Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has approved nearly $1 billion in military equipment to Iraq. The administration of President Barack Obama has notified Congress of a military aid package meant to enhance Iraqi security amid the Sunni revolt. Officials said the package included aircraft, combat vehicles and surveillance aerostats. “The proposed sale […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Sunni rebels, led by Al Qaida, have captured a leading city in Iraq. Opposition sources said Sunni fighters, directed by Al Qaida’s Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, have taken control over Fallujah. The sources said ISIL led tribal forces in expelling the last bastion of Iraq Army troops […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has been training Iraqi special operations forces to quell the Sunni revolt. Officials said U.S. advisers were training and mentoring Iraqi SOF units in the war in Anbar. The officials said the advisers were training the Iraqis in urban warfare, counter-insurgency techniques, bomb detection and coordinated helicopter […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States plans to send advanced attack helicopters to help Iraq quell the Sunni revolt. The administration of President Barack Obama has approved the lease of six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters for the Iraqi military. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the project included training for Iraqi pilots in […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq has been attracting foreign fighters for the Sunni revolt. Officials said Western and other nationals were flowing into Iraq to join the Al Qaida-led Sunni revolt in Iraq. The officials cited recruitment by Al Qaida’s Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which has seized large areas of Iraq’s […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — A leading Western think tank has assessed that the Middle East would continue to be turbulent in 2014. The International Institute for Strategic Studies determined that war and revolt would plague much of the Middle East over the coming year. In its annual assessment, the London-based institute warned of surprises […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Iraq is preparing for the arrival of advanced U.S. fighter-jets. Officials said the Iraqi Defense Ministry and Air Force have been arranging for the first delivery of the F-16 multi-role fighter by the United States. They said the first batch of F-16 Block 52 aircraft is expected to arrive in […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Leading members of Congress have accused President Barack Obama of failing to conclude a security cooperation agreement meant to stop Al Qaida in Iraq. Two leading senators said the Obama administration ordered a total U.S. military withdrawal despite the objections of leading Iraqi politicians. The senators said the U.S. pullout […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Two years after the withdrawal of the U.S. military, Iraq stands on the verge of civil war. The Iraq Army has been ordered to battle Sunni fighters in areas that resisted central government control. Officials said the Army focus has been Anbar, the largest province and along the border with […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq has confirmed it is providing medical treatment for forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad. Officials said the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has arranged for injured Syrian Army and security forces troops to be treated in Iraq. They said the arrangement began amid heavy casualties by […]