Militia

Iranian citizens' freedom may depend on cooperation with Israel, PJAK commander says

Peyman Vian, commander of Iranian-Kurdish PJAK, leader of the "most powerful" guerrilla force fighting the Islamic Regime, was interviewed by Israeli journalist Itai Anghel.

|ByLARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF
Fighters from the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, are pictured near the border with Iran in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, in the outskirts of Sulaimaniya, Iraq, June 21, 2025.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the general Conference of Fatah Youth in Ramallah, with a backdrop including a portrait of Abbas and Yasser Arafat, November 27, 2025; illustrative.

PA drafts constitution, omits Jewish ties to Jerusalem, calls for Sharia legal system

The draft constitution also called for the "right of return" for refugees, caring for families of "martyrs, prisoners, and exiles," and reaffirming the PLO's position as representing Palestinians.

|ByJAMES GENN
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.

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
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

West Darfur fighting spreads to capital city El Geneina - residents

The latest fighting began with an altercation on Thursday between members of different tribes, according to rights groups active in the area.

APRIL 25, 2022ByREUTERS
A landscape view of El Geneina town, the capital of West Darfur. The town is known for having plenty of greenery, a strategic geographical location and overarching unity among the local communities, which has led to the development of a vibrant economy and social cohesion.

Five times Iran used Iraqi militias to conduct drone attacks - analysis

Iran has recently established even closer ties with Iraqi militias and is now using them to attack Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other states.  

FEBRUARY 4, 2022BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Missiles are launched during a joint exercise called the 'Great Prophet 17', in the southwest of Iran, December 24, 2021. Picture taken December 24, 2021.

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.