# Iraq
Latest news and articles about Iraq
Total: 15 articles found
U.S. Forces Take Increasing Toll in Middle East: CENTCOM Confirms 200+ Troops Injured Across Seven Countries
CENTCOM says more than 200 U.S. service members have been injured across seven Middle Eastern countries amid recent U.S. and Israeli operations targeting Iran, with many cases exhibiting traumatic brain injury and ten reported as seriously wounded. The spread of casualties highlights the vulnerability of dispersed U.S. forces, strains medical and political resources, and raises pressure on policymakers to curb further escalation.
Europe Pulls Back and Repositions in Iraq as Iran Conflict Threatens Regional Bases
Spain and Italy have moved troops in Iraq after a series of drone attacks and expanding US–Israeli strikes on Iran raised risks to Western bases. The incidents, which include a French fatality, have prompted European redeployments and increased naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean as capitals weigh force protection against mission commitments.
Drone Crashes and Ignites Inside U.S. Embassy Compound in Iraq, Chinese Reporter On Scene
A Chinese journalist reported that a drone crashed into the U.S. embassy compound in Iraq and ignited, triggering emergency response. With no confirmed casualty or claim of responsibility, the incident underlines growing security challenges posed by small drones and the political difficulty of attribution and response in Iraq’s fragmented security landscape.
U.S. KC-135 Tanker Crashes in Western Iraq; CENTCOM Rules Out Combat or Friendly Fire
A U.S. KC-135 aerial refuelling tanker crashed in western Iraq on 12 March; CENTCOM said the loss was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire and that rescue efforts continue. The incident complicates U.S. air operations in a tense region and will require a technical investigation to rule out mechanical failure, human error or mishap during refuelling.
From Baghdad Bomb Shelters to China’s Spring Gala: An Iraqi Correspondent Becomes a Symbol of Cross‑Cultural Bonding
An Iraqi-born man who fled war as a child has spent the past 15 years in China, becoming a Mandarin‑speaking correspondent and a featured announcer on China’s Spring Festival Gala. His public profile — and forthcoming marriage to a woman from Xinjiang — is being presented as a symbol of cross‑cultural connection and China’s appeal to foreign residents.
Tanker Attacks off Iraq Deepen Strait of Hormuz Crisis as Oil Prices Spike and Washington Taps Reserves
Two foreign tankers were attacked off Iraq’s Umm Qasr port, killing one crew member and aggravating an already acute maritime crisis around the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes have driven oil and fuel prices higher, prompted a large coordinated release of strategic reserves and exposed the limited tools available to secure vital shipping lanes absent de-escalation.
Iran Releases Night-Time Footage of Missile Salvo Toward U.S. Bases in Iraq, Raising Regional Tensions
Iran released video footage showing multiple missiles launched at night toward U.S. bases in Iraq, a move that amplifies Tehran’s strategic messaging and raises the risk of escalation. The public dissemination of the strikes complicates U.S.-Iran relations, pressures the Iraqi government, and could ripple through regional security and markets.
Explosions in Iraqi Kurdistan as Drones Crash Near Erbil and Militia Claims Strike on US-Hosted Airbase
Two drones crashed near Erbil and explosions were reported in Sulaymaniyah on March 3, while a militia claiming the "Islamic Resistance" said it struck Harir airbase — a site hosting U.S. forces. A separate small drone was shot down near Baghdad airport; no casualties or damage were reported in any incident.
Baghdad Erupts Over Washington's Ultimatum: Protesters Decry US Interference After Trump Threatens Aid Over Maliki
President Trump's public warning to cut aid if Nouri al-Maliki returns as Iraq's prime minister sparked two nights of protests outside Baghdad's Green Zone, where demonstrators denounced U.S. interference. The incident highlights enduring Iraqi sensitivity to foreign influence and complicates Baghdad's fragile political balance between internal factions and external patrons.
Washington and Baghdad Discuss Moving ISIS Detainees to Iraqi Prisons After Unrest in Northeast Syria
The U.S. State Department reported a January 25 call between Secretary of State Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al‑Sudani about transferring IS detainees from northeastern Syria into Iraqi custody. The talks reflect urgent security concerns after instability in Kurdish-held areas, but transfers would raise legal, logistical and geopolitical complications for Iraq and regional actors.
Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework Backs Nouri al‑Maliki to Lead Next Government
Iraq’s Coordination Framework has nominated former prime minister Nouri al‑Maliki to lead the next government, setting up a fast‑moving constitutional process that will require rapid coalition building. Maliki’s experience and polarising record make him a potent but contentious choice, with implications for domestic reform efforts and Baghdad’s regional alignments.
Iraq Fortifies Syria Frontier as U.S. Sends First Batch of ISIS Detainees Back
Iraq has bolstered military deployments along the Syria border after the U.S. began transferring Islamic State detainees from northeast Syria to Iraqi custody. Baghdad received an initial group of 150 detainees as Washington prepares to move up to 7,000 in total, prompting concerns about prison capacity and the security implications for the region.