FDD's Long War Journal

Syria joins anti-Islamic State coalition meeting as territory transition with SDF continues

February 10, 2026 1:16 pm | By Seth Frantzman

Syria’s foreign minister joined a US-led anti-Islamic State coalition meeting in Riyadh on February 9, signaling deeper coordination after Damascus joined the coalition in November. The meeting followed a January 29 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces enabling government deployments into northeastern Syria. Coalition members praised the deal and discussed transfers of Islamic State detainees to Iraq. As Syrian forces move into SDF-held areas, the transition faces challenges, particularly in Kobani, where humanitarian conditions remain dire despite reduced violence. Read more →

Analysis: Naim Qassem delivers defiant speech to mark anniversary of Mahdi Schools

February 6, 2026 3:15 pm | By David Daoud

Naim Qassem marked the 33rd anniversary of the Mahdi Schools System with a defiant speech that said Iran was divinely promised a momentous victory over the United States and Israel. He also stressed that Hezbollah would not disarm, and its patient path of choosing even death over surrender would guarantee Lebanon's eventual victory over Israel. Read more →

After Damascus-SDF deal, Syrian security forces deploy in northeastern Syria

February 4, 2026 4:19 pm | By Seth Frantzman

Syrian government forces deployed into Al Hasakah and Qamishli in eastern Syria in early February under a January 30 agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The deal is aimed at ending clashes and restoring central authority in mainly Kurdish areas that the SDF still controls. The government deployment coincided with reports of continued US transfers of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq and US strikes on Islamic State targets. Read more →

Iranian regime escalates hostilities with US, hardens negotiating position

February 4, 2026 3:18 pm | By Janatan Sayeh

Iran has ramped up military provocations against US forces as nuclear negotiations loom, with regime officials sending mixed signals on uranium enrichment while refusing to discuss missile programs or terror proxies. Internal regime sources reveal the leadership's growing fear that a US strike could trigger mass uprisings. Despite killing over 36,000 protesters, according to some estimates, scattered demonstrations continue across Iran, with one official saying that "the wall of fear has collapsed." Read more →

Hamas injures IDF soldier, Palestinian terrorists violate Gaza ceasefire 10 times between January 22 and February 4

February 4, 2026 1:51 pm | By Samuel Ben-Ur & Aaron Goren

The US-brokered truce in Gaza is still holding but faces challenges as Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists continue to violate the terms almost daily, and the IDF responds with airstrikes. Despite the Rafah Crossing opening to pedestrian traffic, challenges are emerging surrounding procuring reconstruction funding, part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza. Read more →

Generation Jihad | Big Yikes in Syria, Part XXXVII

February 4, 2026 8:23 am | By Bill Roggio & Ahmad Sharawi

In Part 37 of Big Yikes in Syria, Bill Roggio and Ahmad Sharawi unpack yet another round of bad alliances and strategic failure in the war-torn country. Read more →

Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: January 26–February 1, 2026

February 3, 2026 4:03 pm | By David Daoud

Israel continued military operations in Lebanon between January 26 and February 1, 2026. Israeli activities were concentrated in south Lebanon and continued to target Hezbollah assets and personnel, despite the Lebanese Armed Forces claiming to have taken operational control of the South Litani Area earlier this month. Read more →

Rafah crossing opens days after IDF says Hamas violated ceasefire, conducts strikes

February 2, 2026 5:22 pm | By Seth Frantzman

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on February 2 for limited pedestrian traffic, marking a key step in the US-backed ceasefire plan that began in October. The move followed significant Israeli airstrikes after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that terrorists had emerged from a tunnel in Rafah, violating the ceasefire. The IDF continued operations in Gaza, reporting additional clashes with suspected terrorists and the discovery of weapons and tunnels near Khan Younis along the Yellow Line. Read more →

Islamic State video details extent of attack in Niamey

February 2, 2026 9:52 am | By Caleb Weiss

A new video released by the Islamic State details the jihadist group’s brazen attack on Niger’s international airport and military airbase in the capital of Niamey. The footage undercuts statements made by Nigerien officials, indicating the attack was much worse than initially reported. Read more →

Popular Forces Gaza militia captures senior Hamas member

February 1, 2026 4:44 pm | By Joe Truzman

The Popular Forces captured Adham al Akar, a Hamas company commander in Rafah, and transferred him to Israeli custody. Akar’s capture underscores the growing role of local anti-Hamas militias in conducting offensive operations against the Islamist organization. However, with the ceasefire framework expected to bring further Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza, these groups may face mounting strategic risks. Read more →

Islamic State claims assault on airport in Niger’s capital

February 1, 2026 9:17 am | By Caleb Weiss

The Islamic State has officially claimed last week’s assault on Niger’s Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital of Niamey, which also hosts the military Air Base 101. Niger claims the assault was repelled, with Russia’s Africa Corps mercenary group also taking credit for the defense. Read more →

Fighting intensifies between Damascus and Syrian Democratic Forces as diplomatic talks resume

January 29, 2026 3:42 pm | By Ahmad Sharawi

Battles between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have continued to intensify despite a US-mediated ceasefire agreement. The latest clashes have involved drone strikes, rocket and artillery fire, and suicide bombings. Read more →

Reports: Hezbollah detains Lebanese security personnel seeking to inspect suspicious cargo

January 29, 2026 2:27 pm | By David Daoud

Lebanese media reports claim that Hezbollah sought to smuggle weapons from the remnants of its arsenal in Syria to Dahiyeh in Lebanon. The weapons, transported in two vehicles, were detected by suspicious Lebanese authorities. However, the reports claim that Hezbollah temporarily detained a Lebanese officer and only handed over the vehicles for inspection after emptying them of their cargo. Read more →

Russian troops begin evacuating from northern Syria

January 28, 2026 5:54 pm | By Dmitriy Shapiro & Keti Korkiya

Russia evacuated troops from the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli ahead of interim Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa’s second visit to Moscow. Whether Russia will retain access to two key military facilities in western Syria was a part of the discussion between the two leaders. Read more →

Russian military launches recruitment drive for drone units

January 28, 2026 3:09 pm | By John Hardie

The Russian military has launched a recruitment drive seeking troops for drone units, reflecting the key role that unmanned systems have come to play both in the Ukraine war and in Russia’s plans for its future force structure. Read more →

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