Tal Afar

My time with PMF fighters in Iraq: the proxy wars must stop

The proxy wars are being fought by countries over land that doesn't belong to them and its the Iraqis who are paying with their lives.

The difficulty of normality in Tal Afar, the former Daesh stronghold

Tal Afar was retaken from the terror group two years ago this month, but social and security challenges remain - and more than half of the city’s population hasn't returned.

Displaced Iraqi Turkmen refugees begin to return home

In Tel Afar, Turkmen had a population of around 200,000 which reportedly fell to just 20,000 after Daesh took control.

Iraq prepared to use force to gain control of borders

Turkey has not yet moved to take control of Iraq's borders under the control of the KRG. But a senior diplomat warns that it could still be possible.

Syrian regime forces close in on Daesh-besieged Deir Ezzor enclave

Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian military and Shia militias, advance towards Deir Ezzor's centre, under Daesh control for years.

US general says Daesh leader Baghdadi likely still alive

Counter-Daesh coalition commander in Iraq and Syria says he doesn't know Baghdad's location but he's probably in the Euphrates valley.

Iraqi forces battle to drive Daesh holdouts from Ayadiya

Daesh militants driven from nearby Tal Afar regrouped in the northern town of Ayadiya, which Iraqi forces are now assaulting. Iraq's PM declared Ayadiya and Tal Afar liberated from the insurgency.

Iraqi PM declares victory over Daesh in Tal Afar

Hayder al Abadi declared victory over the terrorist group in northern Ninevah province, which is home to Tal Afar. Hundreds of Daesh militants who fled the town are now in nearby Al Ayadiya, where Iraqi forces are engaged in close quarters fighting.

Jordan and Iraq boost ties as border crossing reopens

Jordan officially opened its main border crossing with Iraq for the first time since 2015 as Saudi Arabia also reopens its border with Iraq.

Iraqi army says fighting near Tal Afar is worse than Mosul

Iraqi forces ramp up efforts against Daesh in Al Ayadiya town near Tal Afar would mean Daesh is dislodged from all but a few Iraqi towns.

Iraqi forces in final push to retake Tal Afar

Iraqi forces say they have taken back all districts in Tal Afar from Daesh, but are still engaging in clearing operations. The takeover comes as a bomb blast claimed by the group killed at least 11 in Baghdad.

Iraqi army retakes most of Tal Afar from Daesh - military

Iraqi counter terrorism units have taken control of the centre of the city, which includes its historic Ottoman citadel.