Cross-border smugglers continue to plague Diyala's 'Black Valleys'

Security 2023-10-18

Cross-border smugglers continue to plague Diyala's 'Black Valleys'

The valleys of the eastern Iraq province serve as a key smuggling corridor for drugs and arms that Iran-aligned militias will not give up easily.

Eyes on Lebanon border as nations warn against widening Israel-Hamas war

Security 2023-10-17

Eyes on Lebanon border as nations warn against widening Israel-Hamas war

World leaders seek to contain Israel-Hamas war and avoid opening a second front with Hizbullah on Israel's northern border with Lebanon.

SDF hailed as protectors, 'crucial partners' in eastern Syria

Security 2023-10-13

SDF hailed as protectors, 'crucial partners' in eastern Syria

The Syrian Democratic Forces remain steadfast international coalition partners as they work to stamp out ISIS remnants and bring stability.

Hamas attack on Israel deemed a fatal miscalculation by analysts

Security 2023-10-13

Hamas attack on Israel deemed a fatal miscalculation by analysts

The powerlessness of Hamas when confronted with the deteriorating living conditions in Gaza is one reason why it launched its brutal offensive against Israel. But it may prove a fatal mistake.

Fears mount in Lebanon over repercussions of Hamas attack on Israel

Security 2023-10-12

Fears mount in Lebanon over repercussions of Hamas attack on Israel

Many Lebanese fear that Hizbullah's actions along the country's southern border with Israel could drag Lebanon into a devastating war.

Did Iran play a role in the Hamas assault on Israel?

Security 2023-10-11

Did Iran play a role in the Hamas assault on Israel?

Evidence suggests Iran knew in advance that Hamas was planning to strike Israel, while there is no doubt Tehran has provided funding, training and support for the militant group for years.

Iran-aligned militias build out tunnel network on Iraq-Syria border

Security 2023-10-10

Iran-aligned militias build out tunnel network on Iraq-Syria border

Cross-border tunnels carved out by ISIS have been taken over and extended by militias aligned with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

New independent security agency in Iraq to combat drug trafficking

Security 2023-10-05

New independent security agency in Iraq to combat drug trafficking

The agency will be the nucleus for the creation of other agencies and committees specialized in confronting the drug threat, security expert says.

New IRGC-backed tribal militia in Deir Ezzor aims to fuel tensions, activists say

Security 2023-10-04

New IRGC-backed tribal militia in Deir Ezzor aims to fuel tensions, activists say

The newly formed Hashemite Tribes Regiment, headed by Sheikh Nawaf al-Bashir, intends to sow discord among Arabs and Kurds in east Syria at the behest of Iran.

Houthis blamed for drone attack that killed 3 Bahraini soldiers on Saudi soil

Security 2023-09-27

Houthis blamed for drone attack that killed 3 Bahraini soldiers on Saudi soil

The widely condemned attack near Yemen's northern border is not consistent with recent efforts made to end the country's protracted war.