Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian doctoral student, was held in solitary confinement and subjected to severe torture and psychological torment for two and a half years by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, before being released in September following diplomatic efforts.
Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah has threatened to attack US military bases and disrupt regional maritime routes if the US joins the Iran-Israel conflict, amid ongoing tensions and US diplomatic efforts to avoid military escalation. President Trump has indicated a two-week window for negotiations with Iran before deciding on military action, emphasizing diplomacy and Iran's nuclear restrictions.
A US drone strike in Baghdad has killed a senior commander of the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah and two of his guards, with the Pentagon stating that the leader was responsible for directing attacks on American forces in the region. The strike, which occurred in a busy street, resulted in the fiery wreck of the targeted vehicle. This comes after the US launched 85 strikes in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for a drone attack that killed three US troops last month, signaling a major escalation in the US response and prompting calls for retaliation from Iraqi militias.
A U.S. drone strike in Baghdad killed a leader of an Iran-backed militia, Kata'ib Hezbollah, responsible for attacks on U.S. forces in the region. The strike, which reportedly caused no civilian casualties, has sparked tensions in Iraq, with some officials calling for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The incident comes amid negotiations between Iraq and the U.S. on the future of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, with differing views on the coalition's role in combating ISIS and its involvement in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
The White House has attributed the deadly drone strike on an American base in Jordan to an Iran-backed militia, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, as the US contemplates its response. President Biden has stated that a decision has been made regarding the US reaction. While the US seeks to avoid wider conflict in the Middle East, Iran has denied involvement and issued warnings in response to American threats. Meanwhile, Kataib Hezbollah, part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has suspended operations against US forces. Three US soldiers were killed and at least 41 others injured in the attack.
President Biden has indicated that he has decided on a response to the drone attack in Jordan that killed three American service members, which his administration has attributed to Iran-backed militia groups. While not specifying the nature of the response, Biden emphasized his aim to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. The Pentagon is still assessing options for a retaliatory plan, and a tiered approach is being considered. Meanwhile, an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia has announced the suspension of military operations against US forces. Biden plans to attend the dignified transfer of the fallen troops' remains on Friday, and has spoken with their families to offer condolences and support.
President Joe Biden has stated that he has decided on a response to the drone strike that killed three American troops in Jordan, without providing further details. The attack, claimed by an Iran-backed militia group, has prompted discussions of potential US retaliatory actions, including a "tiered approach" to degrade the capabilities of the groups responsible. The president has various options, such as targeting Iran-allied bases and commanders, to protect US troops and facilities in the region. The strike, which occurred at a US military base in Jordan, resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to over 40 others, with tensions escalating as Iran denies involvement and the Iraqi government calls for an end to the cycle of violence in the Middle East.
President Biden has stated that he has made a decision on how the US will respond to the drone strike in Jordan that killed three US service members and injured dozens. The attack has raised concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East, with the Biden administration aiming to deter further escalation. The administration has faced criticism for its response to Iran-backed militia attacks, with calls for stronger action, including potential strikes against Iranian targets. Biden holds Iran responsible for the attack and has emphasized the need to deter future attacks while avoiding an escalation of the conflict.
President Biden vows to respond after three American troops are killed and dozens injured in a drone strike in Jordan near the Syrian border, blaming Iran-backed militias for the attack. U.S. officials are working to identify the responsible group, while Iran-backed fighters in east Syria evacuate their posts. The attack marks the first U.S. fatalities in Jordan during the Israel-Hamas war, prompting Biden to pledge a response, as tensions in the region escalate.
Three U.S. soldiers were killed and 25 wounded in a strike in Jordan, with President Biden blaming an Iran-backed militia for the attack. Meanwhile, intense fighting in the southern Gaza Strip has led to civilian displacement, the IDF suspended a reservist for protesting the end of the war, and the UNRWA is under investigation for allegations against its employees. Additionally, rocket sirens were activated in Israel, France announced a halt in funding to UNWRA, and the White House affirmed no change in its Israel policy amid reports of a review of weapon transfers.
The US has conducted "proportionate" strikes on three facilities used by Iran-backed militia in Iraq, targeting Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-affiliated groups in response to attacks against US and coalition allies in Iraq and Syria. The strikes have been criticized by Iraqi officials as a violation of sovereignty, while the US has emphasized its commitment to defending American interests and dismantling ISIS. Additionally, the US and its allies have intervened to stop Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea, and there have been ongoing missile strikes between Iran and Israel in the Middle East.
Houthi militants, backed by Iran, have been targeting ships in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade routes and posing a significant threat to international shipping. The attacks, once considered a minor issue, have escalated into a major crisis, prompting Western military forces to intervene. Vivian Nereim, the Gulf bureau chief for The Times, discusses the motives behind the Houthi campaign and the challenges faced by the international community in addressing this threat.
An airstrike in Baghdad has resulted in the death of a commander of an Iran-backed militia, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The specific details of the incident, including the responsible party and the potential repercussions, are not provided in the text snippet.
A U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed Mushtaq Taleb al-Saidi, a commander of an Iran-backed militia, escalating regional tensions amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strike, which resulted in two deaths and five injuries, has been condemned by Iraqi officials as an "unprovoked attack" and a "dangerous escalation," with Iraq reserving the right to respond. The incident adds pressure on U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq, aligning with recent attacks by Iranian-backed militias and the Iraqi Prime Minister's intent to end the presence of international coalition forces.
An additional 300 U.S. troops will deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of operations to provide support functions for forces already in the region, as there have been more strikes by Iranian-backed militia groups on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon has also submitted an "urgent supplemental budget request" to fund national security needs, including $10.6 billion for Israel's defense, $44.4 billion for Ukraine's defense against Russia, and $3.3 billion for U.S. military requirements. Israeli forces continue to attack Hamas targets in Gaza, while the fighting in Ukraine sees incremental gains by the Ukrainians and limited offensive operations by the Russians. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel and Ukraine in their efforts to protect their citizens and maintain sovereignty.