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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 tensions surrounding the return of displaced Kurds in northern Syria.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
All Articles
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Al Qaeda
“All Will be Defeated and Flee”
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Iraq
Prime minister takes control of first Iraqi forces
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Lebanon
Turning the Lebanese Army Into Tigers
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Pakistan
Pakistan’s Peace Deal with Terrorist Factions a Major Blow to US
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Hezbollah
US targets Hezbollah financial firms
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Indonesia
2 Bali bombing terrorists sentenced
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United Kingdom
Abu Abdullah, al Qaeda suspect and former ‘henchman’ of cleric Abu Hamza, trained kids
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Al Qaeda
al Qaeda releases 2 tapes, one a 9-11 “anniversary tape”, the other a statement from AQIZ commnander al-Muhajir. Adam Gadahn, a.k.a. Azzam the American, who recently issued an al Qaeda propaganda tape, “has been charged in a sealed indictment with providing material support to terrorism.” Kuwaiti Sheikh Hamed bin Abdullah al-Ali has issued a fatwa stating “Arab countries that support the Western ‘imperialistic project’ have ignored Islamic law and are ‘rotten and corrupted.’”
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Kyrgyzstan
DoD Announces Air Force Airman Stationed in Kyrgyzstan as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown
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Tamil Tigers call off truce
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Weapons find in The Hague linked to Muslim terror group
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Hezbollah
Hizbullah’s postwar PR machine moves into high gear
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Iraq
At least 39 killed in Iraq attacks
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Turkey
Turkish soldier killed in clash with PKK
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Afghanistan
NATO leader, military commander calls for “modest reinforcements” in Afghanistan
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Philippines
Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani and Jemaah Islamiyah explosives expert Umar Patek may have been injured in combat operations in Sulu. The Philippine Army is sending an extra battalion of Special Forces to join the fight, and the Navy is patroling the seas. U.S. Special forces are in the region as “advisers.”
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Russia
Four Russian troops were killed and four wounded when their armored vehicle was hit by a land mine in North Ossetia. A bomb was detonated at a railroad crossing in Ingushetia. Members of Doku Umarov’s Chechen terrorist group are seeking to negotiate with the government.
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Iraq
Safonov Comments on Progress in Hunting Russian Diplomats™ Iraqi Killers
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Afghanistan
U.S. forces conduct a major operation in the Konrangal River Valley in Kunar, along the border with Pakistan. Musharraf visits Afghanistan, calls al Qaeda and the Taliban a “common enemy” but refuses to rout them out of North Waziristan. Three British soldiers were killed in separate engagements in the volatile Helmand province.
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The Islamic Emirate of Waziristan and Greater Talibanistan
North Waziristan is not al Qaeda’s endgame, the entire border region is the target References: Dawn provides an overview of the North Waziristan Truce. Compare this to my report from Tuesday night. Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas With the Pakistani government ceding authority (but not autonomy) to the Taliban and al Qaeda, Coalition and Afghan forces will now be placed in a more difficult tactical situation along the Afghan-Pakistani border. With the threat of the Pakistani Army removed in North and South Waziristan, the Taliban and al Qaeda can now consolidate power and focus their efforts…
