Strengthened Iraq-GCC relations could bolster stability in the country and lessen Baghdad’s dependence on Iran. Iraqi sovereignty and the war against extremism are fights the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is committed to winning, according to a top GCC official on Monday.

Lebanon’s army said on Monday it had arrested 18 people, some Lebanese and others Syrian, with links to Islamic State.

Israeli army, meanwhile, says drone fell in Lebanese territory during operational activity along the Blue Line. Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement has said it shot down an Israeli drone that flew over the United Nations-demarcated Blue Line border.