Global defense news, analysis and opinion

Coalition strikes near Syria-Iraq border while Raqqa strikes are paused

U.S.-led Coalition strikes in continued to focus on Islamic State targets near the Iraq-Syria border on Sunday, Operation Inherent Resolve said.

Read More »

Offensive operations to resume in Raqqa – Coalition spokesperson

Colonel Ryan Dillon said that offensive operations to clear the remaining ISIS-held areas in Raqqa are expected to resume later on October 16.

Read More »

Coalition says movements of military vehicles in Kirkuk ‘not attacks’

The U.S.-led Coalition against ISIS is monitoring movements of personnel and military vehicles near Kirkuk, which they say have not resulted in attacks yet.

Read More »

US engaging Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk – State Dept

Washington is engaging Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk amid reports of clashes, a U.S. State Department official told The Defense Post on Sunday. Earlier in the day,  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced an operation to retake federal installations in Kirkuk, which is largely under the control of Kurdistan Regional Government. “We are monitoring the situation in Kirkuk closely and are very concerned by reports of a confrontation.  We are engaged with all parties in Iraq to de-escalate tension,” the official said. “We support the peaceful exercise of joint GOI [Government of Iraq] – KRG authority in all disputed areas.” Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil escalated after the Kurdish independence referendum held on September 25. Ninety-two percent of Kurds voted in favor of secession from Iraq, but federal authorities proclaimed the referendum unconstitutional and refused to recognize the results. Thousands of volunteers from othe cities of Kurdistan are pouring in to Kirkuk. @HaiderAlAbadi started the war using PMF & chose Kirkuk, but he should wait, Kurdistan reaction will be much stronger than they expected. — Dr. Hemn Hawrami (@heminhawrami) October 16, 2017 US calls on Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to avoid escalatory actions in Kirkuk

Read More »

US calls on Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to avoid escalatory actions in Kirkuk

Washington is urging Baghdad and Erbil to de-escalate tensions and avoid destabilizing actions in Kirkuk, Pentagon told the Defense Post on Sunday.

Read More »

M60 tank upgrade unveiled by Italy’s Leonardo at Bahrain’s BIDEC

Italian defense contractor Leonardo is to present its modular M60 tank upgrade solution at the first Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference

Read More »

Massive truck bomb explosion in Mogadishu, Somalia killed hundreds

The death toll from a Saturday truck bomb blast in Mogadishu, Somalia has risen to at least 230 people, with hundreds more injured, a senior politician said

Read More »

SDF launches final assault on Raqqa after some ISIS fighters evacuated

The U.S.-backed SDF launched a final assault on the remaining ISIS-held areas of Raqqa after some ISIS fighters evacuated from the Syrian city overnight

Read More »

ISIS fighters to evacuate Raqqa or surrender to SDF after deal with tribal elders

Islamic State fighters are set evacuate Raqqa or surrender to the U.S.-backed SDF under a deal reached with Arab tribal elders and Raqqa Civil Council

Read More »

Syria demands immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from Idlib

Syria has demanded an immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from its northwestern Idlib province, deeming it an aggression against Syrian sovereignty

Read More »