Iraqi forces backed by the U.S.-led coalition retook on Friday the last town in the country that was held by the Islamic State group, more than three years after the militants stormed nearly a third of Iraq’s territory, the Defense Ministry said. At dawn, military units and local tribal fighters […]
Iraqi and Kurdish forces fight: The start of a civil war?
Kurdish forces were withdrawing from Kirkuk on Monday as Iraqi federal forces moved in to the disputed city and seized oil fields and other infrastructure amid soaring tensions over last month’s Kurdish vote for independence. Kurdish officials accused the Iraqi army of carrying out a “major, multi-prong attack,” and reported […]
U.S.-backed forces ready to launch next ISIS showdown
Senior U.S. commanders say Iraqi forces are largely set for their next major campaign against Islamic State extremists. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, says he sees the Iraqi assault on the IS-held area of Tal Afar “unfolding relatively soon.” The upcoming fight follows weeks of […]
Victory! U.S.-backed forces defeat ISIS in Mosul
Iraqi forces on Thursday captured the compound of a landmark mosque in Mosul that was blown up last week by the Islamic State group – a hugely symbolic site from where the top IS leader declared an Islamic “caliphate” nearly three years ago. The advance comes as the Iraqi troops […]
Judge saves hundreds of Christians (prayers answered!)
A judge on Thursday temporarily halted the deportation of more than 100 Iraqi Christians living in the Detroit area who fear torture and possible death if sent back to Iraq. U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith said in a written order that deportation is halted for 14 days while he decides […]