Author Archives: Seth Frantzman

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDD’s Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).

US condemns Iranian and militia attacks in Iraq amid unclaimed airstrikes on Tehran-backed militias

| March 11, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Iranian and Iranian-backed militia attacks in Iraq during a March 9 call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani, as drone and missile strikes continued across the country. Many attacks have targeted the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, where US forces are based, as well as other US facilities and diplomatic sites. Unclaimed airstrikes have also targeted Iranian-backed militias across Iraq.

Iran escalates attacks on Kurdistan Region of Iraq

| March 8, 2026

Iran and Iranian-backed militias have escalated drone and missile attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, striking sites in Erbil and Sulaimani Governorates and killing at least three people. Many of the attacks are targeting Kurdish Iranian opposition groups.

Israel conducts 1,600 strikes on Iran in 4 days of war, weathers Iranian missile and drones

| March 4, 2026

Israel has carried out more than 1,600 strike sorties against Iran in the first four days of the war, targeting Iranian leaders, nuclear facilities, missile launchers, and other military infrastructure, according to the IDF. Iran has responded with repeated ballistic missile and drone salvos that have killed at least 10 people in Israel and wounded dozens. The Israeli Air Force said that one of its F-35s downed an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft. The fighting has closed Israeli airports and forced widespread civilian alerts as missile barrages continue across the country.

Kurdish Iranian opposition groups say Iran targeted them in northern Iraq, claim operations in Iran

| March 2, 2026

Kurdish Iranian opposition groups say that Iran targeted their bases in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with drones and missiles following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) and other groups, including PDKI and Komala, reported attacks near Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaymaniyah, with footage suggesting the use of Shahed-type drones. The US State Department condemned the strikes, while Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government said its Peshmerga forces were also targeted. Kurdish opposition groups have also claimed that they are conducting anti-regime operations in Iran.

Iranian Kurdish groups unite against Tehran regime, Iraqi militias threaten Kurdistan Region

| February 27, 2026

Five Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have announced a coalition aimed at opposing Iran’s regime. The alliance, unveiled at a joint press conference on February 22, includes the PDKI, PJAK, PAK, Komala, and the Khabat Organization. The move comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and renewed threats from the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, which warned the Kurdistan Region against cooperating with “foreign forces.”

Former Iraq PM Maliki vows to pursue return to office despite US opposition

| February 24, 2026

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki has vowed to continue pursuing a return to office regardless of US pressure opposing his candidacy, intensifying political uncertainty following Iraq’s November 2025 elections. Maliki’s bid comes as Shiite factions within the Coordination Framework weigh their options amid ongoing efforts to select a new president and prime minister.

Stabilization force and funding pledged for Gaza at Board of Peace meeting

| February 20, 2026

At a February 19 meeting of the US-backed Board of Peace in Washington, DC, five countries pledged troops to an International Stabilization Force for Gaza, and representatives of 40 nations committed approximately $7 billion in funding. The initiative is part of the second phase of a ceasefire plan launched in October 2025. Clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and militants continue in Gaza, where Israeli forces report ongoing ceasefire violations and operations against Hamas infrastructure.

5,000 Islamic State detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria, will face investigations

| February 12, 2026

Around 5,000 Islamic State detainees have been transferred from Syria to Iraq under a US-facilitated mission that began in late January, following security shifts in eastern Syria. The number of detainees transferred is expected to reach up to 7,000. Iraqi officials say the transfers may conclude by February 12 and that the detainees will face investigation and prosecution. Iraq has stressed it will not become a permanent repository for foreign fighters and has urged countries to repatriate their citizens now in Iraqi custody.

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

| February 4, 2026

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.

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

| February 2, 2026

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.

Israeli forces recover body of last hostage held in Gaza

| January 27, 2026

The body of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza was returned to Israel by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on January 26. Ran Gvili, an Israeli police sergeant who was killed in the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, had been held in Gaza since the day of the attack. The second phase of the US-backed Gaza peace plan is expected to proceed with the limited opening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. On January 24, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire and Kushner’s Gaza reconstruction plan.

US withdraws from Iraqi airbase, transfers Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq

| January 21, 2026

US forces completed their withdrawal from Ain al Assad Airbase, the Iraqi government said on January 18, fulfilling a US agreement with Iraqi authorities going back to 2024. The withdrawal took place as Syrian government forces pushed back the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria. On January 21, US Central Command said it would transfer up to 7,000 Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq.

Fate of prisons holding Islamic State fighters uncertain as Syrian government fights Syrian Democratic Forces

| January 19, 2026

Syrian government forces advancing into eastern Syria are increasingly taking over areas where Islamic State members have been held in prisons and detention facilities by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF said it lost control of Al Shaddadi prison, and the Syrian government asserted that it would secure the facility and round up prisoners who may have fled. Clashes also occurred near Aqtan prison north of Raqqa.

US-backed Gaza plan moves to second phase as NCAG and Board of Peace unveiled

| January 17, 2026

On January 16, the White House announced a number of appointments to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and the Board of Peace, which will support the stabilization and demilitarization of Gaza, after the Gaza ceasefire, which began in October, moved into its second phase on January 14. The Israel Defense Forces clashed with gunmen in the territory on January 14 and responded with airstrikes.

Kurdish opposition groups in Iran support protests, claim attacks on Tehran regime

| January 15, 2026

Kurdish opposition groups in northwestern Iran have actively supported protests against the Iranian regime during the first two weeks of January. Amid the Iranian government’s crackdown, seven Kurdish parties have called for unity and supported a general strike. One group, the Kurdistan Freedom Party, has claimed several attacks on the regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria against drug smugglers

| December 31, 2025

The Kingdom of Jordan conducted airstrikes targeting drug smuggling networks in southern Syria between December 23 and 25. The Jordanians coordinated with regional partners, although reports did not specify whom. The strikes targeted rural areas near the Jordanian border in Syria’s southern Suwayda Governorate, which is currently controlled by Druze forces.

Israel rotates military units in Gaza as new phase of ceasefire deal looms

| December 26, 2025

In late December, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) replaced the 2nd Reserve Infantry Brigade and Kfir Brigade in Gaza with the 16th Reserve Infantry Brigade and 188th Armored Brigade, respectively. The IDF continues to deal with threats from terrorists along the Yellow Line in the territory, and an Israeli soldier was wounded on December 24 by an explosive device. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared for a trip to Miami to meet US President Donald Trump.

Iraqi militias divided on disarming and accepting government control

| December 23, 2025

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are reportedly considering an initiative to disarm and place their weapons under government control. The militias, part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), have been incorporated as independent units within Iraq’s security forces since 2016. Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most powerful of militias, has rejected disarmament, while the US lauded the potential development.

Israel awaits return of last hostage, next phase of Gaza ceasefire under discussion

| December 11, 2025

Israel continues to wait for the last deceased hostage, Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, to be returned from Gaza. Reports indicate that the US is expected to announce members of the Board of Peace in early 2026 and appoint a two-star general to command the International Stabilization Force (ISF). UN Ambassador Mike Waltz visited Israel and discussed the next steps in Gaza with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Iraq investigation concludes drones struck Khor Mor gas field, Kurdistan Region requests air defenses

| December 8, 2025

An Iraqi government investigation into the November 26 attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region concluded on December 3 that two drones carried out the attack. The committee investigating the incident has recommended establishing an integrated air defense system for the site. US officials meeting with their counterparts from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) discussed support for the KRG and bolstering coordination against threats.

Israel awaits return of last 2 remains of hostages from Gaza

| December 3, 2025

Israel continues to await the return of the remains of two hostages, a month and a half after a ceasefire began in Gaza. On December 2, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) received “findings” that Hamas had handed over to the Red Cross; Israeli authorities have not yet confirmed receiving the remains of a hostage. Separately, the IDF says it has eliminated suspected terrorists in daily incidents in Gaza, and Qatar urged the ceasefire to move to a new stage.

Vital Khor Mor gas field attacked in Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq

| November 29, 2025

A November 26 drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq has led to power outages. The attack has been condemned by the US, UN, Turkey, Iran, and local Iraqi officials. Kurdistan Regional Government officials have called for increased protection of the facility, which has been targeted a dozen times in the last several years. Iranian-backed militias using kamikaze drones have been blamed for past attacks, and officials in Baghdad and Erbil vowed to investigate.

Hamas hands over body of hostage as IDF fights terror cells in Rafah

| November 26, 2025

On November 25, Hamas transferred the body of Dror Or, an Israeli hostage whose body had been held in Gaza for more than two years. Israeli troops continued to clash with Hamas terrorist cells in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, as the Israeli military continues reporting ceasefire violations along its Yellow Line of control. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ended its work in the territory, noting that it had distributed 187 million meals since May.

An inside look at the US-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center for Gaza stabilization

| November 24, 2025

The US-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in southern Israel primarily coordinates humanitarian aid entering Gaza and monitors the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. A visit by FDD’s Long War Journal to the site on November 20 showed that US Central Command (CENTCOM) has committed significant resources to this effort, which now involves nearly 50 countries and organizations.