Since the Islamic State began to outright defy the United States by publicly beheading American journalists, more than 100 airstrikes have been carried out in Iraq. Now, a new waves of airstrikes have been carried out near Haditha Dam, which has been a target for the IS extremists in the last months. According to the United States military Central Command, the government of Iraq requested … [Read more...]
President Obama Faces the Difficult Decision: Should the US Become Involved in the Syrian Conflict?
For the past three years, president Obama has firmly maintained his position that the United States would not be intervening in the Syrian conflict. The pull of military action in Syria has grown stronger, however. Can the beheading of American Reporter James Foley be the last drop in a sea of tension and could the threat that the Islamic State poses to U.S. interests be enough to change the … [Read more...]
Iraq Bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk End with 30 Casualties
As the Iraqi government was investigating the deadly attacks that took place on Friday at the Sunni mosque, new bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk ended with the deaths of 30 people on Saturday. Three bombs went off in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk (which has been a reason of dispute between Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government). They were set in a crowded commercial district and apart from … [Read more...]
United States Considering Military Intervention In Syria
After the killing of an U.S. journalist and the clear escalation of the situation in Iraq, the Obama administration is carefully weighing its options and considering a military intervention in Syria that could even include U.S. airstrikes. In spite of the fact that President Barack Obama has clearly expressed his desire to not involve the United States into Syria’s bloody civil war, the recent … [Read more...]
United States Launch New Airstrikes to Retake Iraqi Dam
On Saturday, the U.S. launched new airstrikes directed at the Islamic State in order to retake the country’s largest dam that is currently under their control near Irbil. The IS captured the Dam at Mosul last month during its swift and deadly attacks across the northern part of the country. This new series of U.S. –led airstrikes had a mix of American fighter aircrafts and remotely-piloted … [Read more...]
Yazidi Men at the Mercy of Islamic State Fighters
Saturday marked a horrific day when countless Yazidi men were shot by Islamic State extremists after they were lined up in groups. Islamic State fighters opened fire on the Yazidi men and killed them with assault rifles, only to abduct their wives and children later. The mass killings in Kocho were a testimony to the fact that the Iraqi people are still at risk in spite of the U.S. and Iraqi … [Read more...]
Kurdish Forces Ask for International Help in Fighting off IS Militants
The situation in Iraq is constantly escalating and Kurdish forces have urged allies to help in their battle of defending their country from the advances of Islamic State militants. The Kurds have explained that they are outgunned and that it’s precisely because of their lack of weapons that IS militants are taking control of large areas of Iraq. After having defeated Iraqi troops that abandoned … [Read more...]
U.S. Airstrike Mission in Difficulty Because of Iraqi Tactic Modifications
After the newly launched United States Airstrikes, Iraqi militants have begun changing tactics and these modifications are complicating US airstrike missions. Until now, American officials noticed that the IS (Islamic State) had been organized like an army- they moved strategically, they pursued military objectives and acted with planned and organized intent. Now, officials have begun noticing … [Read more...]
U.S. Airstrikes Launched after President Obama Authorized Military Action against Terrorists
On Friday, just hours after President Barack Obama gave the ok for airstrikes to be fired against Islamic militants, fighter jets launched a targeted airstrike. According to John Kirby, Pentagon press secretary, 500 pound bombs have been launched by F/A-18 Jets on artillery pieces being transported by trucks. The airstrike took place at 6:45 A.M. ET against the group formerly called ISIS. Rear … [Read more...]
Oil Price surges as chaos in Iraq raises fears for supplies
In the north and east of Iraq, Sunni-led militants are tightening their grip on towns and arising concerns that their advance south could put the output of the region's second-biggest oil producer at risk. According to reports the biggest weekly gain this year of Brent crude was when it hit dollars 114.69 on Friday i.e. its highest level since last September. Dollars 30 to the price could be … [Read more...]