Yahoo! News: Iraq

911 transcript: Orlando gunman said he was Islamic soldier
In separate speeches Obama, Biden, Carter target Trump policies
Timeline, transcripts from Orlando massacre released
Islamic State launches counter-attacks on U.S.-backed forces, Syrian army
During siege, Orlando gunman told police he was 'Islamic soldier'
Orlando shooter claimed attack with 'chilling calm': FBI
Physical Training Gives Warriors a Fighting Chance for Recovery
DOJ and FBI backtrack after criticism for removing ISIS from Orlando transcript
The Latest: FBI gives full transcript of gunman's 911 call
Iraqi forces battle IS in Fallujah days after city's fall
Timeline of Orlando gunman's conversations in club shooting
Iraqi Counterterrorism Forces Push Deeper Into Fallujah While Civilians Flee
UN releases $15 million to help Iraqis fleeing Fallujah
Battle for Falluja will end in western district, says Iraqi commander
Roses and tears as UK lawmakers pay tribute to slain Jo Cox
Iran says it disrupts major Sunni 'terrorist' plot amid wars
Poll finds rise in support in Jordan for battle against IS
FBI releases timeline, 911 transcripts from Orlando massacre
Orlando gunman told 911 he was strapping explosive vests to hostages: transcripts
The other reason ISIS is cheering after Orlando attacks
Wounded Veterans Ruck to Remember Their Fallen Brothers and Sisters
Iran thwarts major 'terror plot': state media
Among EU nations, 'frenemy' France most keen on Brexit
Iran thwarts attacks in Tehran, other cities: intelligence ministry
AP FACT CHECK: Facts undercut Trump post-Orlando arguments
European history hovers close to reverse gear
New Zealand to keep troops in Iraq for an extra 18 months
New Zealand extends deployment of troops training Iraqi army
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Rep Sheet Roundup: CAA Signs ‘Clash’ Filmmaker Mohamed Diab

911 transcript: Orlando gunman said he was Islamic soldier

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 04:48 PM PDT

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Orlando gunman Omar Mateen identified himself as an Islamic soldier in calls with authorities during his rampage and warned a crisis negotiator that in coming days "you're going to see more of this type of action going on," according to transcripts released by the FBI on Monday.

In separate speeches Obama, Biden, Carter target Trump policies

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 04:05 PM PDT

By Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama, his vice president and defense secretary took aim on Monday at policies of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump they said would alienate Muslims globally along with U.S. allies and neighbors. In a speech focusing on national security at a think tank in Washington, Vice President Joe Biden said Trump's calls to bar the entry of Muslims and to profile Muslim Americans reflected the politics of fear and intolerance. "There are 1.4 billion Muslims in the world" Biden said.

Timeline, transcripts from Orlando massacre released

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 02:46 PM PDT

Newly released transcripts show Orlando gunman Omar Mateen spoke in Arabic to a 911 dispatcher and told a crisis negotiator that the U.S. needed to stop bombing Iraq and Syria.

Islamic State launches counter-attacks on U.S.-backed forces, Syrian army

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 02:46 PM PDT

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - The Islamic State group launched a counter-attack against fighters trying to capture the Syrian city of Manbij on Monday, inflicting heavy casualties on the U.S.-backed forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the militants said. The monitor said the militants won back three villages south of the besieged city in a surprise assault against fighters from the U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces. At least 28 SDF fighters were killed.

During siege, Orlando gunman told police he was 'Islamic soldier'

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 02:32 PM PDT

By Barbara Liston ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) - The Florida nightclub killer called himself an "Islamic soldier" and threatened to strap hostages into explosive vests in calls with police during the three-hour siege, according to transcripts released by the FBI on Monday. From inside the gay Orlando nightclub, the gunman, Omar Mateen told police negotiators to tell America to stop bombing Syria and Iraq and that was why he was "out here right now." The conversations shed more light on the possible motivations of Mateen, who killed 49 people and injured 53 in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. In a first call he made to a 911 emergency operator, Mateen said "I pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, may God protect him, on behalf of the Islamic State," referring to the head of Islamic State.

Orlando shooter claimed attack with 'chilling calm': FBI

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 02:14 PM PDT

Orlando gunman Omar Mateen acted with "chilling calm" in phone calls made at the height of the deadliest mass shooting in US history, styling himself an "Islamic soldier" and warning of more bloodshed to come, officials said. US authorities on Monday released partial transcripts of Mateen's conversations with emergency services and police negotiators during the June 12 attack on the Pulse gay nightclub that left 49 people dead. "I'm in Orlando and I did the shootings," the 29-year-old said in a 911 call made at 2:35 am, half an hour into the three-hour siege.

Physical Training Gives Warriors a Fighting Chance for Recovery

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 01:57 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For William "Bill" Higgins, the prospect of a long recovery from surgery has him singularly focused on staying healthy and active for as long as he can. The wounded Marine Corps veteran has been attending a physical training program hosted by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) for months now. With only two weeks remaining in the program, and only one more month before his hip replacement surgery, he knows the pressure is on to finish strong and give it everything he has.

DOJ and FBI backtrack after criticism for removing ISIS from Orlando transcript

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 01:53 PM PDT

The Department of Justice released edited transcripts from Orlando shooter Omar Mateen on Monday, the day after Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the DOJ and FBI would remove Mr. Mateen's pledges of allegiance to the Islamic State in order to not further IS propaganda.

The Latest: FBI gives full transcript of gunman's 911 call

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 12:49 PM PDT

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on the nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. (all times local):

Iraqi forces battle IS in Fallujah days after city's fall

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 12:17 PM PDT

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi forces battled Islamic State militants in pockets of Fallujah on Monday, days after the government declared the city's liberation.

Timeline of Orlando gunman's conversations in club shooting

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 12:10 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI on Monday released partial transcripts that give the fullest glimpse yet of Orlando gunman Omar Mateen's conversations with 911 and crisis negotiators during the June 12 massacre at the Pulse nightclub that left 49 people and Mateen dead. A timeline:

Iraqi Counterterrorism Forces Push Deeper Into Fallujah While Civilians Flee

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 12:00 PM PDT

Iraqi forces recently captured the city's main hospital that ISIS had used as a command center. Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee Fallujah – some even swimming across the Euphrates River for safety.

UN releases $15 million to help Iraqis fleeing Fallujah

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 11:36 AM PDT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. humanitarian chief has released $15 million in emergency aid to provide life-saving assistance to more than 85,000 people forced to flee recent fighting and military operations in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

Battle for Falluja will end in western district, says Iraqi commander

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 11:12 AM PDT

By Stephen Kalin FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State militants in Falluja are advancing toward jihadist strongholds in western districts where they expect the final push to recapture the city will take place, the Iraqi commander said on Monday. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory on Friday after troops reached the center of the city, an hour's drive west of Baghdad, but an official in the U.S.-led coalition said on Sunday Iraqi forces had so far taken only half of Falluja. The operation to recapture the Iraqi city longest held by Islamic State entered its fifth week on Monday, and fighting has forced more than 85,000 residents to flee to overwhelmed government-run camps.

Roses and tears as UK lawmakers pay tribute to slain Jo Cox

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 09:36 AM PDT

LONDON (AP) — The raucous business of Britain's House of Commons was replaced by somber silence and heartfelt tributes Monday for slain lawmaker Jo Cox, while the man charged with her slaying made a brief appearance in court by video link from prison.

Iran says it disrupts major Sunni 'terrorist' plot amid wars

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 09:02 AM PDT

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran said Monday it broke up one of the "biggest terrorist plots" ever on its soil by Sunni extremists planning bombings in Tehran and elsewhere, emphasizing that the Shiite power could be facing threats at home for its military actions in Iraq and Syria.

Poll finds rise in support in Jordan for battle against IS

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — More Jordanians support the fight against Islamic State extremists next door, but are increasingly dissatisfied with their country's economy and political institutions, according to a poll published Monday.

FBI releases timeline, 911 transcripts from Orlando massacre

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 08:18 AM PDT

Newly released transcripts show Orlando gunman Omar Mateen spoke in Arabic to a 911 dispatcher and told a crisis negotiator that the U.S. needed to stop bombing Iraq and Syria.

Orlando gunman told 911 he was strapping explosive vests to hostages: transcripts

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 08:02 AM PDT

"You people are gonna get it and I'm gonna ignite it if they try to do anything stupid," Omar Mateen said during one of his calls during last week's siege at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The Federal Bureau of Investigation released partial transcripts of three phone calls that Mateen, who was killed by police, made while he held hostages in the nightclub.

The other reason ISIS is cheering after Orlando attacks

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 07:18 AM PDT

The Islamic State's renewed war on the West is not merely a military or terrorist campaign to kill "infidels." It also aims to undermine American democracy by turning the American public against itself and instigating discrimination of Muslims – the vast majority of whom oppose such violence in the name of Islam. "They try to exploit fault-lines – they want to divide their enemies and have them debate themselves and debate each other, rather than focusing on the war," says Hassan Hassan, coauthor of a book on the group. Unlike Al Qaeda's 9/11 attack, after which Democrats and Republicans held hands on the Capitol steps and sang "God Bless America," the Orlando mass shooting has prompted immediate polarization in Congress and a rare tirade from President Obama.

Wounded Veterans Ruck to Remember Their Fallen Brothers and Sisters

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 07:13 AM PDT

CHICAGO, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite the pouring rain, long march, and serious subject matter of the day, wounded warrior and Army veteran Alberto Principe manages to laugh about his experiences at the 3rd Annual Ruck of Honor. The event raised awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veteran suicide, as well as honored those who have died in combat. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) gave Alberto and a group of wounded veterans the opportunity to attend the event and challenge themselves.

Iran thwarts major 'terror plot': state media

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 06:38 AM PDT

Iran's intelligence ministry said Monday it had thwarted a major jihadist plot to carry out bomb attacks in the capital Tehran and other parts of the country, state media reported. "One of the biggest takfiri-Wahhabi terrorist plots was discovered and foiled," the official IRNA news agency quoted the ministry as saying, using terms applied by Iran to Sunni extremist groups. "A series of bomb attacks prepared in various areas deep inside the country and especially in Tehran and some other provinces... were foiled, the terrorists were arrested and a number of ready-made bombs were recovered," it said.

Among EU nations, 'frenemy' France most keen on Brexit

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 03:07 AM PDT

From bloody wars to gentle ribbing and occasional cross-Channel bashing, France and Britain's relationship status has been complicated for nearly a thousand years. "This shows the relationship between France and Europe today, and the relationship between France and Britain since always," said Dominique Moisi, of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI).

Iran thwarts attacks in Tehran, other cities: intelligence ministry

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 01:47 AM PDT

Iran has thwarted several planned bombings in Tehran and other cities, state news agency quoted the intelligence ministry as saying on Monday, in what it called a major plot by Sunni Muslim militants against the Shi'ite Islamic Republic. Iranian authorities say Islamic State militants have been hatching "plots and conspiracies" against it from their de facto capital Raqqa in Syria. National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani was quoted by the semi-official ISNA news agency on Sunday as saying that Iranian security forces had arrested members of a network that was planning suicide bombings in Tehran during Ramadan.

AP FACT CHECK: Facts undercut Trump post-Orlando arguments

Posted: 20 Jun 2016 12:52 AM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says the United States admits Syrian refugees without checking their backgrounds and that Hillary Clinton wants to allow "radical Islamic terrorists to pour into our country."

European history hovers close to reverse gear

Posted: 19 Jun 2016 11:52 PM PDT

By Paul Taylor BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European history may be about to go into reverse. If Britain votes to leave the European Union, it will likely start a process of fragmentation of the political and security structures on which the post-World War Two and post-Cold War European order was built. European Council President Donald Tusk, a historian and former Polish prime minister who took part in the struggle to overthrow Soviet-imposed communist rule in eastern Europe and join the EU, was both a witness and an actor in that history.

New Zealand to keep troops in Iraq for an extra 18 months

Posted: 19 Jun 2016 11:06 PM PDT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand announced Monday that it plans to keep its small contingent of troops in Iraq for an additional 18 months as it continues to back the U.S.-led coalition's efforts to defeat the Islamic State group.

New Zealand extends deployment of troops training Iraqi army

Posted: 19 Jun 2016 10:16 PM PDT

New Zealand said on Monday it will extend the deployment of troops training Iraqi defense forces in their fight against Islamic State militants. The troops, which currently number around 105, would remain in Iraq until November 2018, 18 months longer than previously planned, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said in a statement. "This is having a tangible effect on the Iraqi army's ability to take and hold ground from Daesh," said Brownlee, referring to Islamic State.