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Hezbollah reportedly rebuilding networks in southern Lebanon pilot zones
Hezbollah is reportedly rebuilding its intelligence networks and restoring its presence in three southern Lebanese villages designated to test the group’s disarmament, despite the Lebanese Army’s claims of operational control. The reports come amid stalled verification efforts and continued reluctance by the army to confront Hezbollah.
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Attack targets Khor Mor gas field in Iraqi Kurdistan
A new “suspected drone attack” on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region has heightened tensions as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi confronts Iranian-backed militias over their weapons, economic networks, and influence. The developments come amid growing US pressure on Baghdad to restrict border crossings with Iran, renewed diplomatic contacts between Iraqi and Iranian officials, and efforts to bring armed factions under state control.
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Ugandans start withdrawal from Somalia, US leaves key base
After nearly 20 years in Somalia, Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from the African Union mission, while US forces have also departed the strategic Baledogle Military Airfield in southern Somalia. The departures could create opportunities for Al Qaeda’s Shabaab to expand its influence amid ongoing political instability in Mogadishu.
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IDF finds weapons stockpiles, Hezbollah military site near UN posts in south Lebanon
Israeli forces found weapons stockpiles and a Hezbollah military-use apartment within 100 to 250 meters of United Nations positions in southern Lebanon, adding to a years-long record of Hezbollah military infrastructure near UNIFIL sites.
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Northern Iraq struggles with Kurdish political divisions and security
Northern Iraq faces mounting security and political challenges as Iranian drone attacks continue to target Kurdish Iranian opposition groups, Iraqi forces conduct operations against the Islamic State, and political disputes threaten stability in Sinjar. These developments come amid growing tensions between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, complicating efforts to strengthen…
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Arab parties endorse Eisenkot for Israeli PM, IDF reports 52 ceasefire violations Oct. 16–Nov. 5
Record turnout among Arab voters in Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election nearly doubled the representation of Arab-led parties, potentially making them kingmakers in forming the next government. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces reported 52 ceasefire violations by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups between October 16 and November 5, as Israeli forces continued conducting strikes…
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Syria detains Hezbollah cell accused of Homs plot
On November 3, Syrian security forces arrested members of an alleged Hezbollah-linked cell accused of plotting an attack on a refinery near Homs, the latest in a series of operations targeting Hezbollah networks and arms smuggling since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The arrests come amid expanding Syrian-Lebanese talks on border…
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Lebanese military prosecutor charges 13 over Hezbollah explosives shipment
Lebanon’s military prosecutor charged 13 people over a shipment of explosives seized at Dahr al Baidar. Reporting on the prosecution identifies the alleged supplier, intended recipient, vehicle owner, and members of an accompanying transport team. The charges came as Lebanon’s government continued debating whether to transfer the case to the Judicial Council.
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Afghan United Front leads October surge in claimed anti-Taliban attacks
Anti-Taliban resistance groups claimed 82 attacks in October, more than double September’s total, with the Afghan United Front leading the surge. Yet the emergence of new factions and the loss of another NRF commander underscore the challenges facing a resistance that remains divided.
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Syria’s counterterrorism dilemma: Who can Washington trust?
A deadly attack on a Christian funeral in Jordan and subsequent Jordanian airstrikes in Syria have sparked a diplomatic dispute between Amman and Damascus. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi to discuss the Islamic State’s possible involvement, the deteriorating security situation in southern Syria, and the implications for US counterterrorism…
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Syria hosts Iraqi PM for visit amid security challenges in north and south
Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Damascus on October 28 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and reviving energy cooperation. The historic visit came as Syria faces continuing security challenges, including a deadly Jordanian airstrike in the south, clashes with foreign jihadists in Idlib, and…
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Florida teenager arrested in an Islamic State-linked bomb plot
A 15-year-old student in Gainesville, Florida, allegedly sought guidance from Islamic State members and supporters on building drones and explosives to attack people at an unidentified indoor location.
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One war, many fronts: Iran and its proxies
The war with Iran is far from over, and the fight extends well beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Fellow and former British Ambassador to Yemen Edmund Fitton-Brown to assess the status of the US-Iran conflict, Tehran’s efforts to break the American naval blockade, and the growing role of its terrorist proxies.
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Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes continue amid reported Pakistani outreach to anti-Taliban groups
Taliban and Pakistani forces have clashed at least three times since October 19, amid reports that Pakistani military and intelligence officials have met with members of Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance to discuss possible support.
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Poland selected to host Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile maintenance facility
Poland will host Europe’s first dedicated maintenance facility for the Patriot air defense system’s PAC-3 missiles, reducing repair and servicing times while strengthening regional air defense readiness. The initiative comes amid growing shortages of critical munitions and Poland’s broader efforts to expand its role in US weapons production and maintenance.
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Jordanian Air Force strikes targets in Syria in retaliation for deadly church attack
On October 26, the Jordanian Air Force conducted multiple strikes against suspected Islamic State positions in southern Syria, targeting militants Jordan linked to an October 23 attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded dozens. Jordan said the strikes killed more than 20 militants, while Syrian authorities reported seven civilian deaths.
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Iraq juggles border security and ties with Iran, Syria, and Jordan
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to strengthen border security and regional cooperation amid tensions with Iran over the closure of a key crossing in Iraq’s Maysan province, while also pursuing closer ties with Jordan and Syria. The developments come as Baghdad continues to face threats from Iranian-backed militias, concerns over instability along its borders, and challenges to bringing armed groups under state control.
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Pakistani outreach presents a dilemma for Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance
Pakistan’s reported outreach to anti-Taliban resistance groups reflects deteriorating ties with its longtime ally. But accepting Pakistani support could deepen divisions in the resistance and undermine its standing among Afghans who blame Islamabad for decades of bloodshed.
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Iraqi parliament approves most remaining cabinet appointments, including Iran-backed militia figures
After five months of negotiations, almost all remaining spots in Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi’s cabinet were approved by the parliament on October 15. Among the three deputy prime ministers is Laith al Khazali, whom the US State Department designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2020.
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The Houthis’ Red Sea power play
The Houthis are on the offensive in Yemen, threatening one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and bringing the war back to Saudi Arabia’s doorstep. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD research analyst and Long War Journal contributor Bridget Toomey to discuss the Iranian-backed group’s renewed campaign to conquer Yemen, its advances along the Red Sea coast, and its siege of the strategic city of Taiz.
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Ukrainian intelligence details new low-cost Russian cruise missile
A new missile called the Filin adds to Russia’s growing arsenal of low-cost, long-range munitions, placing strain on Ukraine’s overstretched air defenses. Ukraine is expected to scale production of faster interceptor drones, but this addresses only part of the challenge of countering Russia’s evolving missile and drone capabilities.
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Protests break out in Syria against ‘Israeli incursions and attacks’ as tensions rise
Protests erupted across southern Syria and Damascus on October 23 against Israeli military operations in the buffer zone along the Golan border, following reports that a Syrian man with disabilities was killed during an IDF raid. The protests come amid growing Syrian condemnation of Israeli incursions, as well as diplomatic efforts by Syrian officials to address regional tensions.
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FBI arrests alleged Islamic State supporter accused of plotting to assassinate Texas congressman
A 17-year-old Texas teenager allegedly plotted to assassinate Republican US Representative Keith Self at a veterans’ fundraiser as part of a broader Islamic State-inspired terrorist plot. Federal agents arrested the suspect after he acquired a firearm.
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Iran says it has agreement with Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups
Iran’s ambassador to Iraq claimed on October 20 that Iraq has agreed to expel Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the Kurdistan Region. The announcement came amid increased Iranian attacks on these groups and as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party withdraws from positions in northern Iraq as part of a peace process with Turkey. An Iraqi source disputes Tehran’s claim that an expulsion agreement has been reached.
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Pakistan-Taliban border clashes continue amid diplomatic efforts
Pakistani forces and the Taliban exchanged heavy fire along the border as Russia, the European, and China pressed for dialogue and action against terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan.
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Lebanon revokes Iranian bank’s license amid US pressure over Hezbollah financing
Lebanon has revoked Bank Saderat Iran’s operating license amid US pressure to disrupt Hezbollah’s financial networks. The bank has a documented history of channeling Iranian funds to Hezbollah, but whether Lebanese authorities have closed its branches or initiated liquidation proceedings remains unclear.
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Hezbollah accuses Lebanese police of violating security coordination procedure after supporters reportedly obstruct raid
Armed men identifying themselves as Hezbollah supporters reportedly surrounded Lebanese security personnel conducting an October 16 raid on a pharmaceutical warehouse near Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah subsequently claimed the officers had violated an agreed security coordination procedure with the group.
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Profile: Hezbollah’s new liaison to the Lebanese state and society
Hussain al Abdallah, the new chief of Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit who succeeded Wafiq Safa, reportedly sought the return of explosives seized by Lebanese security forces in early October. Abdallah’s career spans more than two decades in Hezbollah’s southern security apparatus.
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Israel reportedly blocks Board of Peace base in Gaza, IDF reports 31 ceasefire violations October 1–15
Efforts to implement the US-backed Board of Peace’s plans for Gaza remain stalled on the ground, with a first military facility still unbuilt, but preparations for Hamas’s disarmament and international reconstruction cooperation are moving forward. Meanwhile, Hamas maintains its grip on Gaza’s civilian administration and commercial activity, despite its July declaration that it was relinquishing governing authority.
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Iraqi commander killed by Islamic State following Iraqi airstrikes against the group
An Iraqi brigadier general and two other military personnel were killed by an explosive device linked to the Islamic State near Kirkuk on October 14, a day after Iraqi F-16s carried out airstrikes against Islamic State positions in the area. The incident underscores the continued threat posed by the remnants of the jihadist group in northern Iraq, where militants have exploited security gaps.
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Hezbollah announces ‘Promise and Commitment’ housing and reconstruction program
Hezbollah announced a new housing-assistance program for Lebanese families displaced by the wars with Israel, even as earlier compensation payments remain outstanding and questions persist over the group’s financing. Separately, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Hezbollah and Amal lawmakers to discuss government-funded reconstruction projects in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
