Latest in Region Highlight
Latest in Region
Twin attacks on Syrian Kurdish city kill at least 16
The “Islamic State” has claimed responsibility for the attacks, targeting the Kurdish strongold of Qashmili in Syria’s northeast. At least 16 people were killed and around 30 more injured.
Hamas bans New Year’s celebrations in Gaza
New Year’s Eve festivities have been banned by Hamas, the de-facto rulers of the Gaza Strip. The Islamist group says the celebrations were “incompatible” with Islam.
Air raids by US coalition kill 10 IS leaders, Coalition spokesperson
One of the killed leaders, Abd El Kader Hakim, was facilitating attacks abroad, says US led collation spokesperson
Evacuees arrive in Damascus in rare Syria deal, but fighting continues
More than 300 people were evacuated from the war-torn Idlib province in the north
Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan sign agreement on GERD
The agreement addressed ways to enforce, execute declaration of principles singed by presidents of the three countries last March
Russian air raids may complicate peace efforts: US State Department
Carrying out such raids does not send a positive message to negotiators, says State Department Deputy Spokesperson
2016 will mark year of victory against IS: Iraqi PM
Efforts will be directed towards liberating Mosul, which IS conquered last June
Yemeni president’s advisor praises Egypt’s support for Yemeni in conflict with Houthi forces
Egyptian priorities include Yemini unity, regional safety, legitimacy of current President Hadi Mansour
Debates on GERD intensify between Egypt, Ethiopia
The second round of talks were held, with both countries in disagreement over the concept of water storage
Libyan FM rejects need for foreign intervention to manage domestic security
Speculation over foreign military intervention persists despite UN agreement in Morocco
Iraq announces recapture of government complex from IS in Ramadi
Victory in the Sunni-majority Ramadi will strip IS of one of its key locations along its supply line
Palestinian police condemns death of civilian by Egyptian army
Army spokesperson says “no information available concerning the incident”
Saudi-led Arab Coalition forces advance towards Sana’a
Fighting is now 30km from Sana’a airport
Evacuation of IS militants halted after top rebel’s killing
UN urged all sides on the ground not to impede political process
UN sets January target date for Syria peace talks
The UN has named January 25 as the day for representatives of the Syrian regime and opposition to begin international talks aimed to end the war. Questions over the fate of Assad and rebel groups to be invited remain.
Killing of top Syrian rebel may derail negotiations
We will freeze any negotiations with the regime, says member of the Syrian opposition
Iraqi forces continue fight against ‘Islamic State’ in Ramadi
Iraqi forces have continued their drive into the heart of Ramadi, the ‘Islamic State’-held city west of Baghdad. Some reports suggest they’re close to retaking the city.
Palestinian knife assailant killed in Jerusalem
Israeli police have shot and killed a Palestinian man who pulled a knife on officers in Jerusalem. Similar attacks have been occurring for months in Israel.
Syrian rebel leader Zahran Allouch reportedly killed in airstrike
Several members of a powerful Syrian Islamist group have been killed in an airstrike east of Damascus. Rebel sources said the Jaish al-Islam’s leader Zahran Allouch was among the dead.
Iraqi forces to retake control of Ramadi ‘within days’
Iraqi forces are on the verge of retaking western Ramadi as they battle the last jihadists holed up in the center of the city. Coalition air forces have continued to bomb ‘Islamic State’ targets.
High civilian casualties in Russian air strikes in Syria may constitute war crimes: Amnesty International
Moscow-based analyst questions reliance on witness testimony and Amnesty’s institutional bias
Tunisian Coast Guard arrests Egyptian fisherman
Egyptian fishermen are frequently detained attempting to fish in foreign waters
State of emergency extended in Tunisia by 2 months
The Tunisian president announced the state of emergency on 24 November after an attack on a presidential guards’ bus that killed 12
Saudi defence forces intercepted missile targeting Southern city of Jazan
The missile was targeting an oil facility owned by Aramco, says Houthi-controlled agency
Iraqi troops storm Ramadi to expel ‘Islamic State’
Our troops are moving forward to the city centre, fighting is now ongoing backed by our air force, says Iraqi counterterrorism unit spokesperson
Does China’s Syria initiative reflect change in its foreign policy?
The Syrian Foreign Minister is visiting China this week
Hezbollah pledges to avenge death of leader killed in purported Israeli airstrike
“”It is our right to respond to his assassination at the time and place and fashion we deem appropriate,” says Nasrallah
Mahmoud Abbas makes official visit to Athens
Palestinian president met with his Greek counterpart and PM Alexis Tsipras
Report: ‘Islamic State’ loses 14 percent of territory
The “Islamic State” has lost 14 percent of the territory it held at the start of the year, suggesting the group may have overstretched. The Syrian Kurds have increased territory under their control by 186 percent.
Ethiopia violence is ‘internal affair’: Egypt
HRW cited 75 deaths after military forces fired at demonstrations
