Middle East
optional screen reader
Iraqi forces make first push into Islamic State-held Mosul
-
Mosul offensive: Kurdish forces launch attacks on IS in Bashiqa
Kurdish forces have carried out new attacks on positions of so-called Islamic State north-east of Mosul to retake the the town of Bashiqa.
-
Mosul battle: Some 5,000 civilians fled ahead of fighting
Thousands of people have fled the Mosul area and more are expected as Iraqi troops move on the city to liberate it from the so-called Islamic State (IS).
-
Mosul battle: EU 'should prepare for returning jihadists'
The EU should be prepared for returning jihadists if the so-called Islamic State (IS) is driven out of its Iraqi stronghold, Mosul, an official warns.
Latest Middle East
Russian & Syrian military to organize 8-hour ‘humanitarian pause’ in Aleppo on Oct. 20
Six more humanitarian corridors will be opened for the evacuation of civilians from Aleppo, he added.
Battle for Mosul begins: Iraqi and Kurdish forces launch assault on Isis stronghold
Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi orders military offensive to recapture city that has been under Islamic State control
Putin: White House uses Russia scaremongering to manipulate Americans
The Obama administration is dragging Russia into the US presidential election to manipulate American voters for the benefit of Hillary Clinton, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, adding that email revelations have nothing to do with Russia's interests.
Russia deploys nuclear-capable missiles on NATO doorstep
Estonian media reported on Friday that Russia was shipping Iskanders on a civilian vessel in the Baltic sea.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hospitalised for heart tests
PALESTINIAN president Mahmoud Abbas has been hospitalised for a heart test but the 81-year-old’s health was reported to be normal, officials said.
‘I stopped Netanyahu from catastrophic attack on Iran’ – Peres’ statement concealed ‘til death
In a statement that was not to be made public until his death, the former Israeli President told Jerusalem Post he stopped PM Benjamin Netanyahu from a “catastrophic” military strike against Iran, at the time the world leaders were engaged in nuclear deal talks.
Shimon Peres funeral: Leaders hail legacy of former Israeli leader
World leaders have hailed the vision of the late Israeli leader, Shimon Peres, as he was laid to rest days after his death at the age of 93.
Shimon Peres, former Israeli president, dies aged 93
Shimon Peres, who served twice as Israel's prime minister and once as president, has died at the age of 93.
Syria conflict: US and UK rhetoric 'unacceptable' - Russia
Russia has criticised the US and UK for using "unacceptable" tone and rhetoric in speeches on Syria at the UN, after being accused of "barbarism".
No more unilateral concessions in Syria – Russian envoy to UN
He dismissed criticism of the Syrian army, expressed at the Security Council meeting by the US, France and the UK, over the latest offensive in eastern Aleppo.
Syria war: Rebels 'regrouping' under ceasefire - Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Syrian rebel groups are exploiting the current ceasefire to regroup.
Colin Powell says Israel has 200 nukes in leaked email
Israel is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, refusing to speak about its rumored nuclear arsenal and never even going as far as to admit that it has possession of nuclear weapons.
Former Israeli President Shimon Peres suffers stroke
The 93-year-old reported to be stable and fully conscious after being rushed to hospital
Syria war: Cessation of hostilities comes into effect
A cessation of hostilities has come into effect in Syria, although it is unclear how widely it will be observed.
Syria ceasefire begins, Damascus says will last 7 days
The Russian and US-brokered nationwide ceasefire in Syria has come into effect, beginning at 7pm Damascus time (16:00 GMT). The Russian Defense Ministry says Moscow will continue airstrikes targeting terrorists.
Islamic State: Abu Muhammad al-Adnani 'killed in Aleppo'
One of the longest-serving and most prominent leaders of so-called Islamic State (IS) has been killed in Syria, IS-affiliated media say.
