections marked by heavy security and growing voter frustration.

Elizabet Tsurkov reveals:

Torture, isolation and threats in captivity

In her first interview since returning to Israel, Elizabet Tsurkov describes a series of torture and abuse she endured in captivity by the Qata'ib Hezbollah militia in Iraq.

Report:

Iran arming Iraqi militias ahead of clash with Israel

Tehran shifts strategic weight to Iraqi proxies, equipping them with advanced arms and preparing them for potential conflict with Israel, Iraqi sources reveal.

US designates 4 Iran-aligned militias as terrorist organizations

The State Department listed Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali as FTOs, citing Iranian support and threats to US forces.

Watch:

Released hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov reunites with her family

Prime Minister congratulated Elizabeth Tsurkov on her release from captivity in Iraq, wished her a full recovery, and thanked those who helped secure her release.

After 2 years in captivity

Elizabeth Tsurkov arrives in Israel

Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov returned to Israel this evening, more than two years after she was abducted by Iran-linked terrorists in Iraq and a day after she was freed.

Trump announces:

Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed from captivity

US President announces the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, held by Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq since 2023. She is now safe at the US Embassy.

Iraqi forces eliminate ISIS terrorists in airstrike in Salahuddin

Iraqi forces carry out a precision airstrike on an ISIS hideout in Salahuddin province, killing at least three terrorists including a senior commander.

Top terrorist captured

Key ISIS hideouts destroyed in Iraqi airstrikes

Iraqi forces conduct two airstrikes, eliminating ISIS terrorists in Salahuddin and Kirkuk. A top terrorist, once linked to Al-Qaeda, also captured.

Judgment and misjudgment

In Iran the Foreign Minster, Kamal Karrazi, told Arafat, “No Muslim can allow holy Jerusalem to remain under occupation, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference will never let any deal be made over Jerusalem.” Opinion.

Iran launches attack on US base in Qatar

Iran launched at least ten missiles at US bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation to strike on its nuclear sites. Qatar was notified about the attack ahead of time.

Tensions rise:

Iran proxies eye US bases amid retaliation fears

US officials detect Iran-backed militias preparing retaliatory attacks on US bases in Iraq and potentially Syria, following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, according to The New York Times.

Iraq blocks internet to prevent cheating on finals

Access to the internet in Iraq was disconnected during exam periods to prevent students from cheating.

US denies breakthrough in Tsurkov hostage release talks

Senior US official refutes Arab media claims of a breakthrough in negotiations for the release of Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, abducted in Iraq in March 2023.

Report: Deal reached for release of Israeli academic held in Iraq

Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped by a Shiite militia in March 2023, may soon be freed; Arab media report deal involving her handover to Iraqi authorities.

'Bring her home now!'

Trump envoy urges Iraq to free hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov

Trump’s Special Envoy Adam Boehler calls on Iraqi PM Sudani to act swiftly in freeing Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student held by Kata’ib Hezbollah since 2023.

Iran defies Trump, bolsters militias in Iraq with missiles

Iran has delivered advanced long-range missiles to militias in Iraq for the first time, heightening regional tensions as nuclear negotiations with the US loom.

Amid US pressure

Iran-backed militias in Iraq consider disarmament

Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran are weighing disarmament to avoid US military action, amid rising tensions and pressure from both Washington and Baghdad.

Nationwide raids

Iraqi forces capture seven ISIS terrorists

Iraqi security forces arrest seven wanted ISIS terrorists in a series of counter-terror operations in the provinces of Anbar, Kirkuk, and Nineveh.

Report:

Iran’s Quds Force chief orders militias to stand down

Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, reportedly instructs leaders of Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq to refrain from attacking Israel. Same message reportedly also relayed to Houthis in Yemen.

Senior Iraqi official:

'Elizabeth Tsurkov might have been taken to Iran'

Senior Iraqi official says Iraqi PM does not know whereabouts of Israeli-Russian researcher, kidnapped in 2023 in Baghdad.

Report:

Trump envoy traveled to Iraq to push for Israeli's release

Sources familiar with the matter say Trump’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, traveled to Iraq last month in bid to secure the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov.

Iraq confirms efforts to locate kidnapped Israeli-Russian scholar

Iraq's national security adviser confirms that authorities are actively working to locate Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian academic who was abducted in Baghdad nearly two years ago.

Elizabeth Tsurkov kidnapping

Cruz slams Iraq, pledges action under Trump

Senator Ted Cruz says the Iraqi government is complicit in the kidnapping of Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov: This will end under President Donald Trump and the GOP Congress.

US envoy urges Iraq to free Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov

Adam Boehler, US Envoy for Hostages, calls Iraq’s Prime Minister to release Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov: He has an opportunity to show the world why he should or should not be prime minister.

Elizabeth Tsurkov's sister:

'Biden admin kept showering corrupt Iraqi officials with cash'

Emma Tsurkov, whose sister, Elizabeth, has been held hostage by a Shia militia in Iraq since 2023 expressed hope that the Trump administration would bring her sister home: 'Thank God a tough leader with a backbone of steel is in the White House.'

Report:

Elizabeth Tsurkov to be exchanged for Hezbollah terrorists

Israeli citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov will reportedly be exchanged for 8 Hezbollah terrorists 2 years after she was kidnapped in Iraq.

Iraqi FM:

Abducted Israeli researcher still alive

Minister Fuad Hussein says Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was abducted two years ago by a Shia militia, is still alive and the Prime Minister is working for her release.

US Army targets ISIS in Iraq and Syria

CENTCOM says it and its partner forces conducted operations in Iraq and Syria, from December 30 to January 6, targeting known ISIS locations. One Coalition member was killed but no US personnel were harmed.