Militia

Israeli-backed Palestinian militia says it killed two Hamas operatives in southern Gaza

The militia shared a photo that it said depicted one of the slain men.

|ByREUTERS
Several Hamas terrorists stand guard near a scene as Gazans gather to watch the release of Israeli hostage Agam Berger to a Red Cross team in Jabaliya on January 30, 2025.
Adnan Faihan, nominated by the Coordination Framework for the position of first deputy speaker, speaks to the media on the day of the first session of the newly elected parliament, where members are set to be sworn in and begin the process of electing a speaker and two deputies, in Baghdad, Iraq Dec

Haibat al-Halbousi elected Iraq’s parliament speaker as new legislature convenes

Iraq continues to face challenges as it navigates between the Iranian influence on the country and a push by the US and others to roll back Iranian-backed militias.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A mourner attends the funeral of a commander from Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah armed group who was killed in what they called a "Zionist attack" in the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday, during a funeral in Baghdad, Iraq September 22, 2024.

Baghdad’s showdown with Iranian-backed militias could reshape Iraq’s future - analysis

Calls grow to disarm the militias in Iraq, but Kataib Hezbollah refuses to comply.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
HUNDREDS OF Gazans chant anti-Hamas slogans, calling for an end to the war with Israel, in Beit Lahiya, Gaza Strip, last week. There was no holding back as they screamed, ‘Hamas, get out,’ the writer reports.

Abu Shabab's death sparks wave of anti-Hamas militia recruitment

Last week, the man seen at the heart of efforts to establish anti-Hamas forces - Yasser Abu Shabab - was killed in southern Gaza's Rafah area.

|ByREUTERS

What will happen to Iraq when the US withdraws? - opinion

An ISIS resurgence is just one scenario out of four.

JANUARY 6, 2022BySARDAR SATTAR
SUPPORTERS OF Muqtada Al-Sadr’s movement celebrate after Iraq’s Supreme Court ratified the results of the parliamentary election last month.

US, UK, Israel should help form an Arab NATO - opinion

The US and UK helped Islamic militias flourish in the MENA region; they can help defeat them now.

JANUARY 3, 2022ByHASAN ISMAIK
US PRESIDENT Joe Biden gestures as he delivers remarks at the White House in July on the administration’s drawdown efforts in Afghanistan.

Is Iran behind the drone attack against Iraqi PM? - analysis

The attack on Iraq’s Prime Minister is another step in drone warfare and is a message by pro-Iran groups in Iraq that the prime minister is not safe.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups burn portraits of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi and Iraq security officials during a protest against the election results near the one of the fortified Green Zone entrances in Baghdad, Iraq, November 6, 2021.

Low turnout a tragedy for Iraq elections

Iraq's elections turnout is steadily sinking with 40% on Sunday compared 60% in 2014.

OCTOBER 11, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A voter hands a ballot paper to a poll worker at a polling station, as Iraqis go to the polls to vote in the parliamentary election, in Mosul, Iraq October 10, 2021.

Will pro-Iranian militias in Iraq work more with Palestinians?

Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq may want to transfer weapons and threats closer to the border with Israel.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Baghdad

Iran training terror groups to operate advanced UAVs

Terrorists from Iraq, Syria and Yemen are being trained at Kashan Base north of Isfahan.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021ByANNA AHRONHEIM
An aerial image of the Kashan base where Iran is training militias to fly unmanned aerial vehicles.

Taliban retake three northern districts seized by Afghan militias

Bano, Deh Saleh, Pul e-Hesar in Baghlan province were taken by local militia groups in one of the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since their seizure of the capital Kabul on August 15.

AUGUST 23, 2021ByREUTERS
Former Mujahideen hold weapons to support Afghan forces in their fight against Taliban, on the outskirts of Herat province, Afghanistan July 10, 2021.

Taliban close in on 2 provincial Afghan capitals as US forces exit

The Taliban, fighting to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster by US-led forces, have stepped up their campaign to defeat the US-backed government as foreign forces withdraw.

AUGUST 6, 2021ByREUTERS
Afghan security forces keep watch at a checkpoint in the Guzara district of Herat province, Afghanistan July 9, 2021.

Iranian-backed militias in Syria are buying up real estate - report

Real estate investors reportedly target property that belongs to people who fled the fighting in Syria over the last 10 years, with ownership likely passing to foreigners or Shi’ites linked to Iran.

JULY 25, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Liwa Fatemiyoun fighters during the Palmyra offensive, Dec. 2016

For third straight day, US forces attacked in Syria, Iraq - analysis

This is the first time coordinated attacks struck US forces in both Syria and Iraq.

JULY 7, 2021BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US SOLDIERS take cover near Tal Afar, Iraq, where Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster was in command in 2004.