Trump officials make clear troops won’t leave Syria anytime soon
Six months after US President Donald Trump said he wants US troops out of Syria, his top officials are hammering home what has become increasingly obvious: the US isn’t going anywhere.
Military
Netanyahu: We’ll keep hitting Iran in Syria even with S-300s
The IDF will continue to strike at Iranian targets in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, one day after Russia announced plans to bolster that country’s defenses by transferring the advanced S-300 anti-missile system there within two weeks.
‘Major mistake’: Israel, US warn Russia against giving S-300 missiles to Syria
Both Jerusalem and Washington warned Russia on Monday evening against its declared intention to provide the Syrian military with advanced surface-to-air missiles within two weeks, saying the move would further destabilize the region and increase already high tensions.
EU, Iran set financial “vehicle” to ease trade between them
Five world powers and Iran agreed late Monday to establish a financial facility in the European Union to facilitate payments for Iranian imports and exports including oil, a key move sought by Tehran following the U.S. pullout from the 2015 nuclear deal and its re-imposition of sanctions.
Iran warns US, Israel of revenge after parade attack
The deputy head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned U.S. and Israeli leaders on Monday to expect a ‘devastating’ response from Tehran, accusing them of involvement in an attack on a military parade in the city of Ahvaz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threaten to avenge military parade attack
Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards vowed on Sunday to exact ‘deadly and unforgettable’ vengeance for an attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, including 12 of their comrades, and Tehran accused Gulf Arab states of backing the gunmen.
US sanctions China military agency for buying Russian arms
A Chinese military agency and its director are facing U.S. sanctions over the purchase of Russian weapons, the State Department announced Thursday.
U.S. blacklists Russian entities tied to election meddling
The Trump administration on Thursday blacklisted 33 Russian individuals and entities, including a billionaire and several companies accused of interfering in American politics, limiting their ability to conduct business internationally.
Russian bombers intercepted by British jets after ignoring air traffic control, UK says
A pair of Russian nuclear-capable bombers buzzed the British coastline along the North Sea on Thursday while ignoring repeated radio calls, according to the U.K.’s ministry of defense.
Hezbollah chief warns Israel to stop Syria airstrikes
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, said Wednesday that Israel must stop its ‘intolerable’ attacks in Syria. His comments came after an Israeli airstrike on a Syrian base in Latakia, during which a Russian spy plane was accidentally shot down by soldiers loyal to President Bashar Assad.
Israel ‘expresses regret’ for downed Russian jet, holds Syria responsible
IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manelis addressed the downing of the Russian plane in Syria on Tuesday after Moscow accused Israel of a hostile provocation and threatened to respond.
Russia summons Israeli envoy after warning of response over downed plane
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador Tuesday afternoon, state media reported, as Moscow fumed over the Syrian downing of a military plane that it said was the result of an Israeli ‘provocation.’
Kenya: Al-Shabaab Executed Two Christian Bus Passengers
On September 14, al-Shaabab, a Somali-based terrorist organization, executed two Christians, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).
Russian Plane Mistakenly Shot Down by Syria Anti-Aircraft Artillery During Israeli Strike
During an alleged Israeli airstrike within Syria, Russia claims one of its military aircraft disappeared with 14 people on board.
Hours after Syria strike, Netanyahu says Israel enforcing ‘red lines’
Hours after an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Damascus airport in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the country’s policy of employing military action to prevent weapons transfers to the enemies that pose an immediate threat.
US Congress votes $38 billion defense aid to Israel into law
A bipartisan bill that would cement the U.S. military aid to Israel into law has passed a major hurdle on Wednesday night.
Fresh Debate As Germany Mulls Joining Airstrikes in the Event of Another Chemical Attack in Syria
Amid growing concerns about a possible chemical weapons attack in Syria’s Idlib province, Germany appears to be mulling participation in any retaliatory U.S.-led airstrikes, in a reversal of its traditionally hesitant stance on military engagement.
Trump to target foreign meddling in U.S. elections with sanctions order
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order as soon as Wednesday that will slap sanctions on any foreign companies or people who interfere in U.S. elections, based on intelligence agency findings, two sources familiar with the matter said.
Putin, Xi together for the third time this year as Russia launches largest war games since Cold War
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in far-eastern Russia on Tuesday, the same day the Kremlin began its biggest military exercise since the Cold War.
Palestinians send incendiary tires to Israeli shores
Hundreds of Palestinians gathered on the beach in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday where they reportedly set afloat on rafts dozens of burning tires, in an attempt to reach Israel’s maritime border.