Oct 20 Photos: Iraqis flee violence as forces close in on Mosul By Larisa Epatko As the campaign to free Iraq’s second largest city from Islamic State militants enters its fourth day, aid groups rush to prepare camps for the residents fleeing the fight. Continue reading
Sep 08 U.S. should hunt Islamic State leader, Clinton says By Larisa Epatko Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said Thursday the United States should make its priority combating the Islamic State group and catching its leader. Continue reading
Aug 03 D.C.-area transit police officer faces terrorism charges By Laura Santhanam A Washington, D.C.-area metro transit police officer has been arrested for trying to support the Islamic State group, the first time a U.S. officer has faced terror-related charges, according to federal law enforcement agencies Wednesday. Continue reading
Aug 02 Obama: Libya airstrikes critical to U.S. security By Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press WASHINGTON — U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic State group in Libya continued for a second day Tuesday, as President Barack Obama called the new bombing campaign critical to protecting U.S. national security interests. Continue reading
Jun 29 CIA director: We are ‘not immune’ to terrorist violence By Larisa Epatko CIA Director John Brennan said Wednesday that although the United States is an “ocean away” from Islamic State group strongholds, the U.S. is not immune to its attacks. Continue reading
Jun 14 Obama explains why he doesn’t use ‘radical Islam’ By Larisa Epatko President Barack Obama said Tuesday that he doesn't use the term "radical Islam" when describing U.S. counterterrorism operations because it is a "political distraction" that would make no difference in the fight. Continue reading
May 23 Coordinated blasts hit Syrian government strongholds By News Desk A series of explosions targeting government strongholds in Syria killed at least 78 people on Monday, state media reported. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility. Continue reading
May 16 U.S., other powers want to arm Libyan government By George Jahn, Matthew Lee, Associated Press VIENNA — In a move fraught with risk, the United States and other world powers said Monday they would supply Libya's internationally recognized government with weapons to counter the Islamic State and other militant groups gaining footholds in the chaos-wracked… Continue reading
Mar 24 Iraq launches offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State fighters By Larisa Epatko Iraqi armed forces have started an operation to retake the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants, who have held the beleaguered city for nearly two years. Continue reading
Mar 17 Kerry determines Islamic State group committing genocide in Iraq, Syria By Matthew Lee, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday determined that the Islamic State group is committing genocide against Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria, as he acted to meet a congressional deadline. Continue reading