Iraqi Air Force Strikes ISIS Positions in Hamrin Mountains

An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)
An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)
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Iraqi Air Force Strikes ISIS Positions in Hamrin Mountains

An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)
An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)

The Iraqi Security Media Cell reported on Friday that an aerial strike by F-16 aircraft in Mount Hamrin, near the border of Kirkuk and Salahuddin governorates, killed three ISIS militants.

In a statement, the cell said the operation was executed with “high-level coordination” between the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Joint Operations Command.

A force from the Counter-Terrorism Service’s Kirkuk regiment, assisted by technical and reconnaissance support from the Joint Operations Command, proceeded to inspect the site of the strike.

They discovered the bodies of three ISIS militants and seized light weapons, ammunition, explosives, and two explosive belts. They also found several destroyed weapons, equipment, communication devices, and various logistical materials.

This comes at a time when Baha Araji, an Iraqi official, announced that a deal has been reached with Washington to end the US-led international coalition’s operations in Iraq.

The official stated that this decision comes after careful consideration and discussions that have been ongoing since February.

The announcement was made on a televised broadcast, where Araji highlighted the significance of this move, emphasizing the longstanding ties between Iraq and the US.

This decision marks the end of a cooperative phase that began with the coalition’s establishment.

Additionally, it was mentioned that Iraqi forces have taken control of several areas, maintaining security and stability. Araji underscored that this transition reflects Iraq’s growing capabilities and sovereignty.

This development follows the recent interactions between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and US representatives, aimed at redefining the future relationship between Baghdad and Washington.



Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan

Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan
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Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan

Arab Parliament Affirms Support for Stability in Yemen, Unity Efforts in Sudan

The Arab Parliament reiterated its strong and unwavering support for the security and stability of Yemen. It emphasized that prioritizing dialogue, understanding, and wisdom is essential to serve the best interests of the Yemeni people.

In a statement issued on Friday, the parliament highlighted the importance of making every effort to de-escalate the situation, address the crisis, and achieve a sustainable political solution that respects Yemen's sovereignty and the will of the Yemeni people, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The parliament expressed its full commitment to supporting all initiatives that enhance security, stability, and development in Yemen, as well as to fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people for progress, stability, and prosperity.

The Arab Parliament also reiterated its strong and unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis and ensuring the security, stability, and unity of Sudan.

In a statement, the Arab Parliament congratulated the Sudanese people on the anniversary of Independence Day. It expressed hope that the next Independence Day will be celebrated with the crisis fully resolved, fulfilling the aspirations of the Sudanese people for security, stability and development.


Lebanon PM Pledges State Authority, Vows to End Israeli Attacks

An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 
An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 
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Lebanon PM Pledges State Authority, Vows to End Israeli Attacks

An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 
An Israeli officer displays weapons seized by the army in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria during a media tour (AFP). 

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has pledged to press ahead with reforms, extend the authority of the state, and work to end Israeli attacks and remove the occupation, even as Israel signals preparations for a “measured” military action against Hezbollah.

In a New Year message posted on X, Salam wished Lebanese a year marked by hope, continued state recovery, and restored public trust.

“We promise to continue together the path of reform and the extension of state authority,” he wrote. He added a renewed pledge “to keep working to end Israeli attacks, remove the occupation, and secure the return of our detainees,” saluting the Lebanese army and security forces deployed nationwide to safeguard public safety.

Lebanon has maintained diplomatic contacts with the sponsors of the ceasefire with Israel, which took effect in November 2024 and ended 66 days of fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

Beirut says diplomacy and steps by the Lebanese army have prevented a renewed war. Israel, however, still occupies five border points inside Lebanese territory, holds around 20 detainees, including civilians, and continues to violate the agreement through intermittent strikes and targeted killings inside Lebanon.

In parallel, Israeli media report heightened security readiness for possible action against Hezbollah, citing Israeli assessments that recent Lebanese measures fall short of ceasefire terms.

The daily Maariv said security chiefs are preparing to brief Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on readiness levels, pointing to what Israel describes as Lebanon’s failure to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south and north of the Litani River.

According to the report, Lebanon may soon declare the end of army operations to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani without extending them northward, an outcome Israel deems a breach. Israeli assessments suggest this could prompt unilateral action if Lebanon is seen as unable or unwilling to comply.

Israel accuses Hezbollah of rebuilding capabilities, including precision missiles, and says recent airstrikes targeted training sites linked to the Radwan Forces. Israeli officials argue Hezbollah is currently in a weakened operational state, enabling “calibrated” options aimed at pressuring the group while preserving the ceasefire framework.

 

 


Türkiye Plans First Overseas Deepwater Drilling in Somalia Next Month

Türkiye Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar speaks during the conference 'Energy Security in the World and Türkiye: Risks and Solutions in Critical Minerals' at the Sabanci University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC), in Istanbul, Türkiye, December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Türkiye Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar speaks during the conference 'Energy Security in the World and Türkiye: Risks and Solutions in Critical Minerals' at the Sabanci University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC), in Istanbul, Türkiye, December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
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Türkiye Plans First Overseas Deepwater Drilling in Somalia Next Month

Türkiye Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar speaks during the conference 'Energy Security in the World and Türkiye: Risks and Solutions in Critical Minerals' at the Sabanci University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC), in Istanbul, Türkiye, December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Türkiye Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar speaks during the conference 'Energy Security in the World and Türkiye: Risks and Solutions in Critical Minerals' at the Sabanci University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC), in Istanbul, Türkiye, December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

Türkiye will send a drilling vessel to Somalia in February to carry out the country's first deepwater exploration project abroad, ‌Energy Minister ‌Alparslan Bayraktar ‌said.

He ‌said the operation with the Cagri Bey vessel will focus on offshore areas ⁠in Somali waters but did not ‍provide ‍details on targeted ‍reserves or investment size.

In 2024, Türkiye signed an energy exploration deal with Somalia. It has been ⁠seeking to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on imports, investing in exploration at home and overseas.