Australia
US Mobilizes Allies to Widen Assault on ISIS
Author Archives: Lisa Lundquist
United States
The US has begun flying surveillance missions over Syria to gather intelligence on the Islamic State. The US denied a report that it is sharing intelligence with the Assad regime. Defense Secretary Hagel said that in addition to the US, seven other Western countries are providing weapons to Kurdish forces in Iraq fighting the Islamic […]
Islamic State
Turkey struggles as ‘lone gatekeeper’ against Islamic State recruitment
Islamic State
Grinning Britons leaving UK to join ISIS caught on tape
Iraq
Smugglers, Kurdish militants help Yazidis escape to Turkey
Islamic State
Obama says rooting out Islamic State will not be easy
Hamas
Hamas, Jihad chiefs in first public appearance since July 8
Australia
Australia announces $60 million to fight radicalization
Egypt
Libyan raids herald bolder Arab action as US wavers
Saudi Arabia
Police arrested eight people in Tamir who are suspected of recruiting for the Islamic State; among the suspects is a cleric and a teacher. The Special Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to jail for terrorism offenses, including plotting to bomb a US diplomatic mission, joining al Qaeda training camps in Yemen and Lebanon, and facilitating […]
Syria
The Islamic State battled regime forces in Raqqah; and in Deir Izzour, where the IS is preparing an assault on the military airport. The Islamic State also executed and crucified four men in Deir Izzour, including an Al Nusrah Front fighter; clashed with rebels in Aleppo; and fought the Kurdish YPG and the al-Karam army […]
Lebanon
The Muslim Scholars Committee asked the government to appoint a “neutral” mediator in negotiations for the release of kidnapped Lebanese security forces being held by Islamist militants; MSC chief Sheikh Malek Jadida said the abductors had “humanitarian” demands and that they also called for the withdrawal of Hezbollah from Syria. Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia […]
Hamas
Gaza conflict: Israel and Palestinians agree long-term truce
Libya
Operation Dignity continued to clash with Islamist forces in Benghazi, which are trying to overrun Benina Air Base; a Saiqa special forces member and nine Ansar al Sharia fighters were killed in recent fighting, and prominent Algerian Islamist Mohammed Abu Azzah, a leading al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb figure, was reportedly killed on Aug. […]
South Sudan
UN Helicopter Shot Down in South Sudan
Islamic State
ISIS an ‘Incredible’ Fighting Force, US Special Ops Sources Say
Al Nusrah Front
Islamic State turns radical Islam on Syria Muslims
Tunisia
In addition to selling 12 Black Hawk helicopters to Tunisia, the US plans to give Tunisia $60 million in military aid to bolster its battle against Islamist militants. The Defence Ministry said planes spotted over Tunisia’s southern border with Libya were Tunisian aircraft conducting routine border patrols. Religious Affairs Minister Mounir Tlili said 25 mosques […]
Iran
US and Iran Hit ISIS, Ignore Each Other
Al Nusrah Front
Qatar seeks to free more US hostages in Syria: source
Al Qaeda
Berri: Lebanon in need of swift military assistance
African Union
Seleka rebel infighting in Central African Republic kills 17
Algeria
Algerian forces surrounded a group of 20 fighters from Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mali near Kenchele on Aug. 24, including several alleged senior al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb leaders. Wanted Ansar al Sharia leader Sami Essid was said to be among 13 arrested who were planning attacks and also escapes for other detained terrorists. […]
United States
Officials said the US is getting ready to launch intelligence and surveillance flights, including drones, over Syria, and that airstrike options are also being considered. In response to Syria’s offer welcoming US airstrikes on the Islamic State so long as they are coordinated with Syria, US officials indicated that they do not plan to collaborate […]
Afghanistan
Report: Gunman in 2011 ‘green-on-blue’ attack did not commit suicide
Al Nusrah Front
US Says It Told Qatar Not to Pay a Ransom for Kidnapped Journalist
Syria
Aid access in Syria improved, but outlook bleak: UN
Hamas
Iran ‘Will Arm Palestinians’ after Israeli Drone Downed
Iraq
UN Rights Chief Accuses IS Jihadists of ‘Ethnic Cleansing’
Syria
After the US said it is considering military options against the Islamic State in Syria, the Assad regime requested coordination of any airstrikes but said it welcomes working with the US and the UK in combating the terror organization. The Islamic State is mopping up after its takeover of the Tabqa military airport in Raqqah, […]