An Iraqi TikTok star, Om Fahad, was fatally shot outside her Baghdad home by a lone assailant. The Iraqi Interior Ministry is investigating the incident, with no arrests made yet. Fahad, whose real name is Ghufran Sawadi, had nearly half a million followers and was previously sentenced for 'offending morals and public decency.' The Iraqi government has been cracking down on social media content, leading to controversy and criticism from human rights organizations. This incident follows a similar case in 2018 when another social media influencer, Tara Fares, was killed in Baghdad.

Following Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel, the Middle East braces for potential escalation. Iranian-backed militant groups largely abstained from the conflict, while Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, called for restraint. Jordan, having intercepted Iranian projectiles, faces internal backlash. Analysts suggest Iran's measured approach may not prevent further conflict. The attack follows Israel's strike on an Iranian facility in Syria, marking a shift in the shadow war dynamics. Iran's allies, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, expressed support but did not participate directly.

U.S. military forces conducted precision strikes against Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah, in response to a drone attack on Irbil air base that injured three service members. The strikes targeted locations used for drone activities. President Biden directed the retaliatory strikes after being briefed on the attack. The militia groups have launched attacks on U.S. and coalition troops, partly due to U.S. support for Israel in Gaza. The Biden administration has previously conducted similar strikes in Syria. U.S. Central Command reported that the strikes likely killed several militants, while the Iraqi Prime Minister condemned both the drone attack and the U.S. response, which resulted in one Iraqi service member's death and injuries to others.

U.S. intelligence and an Israeli military official allege that Iranian operatives and their affiliates in Iraq have been smuggling weapons to U.S. troop targets in Syria under the guise of humanitarian aid following a devastating earthquake. Classified intelligence leaked on Discord and obtained by The Washington Post suggests that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Quds Force have been coordinating these efforts. The Popular Mobilization Forces, a consortium of Shiite militias in Iraq, have been implicated but deny the allegations. The U.S. continues to face challenges in intercepting these arms shipments, and the situation is complicated by the Iraqi government's apparent reluctance to act against PMF militants. The article also touches on the death of U.S. contractor Scott Dubis in Syria, killed by an Iranian-made drone, which was not believed to be part of the earthquake aid convoys.

An overnight drone strike targeted the home of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, which was condemned by various parties including Iraqi President Barham Salih, the United Nations, and U.S. President Joe Biden. The attack involved three drones, two of which were intercepted, and it marked an escalation in the violence associated with the political tensions following Iraq's October 10 election. The election saw a decline in seats for the Iran-backed political alliance, Fatah, while the party of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gained the majority. The attack is seen as part of the pressure from Iran-linked groups who are discontent with the election results. Kadhimi was unharmed, although several members of his security detail were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility, but Iran-linked paramilitaries are suspected. The incident has heightened tensions but also presents an opportunity for de-escalation and reevaluation of the political landscape in Iraq.

An attempted assassination on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was carried out using armed drones, with one striking his residence directly. The attack, which resulted in several wounded security personnel but left the Prime Minister unharmed, represents a significant escalation in the use of violence by armed groups. These groups have been pressuring political decisions following the October 10 election results, which saw their political alliance lose a substantial number of seats. The United States, through President Joe Biden, has condemned the attack and offered assistance. The incident has been labeled a 'dangerous transgression' and has heightened tensions in Iraq, with the potential to either escalate violence or lead to de-escalation and recognition of the need for stability.

Iran is urging its proxy groups, including Hezbollah and Kataib Hezbollah, to exercise restraint against U.S. forces to avoid a wider conflict. Despite public threats, Iran's private communications emphasize caution, reflecting a strategic balance to maintain influence without provoking direct confrontation. The U.S. has also taken a cautious approach, targeting Iranian proxies without striking inside Iran. The ongoing war in Gaza has complicated regional dynamics, with Iran-backed groups showing restraint, except for the Houthis in Yemen, who continue to disrupt global trade. The situation remains delicate, with potential for escalation if the conflict persists.

Recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Iraq targeted Iran's Quds Force and allied militias, aiming to deter further attacks on U.S. troops. While U.S. officials claim these strikes delivered a significant blow to a dangerous adversary, the actions have caused unrest among key allies in Iraq.

Recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, aimed at Iranian-backed militias, have sparked significant backlash in Iraq, complicating the country's relationship with the United States. The strikes, intended to deter attacks on U.S. troops, have been perceived by many Iraqis as an assault on their sovereignty and stability. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani faces increasing pressure to confront the U.S. and expedite the withdrawal of American forces. The situation underscores the challenges of maintaining a security partnership with Iraq amid regional conflicts and internal political dynamics. Key figures and organizations involved include Kataib Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

A U.S. Special Operations drone strike in Baghdad killed a senior leader of Kataib Hezbollah, a militia blamed for recent attacks on American personnel. The strike follows President Biden's promise of continued retaliation against Shiite militias. The Pentagon confirmed the destruction of multiple targets in Syria and Iraq, emphasizing a sustained campaign to deter further attacks. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with Iraqi officials condemning the strike as a violation of sovereignty. The U.S. aims to degrade the militias' capabilities while avoiding a broader conflict with Iran.