middle-east
Protests in Iraq and Lebanon pose a challenge to Iran
The day after anti-government protests erupted in Iraq, Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani flew into Baghdad late at night and took a helicopter to the heavily fortified Green Zone, where he surprised a group of top security officials by chairing a meeting in place of the prime minister.
With ISIS death, Trump touts much-needed triumph
New York, Oct 28 (AP/UNB) — The killing of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi gave President Donald Trump an undeniable national security triumph and also a much-needed political victory at the most precarious moment of his presidency.
Lebanese block roads as mass demonstrations enter 10th day
Beirut, Oct 27 (AP/UNB) — Lebanese anti-government protesters stepped up their efforts to block roads in and around the capital Beirut on Saturday, lying in the streets and chanting "peaceful, peaceful" as security forces struggled to drag them out of the way.
Commission: 63 killed in Iraq protests in 2 days
Baghdad, Oct 27 (AP/UNB) — Iraq's semi-official human rights commission says at least 63 protesters have been killed in two days of anti-government rallies in the capital and southern cities.
Lebanese police drag protesters, remove roadblocks in Beirut
Beirut, Oct 26 (AP/UNB) — Lebanese security forces pushed and dragged away protesters who refused to move from roadblocks in central Beirut on Saturday, to reopen roads closed during a campaign of civil disobedience.
Iraqi forces fire tear gas after 42 died in day of violence
Baghdad, Oct 26 (AP/UNB) — Iraqi security forces fired tear gas on Saturday to push back protesters who tried to remove blast walls erected on a bridge in central Baghdad to prevent anti-government rallies from reaching a heavily fortified government area, a day after violence claimed 42 lives.
Esper: US troops, armored vehicles going to Syria oil fields
Brussels, Oct 26 (AP/UNB) — The United States will send armored vehicles and combat troops into eastern Syria to keep oil fields from potentially falling into the hands of Islamic State militants, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.
Official: Death toll climbs to 42 in Friday protests in Iraq
Baghdad, Oct 26 (AP/UNB) — The death toll from protests in Iraq has climbed to 42 after a senior government official in the country's south said 12 protesters died in a fire they started while storming the office of powerful militia during a rally there a day earlier.
Lebanese army removes some roadblocks in nationwide protests
Beirut, Oct 26 (AP/UNB) — Lebanon's army on Saturday removed roadblocks set up by protesters in at least one critical juncture linking Beirut to the suburbs and the country's east amid a nationwide wave of protests, including a campaign of civil disobedience.
Afghan forces recapture northern district in Afghanistan
Taluqan, Oct 25 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Afghan security forces have recaptured Darqad district in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province and Taliban militants fled the area after suffering casualties, an army statement said here Friday.