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Iran launches war games, blocks flights to Kurdistan ahead of referendum

Iran military started war games near the border with Kurdistan, one day before the region is scheduled to hold a referendum on independence from Iraq.

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Battle for Raqqa is down to 3 neighborhoods, US Coalition envoy says

The battle to liberate the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Islamic State is nearing its conclusion, US-led Coalition Envoy Brett McGurk said on Friday.

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Iraq announces start of offensive to retake Hawija from ISIS

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on Thursday the start of the Hawija operation, with Iraqi Security Forces leading the fight to oust Islamic State fighters from the city. In a statement, Abadi said: “We announce the launch of the first phase of the liberation of Hawija, in fulfilment of our pledge to our people to liberate all Iraqi territory and cleanse it from terrorist Daesh gangs.” القائد العام للقوات المسلحة الدكتور حيدر العبادي يعلن انطلاق المرحلة الاولى من عملية تحرير الحويجةhttps://t.co/wEiMApidsy pic.twitter.com/3X3LKSqlEu — Haider Al-Abadi حيدر العبادي (@HaiderAlAbadi) September 21, 2017 ISIS captured Hawija, located about 55 kilometers (34 miles) south of Kirkuk, in June 2014. Col. Ryan Dillon said on Thursday that the Coalition believes between 800-1,500 ISIS fighters remain in Hawija, including foreign fighters. Previously the Coalition estimated fewer than 1,000 fighters were in the city. In an emailed statement, the Norwegian Refugee Council told The Globe Post an estimated 60,000-85,000 people may flee Hawija and the surrounding areas. “The biggest need for families inside Hawiga now is protection and safety away from the crossfire. We also know that civilians inside Hawiga have suffered a lack of food and water and medical care during the last couple of …

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