Kirk Semple

Reinforcements Enter Besieged Syrian Town via Turkey, Raising Hopes

Officials in Kobani, Syria, hailed the arrival of Iraqi Kurdish soldiers and Syrian rebels, saying they hoped it heralded a more cooperative effort to fight the Islamic State.

October 30, 2014, Thursday

Missiles of ISIS May Pose Peril for Aircrews in Iraq

There is strong evidence that Islamic State fighters in Iraq are using advanced surface-to-air missile systems that pose a serious threat to aircraft.

October 27, 2014, Monday

Sunni Militants Draw Iraqi Forces Into Intense Battles on Several Fronts

Government forces fought for the third straight day to fend off a heavy assault by Islamic State militants on a strategically placed town in Anbar Province.

October 25, 2014, Saturday

In Iraq, Relief After News of Blackwater Convictions

For many of the survivors of the 2007 shooting in Baghdad, the verdicts offered some solace after a traumatic event that became synonymous with the worst of the American occupation.

October 24, 2014, Friday

At Least 500 Militants Killed in U.S.-Led Strikes in Syria, Observer Group Says

The group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also said the strikes, which started on Sept. 23, have killed at least 32 civilians.

October 24, 2014, Friday

U.S. Is Investigating Report That Islamic State Used Chlorine Gas

American officials said they were examining a report that 11 police officers were sickened after a bomb dispersed chlorine gas last month near Balad, north of Baghdad.

October 24, 2014, Friday

40 Are Killed in Attacks Targeting Shiites in Iraq

A flurry of attacks included a quadruple car bombing near two of the holiest shrines in Shiite Islam, killing 40, officials said.

October 21, 2014, Tuesday

After Delay, Iraq Appoints Two to Posts for Security

Parliament approved two appointees to lead ministries responsible for the nation’s security forces, vacancies that had highlighted sectarian tensions and generated weeks of negotiations.

October 19, 2014, Sunday

ISIS Keeps Up Pressure Near Baghdad as Iraqi Troops Hesitate

Islamic State militants are still dominating the fight in Iraq’s crucial Anbar Province weeks into the American air campaign.

October 18, 2014, Saturday

Siege Possible as ISIS Nears Strategic Town in Iraq

Conquering the town in the embattled province of Anbar would connect two jihadist strongholds.

October 16, 2014, Thursday