Latest Defense & Security stories.
An Iraqi analyst accused the United States of seeking to disarm resistance groups in Iraq and the region. A former Iraqi lawmaker called instead for a government-led process to organize the weapons through a dedicated committee and a multiyear plan.
Read storyA senior official in Yemen’s Sanaa-based government said Saudi Arabia is using a third party to seek information about the pilots of an F-15 that Yemeni forces claim to have shot down over Marib. The claims, including the pilots’ status, have not been independently confirmed in the supplied evidence.
Read storyIraq has lifted civilian flight restrictions over western regions that had been reserved for military operations against Islamic State. The Transport Ministry said the airspace was transferred to national aviation authorities, enabling the redesign of flight routes and the creation of new civilian routes. Full implementation of the decision is expected after further technical and organizational measures.
Read storyIranian commander Bahamān Kargar said the Armed Forces parade would not be held this year due to wartime conditions. He outlined plans for the 46th Sacred Defense Week, including a new slogan, the implementation of a 20-year strategic plan for the Foundation for Preservation of Sacred Defense and Resistance Values, and the opening of museums and memorial sites to visitors.
Read storyAn IRNA report examines the response to an alleged attack on Tehran metro stations, focusing on station managers’ responsibility to protect passengers and staff and make rapid decisions during emergencies.
Read storyIranian state media reported that Israeli drone strikes hit southern Khan Younis and Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan area, killing one Palestinian and injuring several others. Raids and arrests were also reported in Jenin and Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Read storyAn IRNA report examines emergency decision-making at Tehran metro stations, emphasizing the protection of lives and the responsibilities of station managers during an attack.
Read storyThe U.S. State Department reportedly approved a $24.3 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia including 48 F-35 fighter jets, 49 engines and related equipment. The deal could affect the regional military balance and raise questions about the U.S. policy of preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge.
Read storyUKMTO reported a security incident in the Strait of Hormuz, about 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The crew were reported safe, no environmental impact had been reported, and authorities were investigating.
Read storyGCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned a reported drone attack by Yemen’s Ansarullah on Saudi Arabia’s Taif province. He called for an international response and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities reported one death and two injuries after a drone was intercepted and debris fell.
Read storyA powerful explosion was reportedly heard near Erbil in northern Iraq. The cause and any casualties or damage remain unconfirmed. The report also cited an earlier Reuters account of a drone attack on a Kurdish opposition group’s camp near Sulaymaniyah.
Read storySerbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the opening of a plant for assembling Israeli-designed drones, saying it will employ about 100 workers and supply Serbia and other countries. He also said at least three additional factories are expected, while access to the facility was restricted because of production secrecy.
Read storyNews sources, citing Al Mayadeen, reported that a large U.S. military convoy carrying equipment and armored vehicles was moving from western Iraq toward Jordan.
Read storyJordan and France signed a military cooperation agreement in the presence of King Abdullah II and President Emmanuel Macron. The agreement’s details were not disclosed. The two leaders also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris to discuss support for the Lebanese army and stability in Lebanon.
Read storySouth Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Seoul would not send forces or military equipment to the Strait of Hormuz for participation in or intervention in a war. He said the country would continue limited efforts to protect commercial shipping, oil routes and its citizens. South Korean officials have denied reports of a U.S. request or deadline for deploying equipment, while Iran has warned against military involvement by other countries.
Read storyCBS News, citing U.S. officials, reported that Iran had downed at least two American MQ-1 drones in recent days. The variants and location of the incidents were not disclosed. The report also cited Congressional Budget Office estimates of losses involving MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-4C Triton drones.
Read storyIRNA, citing a Yemeni news outlet, reported that Ansarullah-aligned forces captured the al-Aghbara mountains in Yemen’s Lahj province and that Saudi-backed Amalqa Brigades withdrew. The report said the move strengthens Sana’a’s position overlooking Bab al-Mandab, but the claims were not independently verified.
Read storyIRNA, citing SANA, reported that Israeli artillery struck areas near al-Hamidiyah in Quneitra and Bat al-Warda Hill near Beit Jinn on Friday. No casualties were reported in the Quneitra strike. IRNA also reported the detention of a shepherd during an Israeli military entry into western Daraa.
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