Iraq-US military cooperation still vital in fight against ISIS remnants

Security 2024-02-19

Iraq-US military cooperation still vital in fight against ISIS remnants

Iraqi forces continue to target ISIS remnants in operations that would not be possible without international coalition radar coverage and support.

Jordan tightens defenses against cross-border smuggling from Syria

Security 2024-02-19

Jordan tightens defenses against cross-border smuggling from Syria

The kingdom has been taking more aggressive measures to combat smuggling from Syria as these operations become larger and more frequent.

Houthis' actions linked to recent spike in piracy off Somalia

Security 2024-02-17

Houthis' actions linked to recent spike in piracy off Somalia

Slowing cargo ships awaiting word on whether to proceed to the Red Sea amid the Houthis' attacks have created a 'hunting ground' for pirates.

Iran's 'smokescreen' strategy continues with so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq

Security 2024-02-16

Iran's 'smokescreen' strategy continues with so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq

Iran has a long history of using little-known 'smokescreen' militias to conceal its role in attacks, most recently with its proxy Kataib Hizbullah.

Iran-backed Houthis fire missiles at ship destined for Iran

Security 2024-02-15

Iran-backed Houthis fire missiles at ship destined for Iran

The latest incident in the Red Sea corridor illustrates how truly indiscriminate the Houthis have been in their attacks on international shipping.

Iraq fortifies its border with Syria to curb arms, drug smuggling

Security 2024-02-14

Iraq fortifies its border with Syria to curb arms, drug smuggling

Iraq has worked hard to secure its border with Syria, but Iran-aligned militias still find ways to smuggle weapons and drugs via illegal crossings along the frontier.

Lebanese civilians say Hizbullah's encroaching arms depots make them nervous

Security 2024-02-13

Lebanese civilians say Hizbullah's encroaching arms depots make them nervous

Residents of Hizbullah-dominated areas say they do not feel safe amid mysterious explosions that point to the presence of ammunition depots.

China cashes in on Houthis' 'special treatment' as US, world work to protect shipping

Security 2024-02-09

China cashes in on Houthis' 'special treatment' as US, world work to protect shipping

The proportion of container ships hauling China-linked tonnage through the Red Sea has surged as other nations steer clear of the Houthis' attacks.

As joint US-Iraqi commission reviews partnership, experts point to its successes

Security 2024-02-08

As joint US-Iraqi commission reviews partnership, experts point to its successes

Joint US-Iraqi talks on international coalition's future are meant to develop a new form for a 'sustainable bilateral security relationship,' military expert says.

Houthis' attacks stymie Yemen's peace efforts

Security 2024-02-08

Houthis' attacks stymie Yemen's peace efforts

Armed and enabled by Iran, the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea and regional waters have set back peace efforts in Yemen and put locals at even greater risk of humanitarian disaster.