United States President Obama is ordering up to 1,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), bringing the American force to more than 3,000 troops. In a statement issued Friday afternoon, Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said the …
Read More »Yearly Archives: 2014
Iraqi FM visits Turkey
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari arrived in Turkey on Wednesday to meet with Turkish officials in order to boost bilateral ties and coordinate efforts to fight terrorism. Jaafari’s visit between Nov. 5 and 7 is at the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
Read More »Pakistani PM to visit China
Pakistan Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday left for China to lead the Pakistan delegation at the “Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership” being held in Beijing on November 8, the Foreign Office said in a statement. The premier will hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese President Xi …
Read More »EU extends military operation in CAR until 15 March 2015
The EU Friday decided to extend the military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) until 15 March 2015. This follows a request by the authorities of CAR and a renewed mandate from the UN Security Council, said an EU statement.
Read More »Libya crisis worsens after court rules June elections unconstitutional
Libya’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the June election that produced an internationally recognised legislature and government was unconstitutional, further deepening a political divide that has fuelled months of militia fighting. The court issued its ruling from the capital Tripoli, which is controlled by Islamist-allied militias from the powerful …
Read More »U.S. commander says coalition would be benefit if Turkey opens air bases for anti-ISIL operations
The U.S.-led coalition fighting against Islamic jihadists in Iraq and Syria would benefit from Turkey’s permission to use its airbases, a U.S. commander has said. “When and if the Turks decide to be more forthcoming in helping the coalition, it will clearly be value-added,” Gen. Lloyd Austin, commander of U.S. …
Read More »Over 40 killed in Syria clashes
At least 40 people have been killed in clashes between Syrian regime forces and opposition fighters including Al-Qaeda’s local affiliate in the south of the country, a monitor said today. The forces were killed yesterday, during fighting in Beit Tima, a majority-Druze region in southeastern Damascus province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Read More »32 Tanks from Russia enter Ukraine
A column of 32 tanks and other heavy weapons has entered Ukraine from Russia, the Ukrainian military said today, after the latest fighting left five dead and at least 31 injured. Military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said a convoy made up of 32 tanks, 16 howitzer cannons and 30 trucks of troops and …
Read More »US conducts 14 airstrikes against ISIL in Syria and Iraq
US military forces continued to attack the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) with 14 combined airstrikes between the 3rd and 5th of November over Syria and Iraq, announced US Central Command(CENTCOM) in Tampa, Florida Wednesday. In Syria, where the airstrikes are led by the US, three airstrikes …
Read More »Fabius, Kerry discuss Mideast situation
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius hosted talks here Wednesday with US Secretary-of-State John Kerry on developments in the international talks on Iran’s controversial nuclear programmes and also other crises, including the Ebola epidemic and the situation in the Middle East. In a brief statement after the meeting, both officials portrayed …
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