Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems

Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
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Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems

Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)

Iraq’s Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate a series of drone attacks targeting military radar systems at two separate bases, officials said.

The strikes hit a radar installation at the Taji military camp, north of Baghdad, and another at the Imam Ali airbase in the southern province of Dhi Qar. A third suspected drone attack reportedly struck a base near Baghdad International Airport, also housing radar systems, according to local media reports.

The incidents came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, though it remained unclear whether the attacks were connected to the development.

Sudani said on Tuesday his government would not tolerate any act – internal or external – that threatens national security, vowing a firm and decisive response.

“We will not show leniency toward any aggression that harms the security of Iraq,” Sudani said during a cabinet meeting, according to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

“Our response will be resolute and strong,” added Sudani.

He confirmed that Iraqi military bases were targeted in what he described as a “cowardly and treacherous” attack using explosive-laden suicide drones.

“Our armed forces and air defenses responded swiftly to other attempted attacks on different bases, successfully intercepting and downing the drones,” Sudani said, without elaborating on the origin of the attacks.

The prime minister also welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a “positive step,” and expressed hope that the truce would be “solid and lasting, not fragile.”

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, also described the drone strikes as “cowardly and treacherous,” saying the attacks caused significant damage to radar infrastructure.

In a statement, al-Numan said a swarm of small, explosive-laden drones had struck the military installations in Taji and Dhi Qar. He confirmed there were no casualties.

Images circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the radar station at the Taji base.

“Our forces were able to thwart additional drone attacks targeting four other locations,” al-Numan added, noting that air defenses successfully downed the incoming UAVs before they reached their targets.

All of the sites targeted in the recent drone attacks were fully operated by Iraqi security forces, dismissing speculation of foreign involvement.

“All targeted locations are exclusively Iraqi military sites, overseen and operated by officers and personnel from our heroic security forces,” said al-Numan.

Following the coordinated attacks, Sudani ordered the creation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible, and fully track the findings of the probe.

“These cowardly criminal acts will not go unpunished,” al-Numan said. “Our armed forces remain the unshakable shield of Iraq, defending its people, land, and sovereignty.”

Military sources revealed that the first drone strike destroyed a TPS-77 radar system at the Taji military base. A second attack targeted an AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar at the Imam Ali base.

Local media also reported, citing unverified sources, that a third drone targeted a US-made radar system at Victoria Base near Baghdad International Airport, which has previously hosted US troops. Authorities have yet to confirm this claim.

The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following a US-brokered ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the nature and precision of the strikes have raised concerns about a potential escalation.



Golan Druze Reject al-Hijri’s Remarks, Urge Jabal al-Arab to Take a Stand

Druze wait near the border fence in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights village of Majdal Shams, as Syrian Druze who had crossed over the day before, cross back to return to Syrian, on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)
Druze wait near the border fence in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights village of Majdal Shams, as Syrian Druze who had crossed over the day before, cross back to return to Syrian, on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)
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Golan Druze Reject al-Hijri’s Remarks, Urge Jabal al-Arab to Take a Stand

Druze wait near the border fence in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights village of Majdal Shams, as Syrian Druze who had crossed over the day before, cross back to return to Syrian, on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)
Druze wait near the border fence in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights village of Majdal Shams, as Syrian Druze who had crossed over the day before, cross back to return to Syrian, on July 17, 2025. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

Recent remarks by Hikmat al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual leader in Sweida, have drawn criticism from prominent Syrian Druze figures in the occupied Golan Heights. They said his comments amounted to “an affront to the core of the Druze monotheistic faith.”

Al-Hijri said Druze were “co-religionists with the State of Israel” and “an integral part of the State of Israel.” His critics said the remarks had “no historical, moral or national basis” and called for the highest Druze authorities to take a position.

After Israel occupied the Syrian Golan Heights in the June 1967 war, Syrian residents remained in Majdal Shams, Masada, Buq’ata and Ein Qiniyye. The predominantly Druze population numbers about 23,000.

The religious authority in the four villages in the northern Golan issued a statement Monday rejecting comments al-Hijri made in a video late last week. Three prominent figures from Majdal Shams also told Asharq Al-Awsat they opposed his stance and expressed concern over Sweida’s future and Syria’s unity.

Writer and journalist Hassan Shams, a Majdal Shams resident, rejected what he described as al-Hijri’s separatist project, saying it had “no historical, moral, logical or national basis” and was harmful to Syria and the Druze community’s future.

Shams said al-Hijri had “gone far beyond what is permissible” and encroached on the essence of the Druze faith. He dismissed the claim that Druze were an integral part of Israel as “fabrication and delirium ... a sign of bankruptcy and a cry for help,” saying there was no indication that Israelis had promised him anything.

Following the July 2025 violence in Sweida, which killed hundreds of fighters from local Druze factions, army and security personnel, and civilians, al-Hijri and his affiliated National Guard took control of large parts of the province. He called for self-determination for its residents and sought to establish what he calls a “State of Bashan” with Israeli support.

Shams condemned the violence and said anyone involved in the “massacres” should be held accountable, but argued that it could not justify distorting the region’s history or gambling with its present and future.

He called on the highest Druze spiritual and secular authorities to publicly disavow al-Hijri.

Shams said the most al-Hijri could obtain was the tripartite Amman agreement announced in September 2025, which he rejected at the time but would now “be forced to accept.” He questioned whether the Druze leader could play a role in the next phase, saying he could not be trusted.

Sweida, he added, needed “an uprising of dignity” and an end to what he described as a dark chapter in its history.

Dr. Nizar Ayoub, a Majdal Shams researcher specializing in international law, human rights and transitional justice, accused al-Hijri of backing himself into a corner by imposing his approach on the province and suppressing opposition to it.

“Al-Hijri’s statements flattering Israel and appealing to its government have no basis in reality or law,” Ayoub told Asharq Al-Awsat. “Neither Sweida, Daraa nor the occupied Golan will under any circumstances become part of Israel, because it is an occupying power.”

Ayoub argued that Israel was using such rhetoric in talks with the transitional authorities in Damascus to press for security understandings in southern Syria and secure the best possible terms, but would abandon al-Hijri if its interests changed.

He characterized Israel’s policy toward Arab Druze, including those in the occupied Golan, as one of exploitation and said it had long pursued a divide-and-rule approach.

Ayoub described the proposed “State of Bashan” as “an absolute illusion,” arguing that the international community and Arab states supported Syria’s unity and opposed its division into separate entities.

He said there was broad agreement among Syrians, including residents of Sweida, on the country’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty over all its territory, including the occupied Golan. Given that international consensus, Ayoub described al-Hijri’s ambitions as “a dream that cannot be realized under any circumstances.”

‘An aberration that must be stopped’

Syrian writer and researcher Dr. Thaer Kanj Abu Saleh, also from Majdal Shams, similarly rejected al-Hijri’s position.

“The latest statements reflect glaring ignorance of history and faith,” Abu Saleh told Asharq Al-Awsat. He noted that al-Hijri appeared to regard Druze identity as something he could shape to serve his interests, adding: “We condemn his words and consider him an aberration that the people of Jabal al-Arab must put an end to as quickly as possible.”

“We have lived under occupation for nearly 60 years, and we know Israel, its policies and what it is planning,” Abu Saleh remarked. He argued that Israel was seeking to use the Druze issue in Syria to keep the country weak and prevent its recovery.

Abu Saleh continued that al-Hijri had “lost his compass,” did not know where he was taking Sweida’s residents “under threat of arms,” and had become unable to retreat.

He also said the authorities in Damascus “bear primary responsibility for what the situation in Sweida has become” and should devise solutions to resolve the crisis.

 

 


Jordan’s King Leads International Effort to Support Lebanon’s Stability, Army

Jordan’s King Abdullah II receives Lebanese Army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal in Amman on Aug. 30, 2026 (Royal Hashemite Court) 
Jordan’s King Abdullah II receives Lebanese Army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal in Amman on Aug. 30, 2026 (Royal Hashemite Court) 
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Jordan’s King Leads International Effort to Support Lebanon’s Stability, Army

Jordan’s King Abdullah II receives Lebanese Army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal in Amman on Aug. 30, 2026 (Royal Hashemite Court) 
Jordan’s King Abdullah II receives Lebanese Army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal in Amman on Aug. 30, 2026 (Royal Hashemite Court) 

Amid regional developments, Amman has stepped up a diplomatic effort led by King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to mobilize international backing for Lebanese state institutions, foremost among them the Lebanese Army.

The initiative aims to forge a joint Arab, European and US position that would help preserve Lebanon’s territorial integrity, uphold its sovereignty across all its territory, halt Israeli attacks and enable the country’s political institutions to carry out their responsibilities.

King’s Directives

Senior Jordanian sources said King Abdullah had instructed the relevant institutions years ago, particularly the Jordan Armed Forces, to assist Lebanon by providing military, humanitarian and medical aid and to stand by the country in safeguarding its security and sovereignty.

The policy helps explain part of the « unusually close » Jordanian-Lebanese relationship that has developed in recent years, according to the sources.

The Jordanian monarch maintains close ties with Lebanese leaders at both official and public levels. He has met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on several formal and informal occasions, while the two leaders have held four telephone calls in recent months.

Lebanese Army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, who visited Amman on Aug. 30, also has a close relationship with his Jordanian counterpart, Maj. Gen. Yousef Ahmad Al-Huneiti, who left his post on Wednesday and was succeeded by Maj. Gen. Majdi Al Harasis. Lebanese political and party figures have likewise continued to visit Amman and meet King Abdullah.

Jordan earlier sent military assistance that included 62 armored personnel carriers to help strengthen the Lebanese military’s defensive capabilities and contribute to security and stability.

King Abdullah also met Haykal in Amman late last month, while military sources said the kingdom was ready to meet the Lebanese Army’s needs in areas including administration and training.

As part of its assistance to Lebanon, Jordan has dispatched 12 aid convoys since the beginning of 2026 in response to humanitarian conditions. In 2024, it also sent 14 aircraft loaded with medicines, medical supplies, essential goods and food.

Over the past five years, Amman has delivered dozens of convoys carrying food, medicines, relief supplies and mobile homes. Following the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion, Jordan deployed a fully equipped field hospital capable of handling emergency cases as well as major and minor surgeries.

Jordanians also recall King Abdullah’s announcement during the 2006 war that the first Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft had arrived carrying army engineering teams to help reopen Beirut airport, breaking the wartime air blockade. Three aircraft carrying a field hospital and medical equipment followed, while a Jordanian relief air bridge continued throughout the July 2006 war.

Jordan Rallies Support in Paris

Political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Jordan and France are working this month to bolster the Lebanese Army, with Amman seeking to bring Arab and foreign countries together in Paris after playing a key role in persuading the United States and other states to take part in the conference.

The sources also reaffirmed that a special round of the “Aqaba Meetings” will be held in Paris on Sept. 17 to support the Lebanese military and enable it to perform its role as a sovereign institution capable of extending its control across all Lebanese territory.

Jordan will take part in the meeting, which it will co-chair with France and Lebanon and which will bring together military commanders from several Arab and foreign countries.

The Aqaba Meetings were launched by King Abdullah in 2015 to strengthen coordination, cooperation and the exchange of expertise among countries in addressing regional and international challenges.

Previous rounds have been held in Jordan as well as Spain, Albania, Indonesia, Italy, Brazil, Bulgaria, Rwanda, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Norway, Nigeria, the Netherlands and the United States, in addition to meetings held at the United Nations in partnership with the kingdom.


Sudanese Army Continues Military Buildup in Blue Nile

Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attends an event in Khartoum on Aug. 15 marking the anniversary of the army’s founding (AFP)
Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attends an event in Khartoum on Aug. 15 marking the anniversary of the army’s founding (AFP)
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Sudanese Army Continues Military Buildup in Blue Nile

Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attends an event in Khartoum on Aug. 15 marking the anniversary of the army’s founding (AFP)
Sudanese Army Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attends an event in Khartoum on Aug. 15 marking the anniversary of the army’s founding (AFP)

Sudanese Army Chief of Staff Gen. Yasser al-Atta said the armed forces plan in the coming phase is to deploy troops continuously to the battlefronts, signaling an intensification of military operations in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile.

During an inspection of special forces at a frontline position in Khartoum on Tuesday, al-Atta strongly criticized the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing them of systematically committing killings, ethnic cleansing and genocide on ethnic and tribal grounds, according to an army statement.

The chief of staff ordered the continuous deployment of all troop contingents to reinforce forces already positioned in operational areas toward Darfur in western Sudan.

“They killed and exterminated our brothers in El Geneina, North Darfur and villages in Al Jazira in central Sudan, and they continue to this day to kill civilians in West Kordofan,” he stated.

Al-Atta also accused the RSF of exploiting traditional administration leaders, including tribal chiefs and mayors, to recruit children and send them into battle under the pretext of protecting women from killing and rape. He stressed that the Sudanese Army is “a national and professional force that does not fight civilians.”

“We reassure our people in Darfur that we are coming to protect them from the violations of the rebel and lawless RSF, so that they can enjoy security and stability like the states that have been cleared of the rebellion,” he said.

Al-Atta had earlier vowed to eliminate the RSF before the end of this year.

Blue Nile

Last month, the Sudanese Army recaptured several strategic areas in North Kordofan, including the towns of Bara, Jabra al-Sheikh, Umm Sayala and Umm Qirfa, while the RSF retreated to positions it continued to control in West Kordofan state.

The army chief’s remarks came as the RSF continued to strengthen its control over strategic positions in the Blue Nile region of southeastern Sudan after seizing the areas of Bakori and Sarkam in recent days.

At the same time, the Sudanese Army has continued to amass additional troops and military equipment to halt the RSF advance in Blue Nile.

The 4th Infantry Division, headquartered in Damazin, the regional capital, on Tuesday received the first contingent of the Joint Force comprising armed movements that support the army. The troops are to join elite forces deployed in recent days to frontlines around Bakori and Sarkam.

The division’s commander, Maj. Gen. Ismail al-Tayeb, said the forces were fully prepared to continue their operations in the region, adding that “the rebellion is suffering successive and painful blows on various battlefronts.”

Humanitarian Situation

Separately, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said humanitarian organizations continue to provide lifesaving assistance in Sudan despite the ongoing conflicts and funding shortages.

The International Organization for Migration, for its part, revealed that 730 people fled several villages in South Kordofan on Sunday.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 2,600 cholera cases had been reported across several states through early August, with Kordofan at the center of the latest outbreak.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday that the United Nations and its partners were stepping up efforts to combat cholera, as health workers continued to provide treatment, conduct vaccination campaigns and distribute essential medical supplies.

He added that humanitarian organizations were expanding efforts to provide clean water in Kordofan, where a water network rehabilitated with UNICEF support in Abu Jubeiha provides safe water to about 25,000 people a day, including 5,000 displaced people.