September 2014 - Iraq Special Weapons News

RAF conducts first air strikes of Iraq mission UK MOD 30 Sep 2014 -- Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 aircraft have been in action over Iraq today in the fight against ISIL.
Kurdish Forces in Iraq Advance Against IS Fighters VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- Kurdish fighters launched a series of attacks against Islamic State positions Tuesday in Iraq, supported by the Iraqi military and the U.S.-led coalition.
U.S., Partners' Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 30 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria yesterday and today using a mix of attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 11 airstrikes.
British Combat Planes No Match for Islamic State Ground Attacks: Reports RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2014 -- Outdated and outnumbered British Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado GR4 warplanes prove to have little to no effect on Islamic State (IS) militants fighting some 15,000 feet below in Iraq and Syria, the Telegraph reported Tuesday.
Kurdish forces attack ISIL on 3 fronts in Iraq: Reports Iran Press TV 30 Sep 2014 -- Kurdish Peshmerga forces have carried out military operations against ISIL Takfiri militants on three fronts in northern Iraq, military sources say.
U.S., Partners Continue Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 29 Sep 2014 -- U.S. and partner-nation military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Airstrikes Hit Islamic State Targets in Four Syrian Provinces, Iraq VOA 29 Sep 2014 -- U.S. jets and drones, along with Arab-allied planes, hit a staging area near a Syrian grain storage site, officials said Monday, one of 11 targets hit as part of the effort to rollback Islamic State battlefield victories.
Obama: ISIL Presents a Hybrid Threat AFPS 29 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is a hybrid threat, President Barack Obama said last night on the CBS program "60 Minutes."
Abadi rejects foreign ground forces in crisis-hit Iraq Iran Press TV 29 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says his country does not need foreign ground troops in the battle against the ISIL Takfiri militants.
US-Led Coalition Planes Hit IS Oil Sites In Syria, Iraq RFE/RL 28 Sep 2014 -- U.S.-led warplanes have hit more oil sites in Syria used by Islamic State (IS) militants as fighting by Iraqi security forces and insurgents also took place in Iraq's western Anbar Province.
Iraqi forces kill 80 ISIL terrorists in al-Anbar Province Iran Press TV 28 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi security sources have announced the killing of at least 80 ISIL Takfiri terrorists in the restive al-Anbar Province at the hands of the country's army soldiers.
No foreign ground deployment to fight ISIL: Iraq FM Iran Press TV 28 Sep 2014 -- Iraq's Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'afari has once again warned about the global dimension of the threat posed by the Takfiri ISIL terrorists while rejecting foreign boots on the country's soil to battle the terror group.
U.S. Military, Partner Nations Conduct Airstrikes Against ISIL in Iraq and Syria AFPS 27 Sep 2014 -- U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Friday and today, using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. military forces used attack aircraft to conduct three airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.
More Strikes Pound Islamic State Targets in Syria, Iraq VOA 27 Sep 2014 -- U.S. jets and remotely piloted drones, along with planes from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, hit Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq Saturday, U.S. military officials said.
Britain fighter jets start Iraq mission Iran Press TV 27 Sep 2014 -- Britain's Ministry of Defense says the first set of British warplanes have taken off to carry out airstrikes over Iraq following a move by the UK parliament to approve airstrikes targeting ISIL terrorists in the Arab country.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Hagel and Gen. Dempsey in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 26 Sep 2014 -- Presenters: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey
US Airstrikes Pound Islamic State Targets VOA 26 Sep 2014 -- American fighter jets, drones and other aircraft pounded Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday as Britain, Denmark and Belgium joined the U.S.-led coalition fighting the group.
Anti-ISIL Campaign Will Take Time, Dempsey Says AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- The campaign against the ISIL terror group will be persistent and sustained and will take time, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at a Pentagon news conference this afternoon.
Hagel: Defeating ISIL is Long-term Endeavor AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- Defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant will require a long-term commitment by the United States and its allies on many fronts and will not be achieved by airstrikes alone, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters today.
Syria, Iraq among crises driving some 330,000 to seek refugee status – UN agency UN News Centre 26 Sep 2014 -- The number of people seeking refugee status in industrialized countries climbed again in 2014, driven largely by the wars in Syria and Iraq, as well as conflict and instability in Afghanistan and Eritrea, according to a new United Nations Refugee agency (UNHCR) study released today.
Anti-ISIL Airstrikes Continue in Iraq and Syria AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq and Syria, using a mix of fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 10 airstrikes yesterday and today.
Britain Joins Fight Against IS Militants in Iraq VOA 26 Sep 2014 -- U.S. fighter jets, drones and other aircraft continued to pound Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria late Thursday and early Friday as Britain's parliament voted to join the military campaign against the militant group.
British Lawmakers Approve UK Airstrikes Against ISIL in Iraq RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2014 -- The British parliament voted on Friday in favor of UK airstrikes against ISIL (Islamic State) militants in Iraq as part of the international effort to curb the advance of the fundamentalist group across the Middle East.
Prime Minister: Denmark Joins International Anti-IS Campaign in Iraq RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2014 -- Denmark has joined the US-led international coalition to combat Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said Friday.
ISIL terrorists blow up old holy shrine in Iraq's Tikrit Iran Press TV 26 Sep 2014 -- The ISIL Takfiri terrorists in Iraq's northern city of Tikrit have blown up a holy shrine that was the burial site of dozens of early Muslim figures.
Iraqi forces retake 2 military bases in Anbar Iran Press TV 26 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi military forces, backed by local tribesmen, have retaken two besieged bases in the western province of Anbar.
UN rights chief condemns 'brutal' killings by ISIL of women politicians in Iraq UN News Centre 25 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations human rights chief today condemned the recent brutal, cold-blooded slaying by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) of human rights defender Sameera Salih Ali Al-Nuaimy, as well as the continuing detention, sexual exploitation and sale of hundreds of women and girls in areas captured by the militant group.
Iraqi Prime Minister Backs Anti-IS Cooperation Among Washington, Arab Countries RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi welcomed the cooperation between the United States and their Arab allies in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in an interview with television channel CNN.
Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Iraq, Syria AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria, using a mix of attack aircraft, bombers, fighters and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes Sept. 22 through today, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
France vows to continue ISIL airstrikes in Iraq Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- France has vowed to continue its military operations against ISIL militants until the Iraqi army would be able to gain the upper hand in its battle against the Takfiri terrorists operating in the Middle East region.
Iraq army counters ISIL attack on Baiji oil refinery Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi army, backed by Sunni tribesmen and Shia volunteers, has countered an attack by the ISIL terrorist group on the country's largest oil refinery.
Iraq: UN delivers food to over 1 million displaced people; refugee numbers rise sharply UN News Centre 23 Sep 2014 -- Despite insecurity and the continuous movement of people, the United Nations said today it has reached more than one million people uprooted by violence across Iraq with food assistance, while also noting a sharp increase in refugees fleeing into neighbouring Jordan and Turkey.
U.S. Military Conducts Airstrikes Against ISIL Near Kirkuk AFPS 22 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, using a mix of attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct four airstrikes near the city of Kirkuk.
Displaced Iraqis plug response gaps IRIN 22 Sep 2014 -- As Iraq's 1.8 million internally-displaced persons (IDPs) realize they may not return home for many months, growing numbers are looking for voluntary or paid work to help their fellow homeless.
No need for Iran's forces in Iraq's ISIL fight, says Cmdr ISNA 22 Sep 2014 -- A senior Iranian military commander said there is no need for the involvement of Iranian armed forces in Iraq's ongoing battle against ISIL terrorists operating in the Arab state.
Iraqi army breaks siege on ISIL-besieged troopers Iran Press TV 22 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi army forces, backed by volunteer fighters, have managed to break a siege by ISIL Takfiri militants on hundreds of soldiers in an area of the western province of al-Anbar.
Iraqi Army Uses Russian Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems Against IS for First Time RIA Novosti 22 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi army have used the Russian anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system Kornet for the first time, destroying five Islamic State (IS) armored vehicles in the central province of Diyala, Alsumaria TV channel reported on Monday.
Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Targets in Iraq AFPS 21 Sep 2014 -- U.S. fighter aircraft have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq in recent days, U.S. Central Command officials reported today.
Iraqi army launches anti-ISIL operation in Fallujah Iran Press TV 21 Sep 2014 -- Iraq's military, backed by volunteers, has launched a major operation against the Takfiri ISIL militants in the western province of al-Anbar.
Iran not to join US-led fight on ISIL: Zarif Iran Press TV 20 Sep 2014 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Tehran will not team up with the US in its so-called coalition against Takfiri ISIL militants.
IS Militants Release 49 Turkish Hostages VOA 20 Sep 2014 -- Turkey's prime minister said 49 Turkish hostages seized by Islamic State militants in Iraq in June have been freed.
Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement pledges more assistance for Iraq IRNA 20 Sep 2014 -- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has pledged to intensify its humanitarian activities in Iraq, and to increase assistance for more than 1.5 million Iraqis displaced as a result of continuous fighting in various parts of the country.
Iraqi forces foil gas attack in east, lawmaker says Iran Press TV 20 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi forces have foiled a poisonous gas attack by the ISIL terrorists in residential areas of an eastern province, an Iraqi lawmaker says.
Turkish Hostages Seized In Northern Iraq Freed RFE/RL 20 Sep 2014 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced that 49 Turkish hostages seized by Islamic State (IS) militants in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul have been brought safely back to Turkey.e
Iraqi Forces Destroy Warehouse Storing Seven Missiles, Kill 18 IS Terrorists: Reports RIA Novosti 20 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi forces have destroyed a warehouse with seven missiles containing chlorine gas in the central Iraqi province of Diyala in addition to killing 18 Islamic State (IS) militants, reported Shafaq News on Saturday, citing provincial police chief General Jamil Shammari.
Fighter Jets Target ISIL Boat, Ground Unit AFPS 19 Sep 2014 -- U.S. fighter aircraft conducted more airstrikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant targets in Iraq yesterday and today, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Taking Down ISIL Requires Cooperative Effort, Army Chief Says AFPS 19 Sep 2014 -- Moderate fighters in Syria, Iraqi security forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, and allies and partners of the United States all have a vested interest in defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, or ISIL, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno said here today.
Obama Thanks Congress, France For Anti-IS Support, As Paris Begins Air Strikes RFE/RL 19 Sep 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has thanked Congress for voting to help train and equip moderate Syrian rebels and expressed appreciation to France for offering to help in striking the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Iraq..
Kerry Says Iran Has Role to Play in Fight Against IS; French Jets Hit Targets in Iraq VOA 19 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday that there was a role for Iran to play in the global effort to tackle hardline Islamic State militants, who have seized swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.
France Launches Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Iraq VOA 19 Sep 2014 -- France says its fighter jets have successfully carried out the country's first airstrikes against Islamic State insurgents inside Iraq.
France claims airstrikes on ISIL militants in Iraq Iran Press TV 19 Sep 2014 -- France has announced that its warplanes have carried out air strikes on ISIL positions inside Iraq for the first time since it pledged to join military action against the Takfiri terror group.
France Says Strikes IS Facilities in Iraq RIA Novosti 19 Sep 2014 -- France's Air Force has carried out its first attack against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, the office of the French President Francois Hollande said Friday in a press release.
Multiple bomb explosions claim 28 lives across Iraq Iran Press TV 19 Sep 2014 -- A series of bomb attacks have claimed lives of 28 people and injured dozens more across Iraq, security sources say.
Statement as Chair of Ministerial Debate of the UN Security Council on Iraq US Dept. of State 19 Sep 2014 -- Remarks by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
Iraq: Security Council urges international support for Government's combat against insurgents UN News Centre 19 Sep 2014 -- The Security Council today strongly condemned attacks by terrorist organizations including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and urged Member States to assist the Iraqi Government's efforts to combat militants and implement its new political agenda, while the United Nations envoy to the country briefed on the latest developments.
Hagel Says ISIL Threats Real, Must Be Dealt With AFPS 18 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant poses a real threat to the countries of the Middle East and perhaps to Europe and the United States, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the House Armed Services Committee today.
Iraq forces push ISIL back in Al Anbar: Report Iran Press TV 18 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi military has reportedly pushed ISIL Takfiri militants back in parts of Al-Anbar Province.
Netherlands May Send F-16 Fighters, Weapons to Iraq to Combat IS: Reports RIA Novosti 18 Sep 2014 -- The Netherlands could use F-16 fighter aircraft and send arms to Iraqi Kurds in order to fight the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, active in Iraq and Syria, local media reported Thursday.
U.S. Aircraft Continue Strikes Against ISIL in Iraq AFPS 17 Sep 2014 -- U.S. fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted seven airstrikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq yesterday and, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Obama Tells Central Command Troops America Will Lead AFPS 17 Sep 2014 -- In the fight against the Islamic State in Syria and the Levant, America will lead the right way, President Barack Obama told service members at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida,.
Remarks by the President at MacDill Air Force Base The White House 17 Sep 2014
Obama Vows No US Ground Troops to Fight IS in Iraq VOA 17 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama vowed on Wednesday the United States will not fight another ground war in Iraq, seeking to reassure Americans about the level of U.S. involvement after a top general suggested some combat troops could be deployed.
Iraq army engaged in fierce fighting with ISIL Iran Press TV 17 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi army is engaged in fierce fighting with the ISIL Takfiri militants north of the capital, Baghdad.
Australia not to do combat operations in Iraq: Abbot Iran Press TV 17 Sep 2014 -- Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Australian troops in Iraq will not engage in combat operations in the crisis-hit country.
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister: US-led Airstrike Campaign to Target Only Islamic State Sites RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2014 -- The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) is ready to expand its strikes to Syria, but will 'under no circumstances' target any positions other than the extremist group's sites, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister told Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.
Iraqi Deputy PM: West Unlikely to Cooperate With Syrian Government in Fight Against IS RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2014 -- Western countries are unlikely to cooperate with the Syrian government in the fight against the Islamic State (IS), Iraq's newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister told Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.
VOA Special Report: IS Militants Draw Millions from Vast Sources VOA 16 Sep 2014 -- In terms of financing, the Islamic State militant group is more than a very well-oiled machine.
U.S. Military Airstrikes Hit ISIL AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, employing attack and fighter aircraft to conduct two airstrikes Sept. 14 and yesterday in support of Iraqi Security Forces near Sinjar and southwest of Baghdad.
US could send advisors on combat missions in Iraq: Dempsey Iran Press TV 16 Sep 2014 -- America's top military officer General Martin Dempsey says US troops serving as advisors to local forces in Iraq could be sent to combat the ISIL terrorist group.
Dempsey Discusses Anti-ISIL Strategy at Senate Hearing AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff describes the strategy against ISIL as "an Iraq-first strategy, but not an Iraq-only one."
US Opens Door to Ground Troops in Iraq VOA 16 Sep 2014 -- The top U.S. military officer is leaving open the possibility that American ground troops could be deployed to Iraq to fight Islamic State militants.
Hagel Explains President's Strategy to Destroy ISIL AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel explained the military portion of President Barack Obama's strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL to the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning.
Iran calls for strengthening Iraq, Syria to fight ISIL ISNA 15 Sep 2014 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Countries Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said improving Syrian and Iraqi states is the best way to fight a terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
US Secretary of Defense Hagel Outlines Members of Coalition Against IS RIA Novosti 16 Sep 2014 -- The US-led international coalition to combat the Islamic State (IS, ISIL) jihadist group was announced by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in a Tuesday morning hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Iraqi lawmakers reject PM's defense, interior minister picks Iran Press TV 16 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi lawmakers have rejected the Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's nominees to fill the two remaining cabinet posts of defense and interior minister.
Iraqi Lawmakers Reject Abadi's Interior, Defense Ministers RFE/RL 16 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi lawmakers have rejected Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi's nominees to fill the critical defense and interior minister posts.
West Trades Accusations Over Hostage Ransoms VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- As world leaders meet in Paris to try to forge a common response to the threat posed by Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, there is simmering tension over differing policies on paying ransoms. In the past month, the group has beheaded two Americans and one Briton. Both countries refuse to pay ransom money. There is uncertainty in the approach of some other European nations.
Supreme Leader: US claims about ISIS empty, biased IRNA 15 Sep 2014 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that US claims about forming a coalition to fight the Daesh terrorist group (ISIS) are 'empty' and 'biased'.
US seeks military presence in Mideast: Ayatollah Khamenei Iran Press TV 15 Sep 2014 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the US seeks to expand its military presence in the Middle East region by declaring war on the Takfiri ISIL terrorists.
Islamic State Threatens Entire International Community: Paris Conference on Iraq RIA Novosti 15 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State (IS) militant group, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), presents a terrorist threat not only to Iraq but to the world community as a whole, a Monday statement from the International Conference on Peace and Security in Iraq says.
US Open to Future Talks With Iran on Fighting Islamic State VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he has rejected Obama administration requests for help in fighting against Islamic State militants in Iraq. U.S. officials say there is no military coordination with Iran but Washington is open to future talks on fighting the Islamic State.
Paris Meeting Promises 'Appropriate Military Aid' To Iraq RFE/RL 15 Sep 2014 -- Some 30 countries and organizations attending a Paris conference on Iraq have agreed to provide Baghdad with 'appropriate military aid' to combat the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
World's Top Diplomats Pledge Iraq Support VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- About 30 countries have pledged to support Iraq in its fight against Islamic State militants by 'all means necessary,' including military aid.
United States Military Advisers Arrive in Western Iraqi Province Al Anbar: Reports RIA Novosti 14 Sep 2014 -- A group of United States military advisers arrived in the city of Ramadi, the capital of Al Anbar Province, 100 km (approximately 62 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraqi news agency, Al-Ikhbariya reported on Sunday.
Around 100 French nationals involved with ISIL: Minister Iran Press TV 14 Sep 2014 -- French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve says around 930 French citizens are either fighting for the ISIL terrorist group in Iraq and Syria or planning to join the terrorists.
US Touts Coalition to Fight Islamic State VOA 14 Sep 2014 -- The Obama administration is expressing confidence in the formation of an international coalition to combat Islamic State radicals who control swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria. But congressional action in support of the effort is a matter of growing debate.
UN Aid Chief Says 1.8 Million People Displaced in Iraq, Plan Needed RIA Novosti 14 Sep 2014 -- Up to 1.8 million people have been displaced in Iraq since January as the Islamic State (IS) has advanced, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos said Sunday.
UN humanitarian chief urges sustained funding to assist millions of Iraqis in need UN News Centre 14 Sep 2014 -- Sustained funding and support will be vital if the United Nations and its partners are to continue assisting the millions of Iraqis affected by the ongoing crisis in the country, particularly as winter approaches, the world body's top humanitarian official said on Sunday.
HRW Urges Investigation of Civilian Deaths in Iraqi Airstrike VOA 14 Sep 2014 -- New York based Human Rights Watch is calling for an investigation of an Iraqi airstrike that killed 31 civilians two weeks ago at a school housing displaced people near Tikrit.
Wide Array Of Countries Expected To Join Coalition Against Islamic State Militants RFE/RL 13 Sep 2014 -- As Washington vows to put together a broad coalition to fight Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, the outlines of the new alliance are beginning to take shape.
Army soldiers kill 100 ISIL militants across Iraq Iran Press TV 13 Sep 2014 -- At least 100 militants from ISIL terrorist group have been killed in a series of violent clashes with government troops across Iraq.
Islamic State Tests Turkey-Iraqi Kurd Tie VOA 12 Sep 2014 -- Ankara's lack of support for Iraqi Kurds against the Islamic State militant group has cast a shadow over their otherwise close relationship.
France ready to help Iraq against ISIL: Hollande Iran Press TV 12 Sep 2014 -- French President Francois Hollande says his country is willing to step up military assistance against the Takfiri ISIL terrorists operating in Iraq.
Germany to deploy 40 paratroopers to Iraq Iran Press TV 12 Sep 2014 -- Germany is stepping up its campaign against the ISIL terrorist group by deploying about 40 paratroopers to Iraq to train Kurdish fighters battling the Takfiri militants.
CIA: As Many as 31,000 Islamic State Fighters in Iraq, Syria VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. intelligence says the Islamic State militant group has between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters on the ground in Iraq and Syria.
Iraq army says pushed back ISIL terrorists Iran Press TV 11 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi army says its forces have pushed back an advance by ISIL Takfiri militants in the Haditha area in the western province of Anbar.
Kerry: Obama's Strategy to Defeat IS Involves Iraqi Army Rebuilding RIA Novosti 11 Sep 2014 -- US President Barack Obama's strategy to defeat Islamic State [IS] militant group, which he will outline in a few hours, is about restructuring and retraining of the Iraqi army, US Secretary of State John Kerry told journalists on Wednesday.
French Leader Heads to Iraq VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- French President Francois Hollande heads to Iraq Friday to underscore his country's support in crushing the Islamic State, as an international campaign against the brutal jihadist movement ramps up. France also hosts a conference Monday to coordinate efforts to fight the militants.
Analyst: Sunnis May be 'Achilles Heel' of IS VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- When the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 and disbanded Saddam Hussein's army, it left an unemployed pool of 400,000 armed men who were then quickly recruited by Sunni and Shi'ite extremists.
Press Availability in Baghdad, Iraq US Dept. of State 10 Sep 2014
Kerry in Iraq: 'Full Speed Ahead' for Coalition Against IS VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says a new, more inclusive government in Iraq means it is 'full speed ahead' for an international coalition to fight Islamic State militants who control territory along Iraq's border with Syria. Kerry spent the day in Baghdad meeting with Iraq's new leaders.
White House: Islamic State Strategy Includes Support for Syria Opposition, Iraq VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama will lay out his strategy to defeat the Islamic State group, also known as ISIL, which controls parts of Iraq and Syria, during a televised address to the nation at 9:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday (0100 GMT Thursday).
Kerry arrives in Iraq, meets new government officials Iran Press TV 10 Sep 2014 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry holds talks with new Iraqi authorities in capital Baghdad two days after country's lawmakers approved a new government headed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
Iraq launches major offensive south of Salahuddin Iran Press TV 10 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi army has launched a major offensive against ISIL Takfiri terrorists south of Iraq's Salahuddin Province.
Iraqi Ministry of Defense Confirms Three ISIS Leaders Killed in Airstrike: Reports RIA Novosti 10 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has confirmed that three of the most prominent Islamic State leaders have been killed in an airstrike carried out by the Iraqi army west of the city of Mosul, Shafaq news reported on Wednesday.
U.S. Airstrikes Support Haditha Dam Operations AFPS 09 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq using a mix of attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct five airstrikes Monday and Tuesday in support of Iraqi Security Forces and Sunni tribes protecting the Haditha Dam.
UK gifts arms and ammunition to Kurdish regional government UK MOD 09 Sep 2014 -- UK provides further support to Kurdish regional forces battling ISIL insurgents in northern Iraq.
Obama Plans Prime Time Speech on Islamic State Threat VOA 09 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama is planning a prime time television speech Wednesday about his plan to combat the advance of Islamic State militants in the Mideast.
In Middle East, Kerry Seeks Coalition Against Islamic State VOA 09 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling Tuesday to the Middle East, where he will discuss the situation in Iraq and the threat posed by Islamic State militants.
Iran reiterates commitment to support new Iraqi government IRNA 09 Sep 2014 -- Spokeswoman for Foreign Ministry Marzieh Afkham said on Tuesday that Iran recommenced its commitment to support government of new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Ebadi voicing readiness to further promote cordial bilateral relations between Tehran and Baghdad.
Iran Foreign Ministry hails formation of new Iraqi governemnt Iran Press TV 09 Sep 2014 -- Iran Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has hailed the formation of a new government in Iraq, saying the Islamic Republic will continue its all-out support for the neighboring country.
Obama Congratulates Iraq, Stresses Need To Fight Militants RFE/RL 09 Sep 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has congratulated Iraq on the approval of a new government and called for close cooperation against Islamic State militants.
UN chief lauds formation of new Government in Iraq UN News Centre 09 Sep 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the formation of a new inclusive Government in Iraq as "a positive step towards political stability and peace in the country."
Letter from the President -- War Powers Resolution Regarding Iraq The White House 08 Sep 2014
Airstrikes in Iraq 'Tremendously Effective,' Pentagon Official Says AFPS 08 Sep 2014 -- Airstrikes in Iraq have been extremely successful against terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters today.
U.S. Military Airstrikes Hit ISIL AFPS 08 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using a mix of attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct five airstrikes yesterday and today in support of Iraqi Security Forces and Sunni tribes protecting the Haditha Dam, and in the defense of Irbil.
Iraqi Parliament Partially Approves New Government RFE/RL 08 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi parliament has approved a new government headed by the current prime minister-designate, Haider al-Abadi.
Remarks on the Formation of the Iraqi Government US Dept. of State 08 Sep 2014
U.S. Congratulates Iraqis on the Formation of a Government US Dept. of State 08 Sep 2014
Kerry: New Iraqi Government Vital in Fighting IS Militants VOA 08 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calls the Iraqi parliament's approval of a new unity government a 'major milestone' for Iraq and a cornerstone of U.S. efforts against the Islamic State extremist group.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Airstrikes Around the Haditha Dam The White House 07 Sep 2014
ICRC: More than a million victims of fighting receive help in Iraq IRNA 07 Sep 2014 -- Ongoing fighting in different parts of Iraq has caused the displacement of over 1.5 million people. The International Committee of the Red Cross has delivered food, drinking water, other relief items and medical assistance to more than a million people since January, when the fighting started in Anbar province before spreading elsewhere.
Iran's stance on Iraq crisis strengthened Tehran-Baghdad ties: FM official IRNA 07 Sep 2014 -- Director of the Foreign Ministrys Persian Gulf Department Mohammad Farazmand said Sunday that Irans adequate stance about the Iraqi crisis further strengthened relations between the two nations.
Tehran backs Baghdad in fight with ISIL: Rouhani ISNA 07 Sep 2014 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani voiced support for the Iraqi government in its fight against the ISIL Takfiri militants.
Iraqi forces gain ground against ISIL militants in Anbar Iran Press TV 07 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi government forces, backed by volunteers, have retaken Houzz region in the western province of Anbar from the Takfiri ISIL militants.
Saudi Arabia Builds Security Fence Along Border With Iraq RIA Novosti 07 Sep 2014 -- Abdullah ibn Abdilaziz, the king of Saudi Arabia, has inaugurated a new multilayered fence along its 560-mile border with Iraq that is part of the larger project aimed at boosting the kingdom's security and protecting the nation from "infiltrators, drug traffickers, weapon and cattle smugglers", state news agency SPA reports.
Czech Republic to Supply Iraqi Kurds With $2 Mln Worth Ammunition: Czech Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 07 Sep 2014 -- The Czech Republic will grant the authorities of Iraq's Kurdistan Region ammunition worth over $2 million, Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek said in a televised statement Sunday.
U.S. Military Conducts Airstrikes in Support of Irbil Operations AFPS 06 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant yesterday and today in support of operations near Irbil, Iraq.
Syria, US Strikes Target Islamic State Group VOA 06 Sep 2014 -- The U.S. military has launched more airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northern Iraq, targeting fighters and military hardware near the northern town of Irbil.
Letter from the President -- War Powers Resolution Regarding Iraq The White House 05 Sep 2014
Iraq: UN envoy encourages all parties to proceed quickly with government formation UN News Centre 05 Sep 2014 -- As the government formation process in Iraq nears the constitutional deadline, the top United Nations envoy to the country today encouraged all political parties to proceed in a spirit of compromise and quickly finalise negotiations.
UN agencies ramp up much-needed aid in Iraq amid 'alarming rate' of displacement UN News Centre 04 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced today that it has resumed delivering food assistance to an area of Iraq encompassing much of the western part of the country for the first time since May, targeting 76,000 people who are part of a "massive displacement" of families fleeing fighting.
No Iranian forces sent to Iraq: FM Zebar Iran Press TV 04 Sep 2014 -- Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has dismissed reports about the presence of Iranian forces in his country fighting the ISIL Takfiri terrorists.
Hagel: Clear Mission to Degrade, Destroy ISIL Capability AFPS 03 Sep 2014 -- The Defense Department's mission as outlined by President Barack Obama is clear: to degrade and destroy the capabilities of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today in Newport, Rhode Island.
US Looking for Broader Coalition to Combat Islamic State VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is leading diplomatic efforts to build an international coalition against Islamic State militants responsible for killing civilians across Syria and Iraq.
ISIL massacres about 800 captured troops in Iraq: HRW Iran Press TV 03 Sep 2014 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says ISIL Takfiri terrorists have massacred hundreds of captured Iraqi troops when the militants overran a military base in the north of Baghdad.
Security Council to spotlight 'growing, dangerous' threat of foreign terrorist fighters - current President UN News Centre 03 Sep 2014 -- A senior United Nations official has called on the Iraqi authorities to conduct a public and independent investigation into the attack at Camp Speicher military base, when it was seized by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated armed groups in June.
HRW: IS Massacre of Iraqi Troops Worse Than Originally Believed VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- Human Rights Watch says the Islamic State group massacred as many as 770 Iraqi soldiers who were captured when the militants overran an Iraqi military base in June.
US Not Intimidated by Beheadings, Obama Says VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama says the United States will not be intimidated by the beheading of a second American journalist, and vowed to build a coalition to 'degrade and destroy' the Islamic State extremist group.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby on Security Personnel in Iraq DoD 02 Sep 2014 -- 'The president's action today will result in a net increase of approximately 350 additional military personnel on the ground in Baghdad providing security at the Baghdad Embassy Compound and its support facilities.
Missing Iraqi Soldiers' Relatives Start Parliamentary Sit-In RFE/RL 02 Sep 2014 -- Dozens of relatives of missing Iraqi soldiers have begun a sit-in in the main parliamentary chamber in Baghdad demanding information about their loved ones.
Relatives of Abducted Iraqi Soldiers Storm Parliament VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- More than 100 angry relatives of Iraqi soldiers who were abducted by Islamic State militants in June have stormed the country's parliament.
Australia Prepares to Deliver Weapons to Outgunned Kurds VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has given tacit backing to Australia’s plan to airlift weapons to Kurdish forces trying to fend off the Islamic State in northern Iraq.
Ban welcomes lifting of siege of Amerli in northern Iraq; UN agencies rush in aid UN News Centre 02 Sep 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his appreciation to the Iraqi Security Forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and others, who, with air support from the United States, helped avert a humanitarian disaster in the town, which had been blockaded by militants for the past two months.
Amnesty International Accuses Islamic State of Ethnic Cleansing in Northern Iraq RIA Novosti 02 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State (IS) has been systematically targeting non-Arab and non-Sunni Muslim communities in northern Iraq, killing and abducting hundreds and forcing more than 830,000 others to flee.
Iraqi forces regain key highway north of Baghdad Iran Press TV 02 Sep 2014 -- Latest reports say Iraqi forces have regained control of part of a key highway linking the capital city of Baghdad to the country’s north.
Vanishing tanker carrying Iraqi oil spotted near US coast Iran Press TV 02 Sep 2014 -- An oil tanker loaded with approximately USD 100 million worth of disputed crude from Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region has been spotted near the US coast several days after vanishing.
Islamic State Video Shows Beheading of US Journalist Sotloff VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- An Internet video uploaded Tuesday by Islamic State purports to show the beheading of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff.
Video Purports To Show Beheading Of Second U.S. Journalist RFE/RL 02 Sep 2014 -- A video released online purports to show the beheading of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff by Islamic State (IS) militants.
US State Department to Determine Authenticity of US Journalist Sotloff Execution Video RIA Novosti 02 Sep 2014 -- US Intelligence community is trying to determine the authenticity of a video of US journalist Steven Sotloff, execution by the Islamic State (IS) militants that appeared online today, US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said Tuesday.
Seizing militant passports problem for UK: Deputy PM Iran Press TV 02 Sep 2014 -- British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has acknowledged that seizing the passports of suspected ISIL militants returning from Iraq and Syria could be in violation of international law.
Iraqi Military Takes Another Town from IS VOA 01 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi troops, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite militiamen, backed by U.S. airstrikes, entered the town of Sulaiman Bek, south of Kirkuk.
Grave crimes committed on 'unimaginable scale' in Iraq, UN Human Rights Council told UN News Centre 01 Sep 2014 -- United Nations officials today urged an immediate end to the acts of violence and abuses committed against civilians in Iraq, particularly against children and people from various ethnic and religious communities, as the Human Rights Council met to discuss the ongoing crisis.
German Foreign Ministry Fears Arms in Iraq Could Be Used Not Only Against IS Militants RIA Novosti 01 Sep 2014 -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier does not rule out that the weapons may be used against not only the extremists.
Iraq will be graveyard for ISIL: Al-Maliki Iran Press TV 01 Sep 2014 -- Iraq’s outgoing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has pledged that Iraq will become a graveyard for the ISIL Takfiri terrorists.
UK Considers Temporary Ban on British-Born Jihadists Returning Home RIA Novosti 01 Sep 2014 -- The decision regarding a temporary ban preventing British jihadists from re-entering the United Kingdom will be announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

September 2014 - Iraq Special Weapons News