Iraqi state forces, militia man checkpoints after bloodshed

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi security forces on Sunday set up checkpoints and manned them alongside unarmed members of a militia group, Iraqi police officials said, to protect anti-government protesters in central Baghdad plazas, two days after a deadly attack by unknown gunmen. The militia group, Saraya Salam or...

Iraqi officials raise toll to 25 killed in Baghdad bloodshed

BAGHDAD (AP) — Anti-government protesters wielding a blood-drenched flag returned to Baghdad's central plaza on Saturday after a night of bloody attacks that left 25 people dead and more than 130 wounded. Storm clouds gathered over Khilani Square as the protesters surveyed the blackened facade of a...

Esper sees no immediate need to send more US troops to Gulf

SIMI VALLEY, California (AP) — Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Friday the Trump administration is keeping a close eye on unrest in Iran and Iraq, but he sees no immediate need to send any substantial number of additional U.S. forces to the region. “Right now we believe we have sufficient...

15 killed in Iraqi capital as assailants fire live rounds

BAGHDAD (AP) — Gunmen in cars opened fire Friday in Baghdad's Khilani Square. leaving at least 15 people dead and 60 wounded, Iraqi security and medical officials said. At least two of the dead were policemen. Protesters fearing for their lives ran from the plaza to nearby Tahrir Square and mosques to...

Iraqi officials: 12 killed in Baghdad’s Khilani Square after unknown assailants fire live ammunition from cars

US hits Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders with sanctions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Friday slapped sanctions on three Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders for violent suppression of protests that have wracked the country. The Treasury and the State Department also hit a wealthy Iraqi businessman with sanctions for bribery and corruption. The...

Iraqi officials say 6 protesters killed and 30 wounded in central Baghdad in attack targeting demonstrators

US considers sending several thousand more troops to Mideast

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is considering sending several thousand additional troops to the Middle East to help deter Iranian aggression, amid reports of escalating violence in Iran and continued meddling by Tehran in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the region. John Rood, defense undersecretary for...

Fears rise as at least 13 stabbed in Baghdad square

BAGHDAD (AP) — At least 13 people were stabbed Thursday in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, the epicenter of Iraq’s protest movement, security and medical officials said, stoking fears of infiltration by unknown groups among anti-government demonstrators. Parliament was scheduled to meet Thursday to...

Israeli PM, meeting Pompeo, calls for more pressure on Iran

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday praised the tough U.S. sanctions on Iran, saying the financial pressure has sparked protests against Tehran’s influence across the region and urging even stronger action. Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before...