События

After the US warned Iraq against appointing him as Iraqi PM, Nouri al-Maliki rejects what he calls "blatant American interference," saying it violates Iraqi sovereignty and the constitution. He insists dialogue, not threats, is the only path forward

Trump says the US will no longer help Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is elected Prime Minister

Media sources: The "International Coalition" continues to transfer ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq

The Iraqi Parliament: Today's session to elect the President of the Republic will proceed as scheduled; reports of its postponement are false.

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack: We had a productive telephone conversation this evening with His Excellency Mr. Masoud Barzani, during which we discussed the situation in Syria and the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, particularly in Kobani. Regarding Iraq, the US position remains clear: any government installed with Iranian support will not be successful in fulfilling the aspirations of Iraqis or Syrians for a better future, nor in building an effective partnership with the United States.

The UK advises against travel to some areas of Iraq, including parts within 5km of the borders with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Turkey

The Iraqi National Security Council announces the formation of a unified security committee to oversee the transfer of ISIS elements from Syria.

Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq calls for preparations for what it described as a total war in support of Iran.

The top US general for the Middle East went to Syria on Thursday to verify that Syrian government forces disengaged from fighting Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to allow the US military to transfer ISIS prisoners to Iraq

President Masoud Barzani said on Friday that, if given the opportunity, he would send Kurdish Peshmerga forces to Kobane - just as he did in 2014 when ISIS posed a serious threat to the city - this time to counter Damascus-backed armed factions

SDF tunnel complex has also been uncovered beneath the Yarubiyah border crossing with Iraq (Eastern Hasakah)

Iraqi government spokesperson: Transferring ISIS elements from Syria to Iraq is a preemptive step to defend our national security.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper spoke with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa by phone. The two leaders discussed the importance of Syrian government forces adhering to a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces and supporting the coordinated transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq. Cooper briefed al-Sharra on CENTCOM’s plan for an orderly and secure transfer of up to 7000 detainees and expressed expectations for Syrian forces as well as all other forces to avoid any actions that could interfere

US Central Command: We have begun the mission of transferring ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq and placing them in secure detention centers.

US Central Command: We expect up to 7,000 ISIS detainees to be transferred from Syria to Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is visiting Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, days after the complete withdrawal of US forces from the base.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, discussed the latest developments in the region and ways to enhance stability and security during a telephone call

The Syrian president indicated the strengthening of bilateral coordination between Iraq and Syria, particularly in the security field, to protect the borders and pursue the remnants of ISIS.

Al-Sudani to Al-Sharaa: The importance of preserving the unity of Syrian territory

The Iraqi Prime Minister: The international border with Syria is fully fortified, with our forces possessing the high capability to prevent any infiltration attempt.

U.S. Consulate General in Erbil says it is monitoring calls for demonstrations across the Kurdistan Region on Tuesday, Jan. 20. U.S. citizens are advised to follow local media and avoid protests and large gatherings due to security risks

This time, Kurds in Duhok province of the Kurdistan Region have taken to the streets to rally in support of Kurds in Syria

The SDF calls on all Kurdish youth in Syria, Iraq, and Europe to unite, transcend the borders of the occupiers, and join the resistance.

Erbil: Crowds gathered outside the US Consulate in Erbil to protest what they described as Washington’s failure to stand by the Kurds in Syria as Damascus moves to reassert control

Local sources reported that sectarian militias kidnapped citizen Hussam al-Din Yassin al-Samarrai (40 years old) on the road linking the city of Samarra and the capital Baghdad, which is controlled by the "Saraya al-Salam" and other government forces.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a telephone conversation with the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, during which they reviewed the latest developments in Syria and emphasized the unity, sovereignty, and stability of Syria.

An Iraqi security source: Our forces on the border with Syria are on high alert.

Iraqi Defense Ministry says taking control of Ain Al-Assad base after full withdrawal of American troops

Talks between Masoud Barzani, Mazloum Abdi and Tom Barak in Erbil regarding developments in the Syrian file.

Turkey has suspended all flights to Iraq "until furher notice", according to the head of Iraq's Airports Authority, who stated that the reason for the suspension is currently unknown