Iraq

In his new autobiography, Pope Francis spoke about an attempted terrorist attack against him in Iraq in 2021. British intelligence warned of suicide bombers, who were later neutralized by the Iraqi police.

Bashar al-Assad said that he remained in Damascus until the evening of December 8 and had no plans to flee the country. Reuters and Bloomberg claim that the escape was organized by Russian intelligence without warning his family.

The US president expressed support for the transfer of power in Syria after the overthrow of the Assad regime. Washington plans to strengthen cooperation with regional allies and contribute to the development of a democratic Syria.

Augsburg police have arrested a 37-year-old asylum seeker from Iraq who was spying on a Christmas market. The man had connections with IS and published extremist materials on social networks.

Donald Trump is considering the candidacy of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to replace Pete Hagel as US Secretary of Defense. The reason for the possible replacement was allegations about Hagesse's personal life and doubts about his confirmation by the Senate.

Up to 750,000 tons of contraband fuel oil pass through Iraq every month, bringing Iran and its allies about. 1 billion a year. The scheme intensified after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani came to power in 2022.

Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and possible candidate for US Secretary of Defense, is covered with numerous tattoos. Most of them are dedicated to the Christian faith, American patriotism and military service.

The U. S. military attacked weapons depots and logistics centers of pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Yemen. The U.S. command declared its readiness to continue to protect its personnel and partners in the region.

Pete Hughes, a U. S. National Guard officer and Fox News host, has been appointed Secretary of Defense. He has military experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and has led veterans' organizations.

Iraqi authorities may pass an amendment lowering the age of consent to marriage from 18 to 9 for girls and 15 for boys. The bill would also deny women the right to divorce, inheritance and child custody.

Corey Navrotsky, a 41-year-old retired U. S. Marine sergeant, was killed on October 27 on the border with the bryansk region. The veteran with 20 years of service joined the Ukrainian forces in September of this year.

Brent and WTI crude oil rose by more than $1 due to reports that Iran is preparing to strike Israel from Iraq. Prices were also affected by expectations that OPEC+ would postpone production cuts.

Iran plans to attack Israel from Iraq using drones and ballistic missiles. The attack could take place before the November 5 US presidential election with the participation of Iraqi pro-Iranian militias.

Israel plans to commission a new Iron Beam laser system in 2025. The system will be able to destroy missiles and drones for $5 instead of the $60,000 spent on intercepting Iron Dome.

The Israeli strike disabled 12 mixers for the production of solid ballistic missile fuel in Iran. S-300 air defense systems and a drone factory were also damaged.

Israeli strikes on Damascus and a military facility near Homs killed one Syrian soldier and wounded seven. The attacks targeted the Kafr Sousa neighborhood and a military facility, causing material damage.

The Turkish Air Force attacked Kurdistan Workers' Party targets in Iraq and Syria after the terrorist attack in Ankara. 32 terrorist targets were destroyed, and the operation continues.

The Supervisory Board of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC has appointed Oleh Hulyak as CEO. He has a military background and previously served as the Commander of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Israel is planning to attack Hezbollah's financial centers in Lebanon, warning locals to stay away. Tensions at the border have been ongoing since October, resulting in numerous casualties and massive displacement.

Iran suspended indirect talks with the United States in Oman due to tensions with Israel. Iran's Foreign Minister said that the talks will not resume until the current crisis is overcome.

Emirates Airlines banned the transportation of pagers and walkie-talkies after a series of explosions in Lebanon. The airline also suspended flights to Lebanon, Iraq and Iran due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

A 21-year-old Yazidi woman kidnapped by ISIS in Iraq 10 years ago has been released from Gaza. The operation was conducted jointly by representatives of Israel, the United States and Iraq.

Two Katyusha missiles were fired at a US military base near Baghdad airport. The missiles were intercepted by air defense, and one fell nearby, damaging equipment, with no casualties.

The United States announced the end of the international military mission in Iraq within 12 months, but no later than September 2025. It is planned to switch to bilateral security partnerships to support Iraqi forces.

NATO is considering the use of hospital trains to evacuate the wounded in a possible war with Russia. This is due to the potential impossibility of air evacuation due to Russian air defense and jet aircraft.

A new Jihad ballistic missile with a range of 1,000 km was shown at a military parade in Iran. A new Shahed-136B drone with a range of up to 4000 km was also presented.

Eight U. S. military personnel were injured in a drone attack on a base in Syria. Three have already recovered, while others are being treated for head injuries and smoke poisoning.

On Friday, a drone attack on US and coalition forces took place in Syria. Several servicemen were lightly injured and transferred to another location for assessment.

Iraqi security forces detain five people involved in a missile attack on the Ain al-Assad air base that injured U. S. troops.

Lloyd Austin has canceled the plea bargain for those accused of the September 11, 2001 attacks. He stated that the American public deserves military commissions and trials in this case.