Israeli court justifies use of live ammunition by military in border demonstrations

Israel's High Court of Justice rejected two petitions against the Israeli army's use of live ammunition last week to quell a Gaza protest, in which 59 Palestinians died.

Syrian Army Preparing to Lift Siege on Terrorist-held Eastern Ghouta

A Syrian army colonel said forces will lift the siege on the terrorist-held Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta, making it possible for people trapped in the embattled enclave to return to the “state’s embrace” soon.

Iraqi military positioned to stake claim over Kurdish stronghold Kirkuk

An elite unit of the Iraqi military on Friday took control of a military base outside Kirkuk, a site that had been under control of Kurdish forces for several years.

U.S. escalates airstrikes against Syrian government

The U.S.-led coalition to fight the Islamic State has struck pro-government forces in Syria for a third time in recent weeks.

Day of mourning declared as scores of Afghan soldiers killed

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has declared a national day of mourning after scores of soldiers were killed by Taliban fighters disguised as fellow soldiers, in the deadliest attack of its kind on an Afghan military base.

More than 50 killed in Taliban attack on Afghan army base, US says

Taliban "fighters" have probably killed and wounded more than 50 Afghans in an ongoing attack on a mosque and dining facility inside an Afghan military base, a U.S. military spokesman said, describing it as a "significant" strike.

Syrian Army Hasn't Used Chemical Materials in Khan Shaikhoun: General Command

The Syrian army has not used chemical materials in Khan Shaikhoun town in  Idlib countryside, the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces has stressed, denying claims by some media outlets about using chemical materials by the army in the above mentioned town.

The Syrian army establishes control over Tadmur (Palmyra) city

The General Command of the Army and Armed Forces announced on Thursday that units of army re-established control over the city of Tadmur (Palmyra) after inflicting heavy losses upon ISIS terrorist organization in personnel and equipment.

Russian MoD: Any airstrikes on territory controlled by Syrian government will create clear threat to Russian forces

Russian Defense Ministry affirmed that any airstrikes or missiles hitting targets in territory controlled by the Syrian government will create a clear threat to Russian forces operating in Syria, calling on the US army to conduct a thorough calculation of the possible consequences of such plans.

Czechs and Hungarians call for EU army amid security worries

The leaders of the Czech Republic and Hungary say a "joint European army" is needed to bolster security in the EU.

Germany vows greater security role over Russian threat

Germany pledged Wednesday to assume a greater role in global security, pointing to the strategic threat posed by Russia and other looming dangers.

Units of Kurdish militia abandon defenses in Aleppo, retreat

Units of Kurdish militia have abandoned defenses in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsood and retreated, a spokesman for the Russian center for reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria said on Saturday.

Mass grave uncovered in Palmyra city, Syrian army continues operations in other provinces

A mass grave was uncovered by the popular defense groups in the northeastern parts of Tadmour (Palmyra) city containing bodies of people who were killed by ISIS terrorists.

UN envoy says 'pause' in Syria talks until Feb 25

The UN special envoy for Syria announced on Wednesday a "temporary pause" until February 25 of troubled talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the civil war.

Assad forces in Aleppo offensive

Syrian government forces backed by Russian airpower and allied militias opened a new front against rebel fighters south of second city Aleppo on Friday.

Ukraine expands army over security threats

Ukraine's parliament on Thursday approved a bill to expand the country's army to 250,000 troops, the parliamentary press service said.

The bill, submitted by President Petro Poroshenko and requiring at least 226 votes to get approved, was supported by 270 lawmakers.

Secret UK plan to "train 100,000 Syria rebels" exposed. (at bases in Turkey and Jordan)

A plan to train and equip a 100,000-strong rebel army to defeat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was drawn up by Britain, then scrapped as it was deemed too risky, BBC Newsnight reported on Thursday.
The alleged proposal, put forward two years ago, was the idea of General David Richards, then chief of Britain's defense, according to the BBC.

The secret "extract, equip, train" proposal was considered by Prime Minister David Cameron and the National Security Council, as well as U.S. officials, the BBC said, citing Whitehall sources.

Russia in Continued Military Overhaul (Putin)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday it was his government’s priority to defend the nation against potential military threats, with the help of improved armed forces.

“We are bringing [the military] to a whole new level to keep it on par with the requirements of the 21st century,” Putin said in a speech to military academy graduates in the Kremlin.

“It’s evident that only a mobile, highly effective army and fleet are capable of solving the strategic task of securing Russia’s safety, sovereignty and national interests. The main goal is to defend our citizens against potential military threats,” Putin said.

Syria Border Town Residents Returning After Army Ousts Rebels

KASAB, SYRIA — Residents of the Armenian Christian village of Kasab on Syria's border with Turkey began returning home on Monday, dancing, cheering and waving flags in the main square a day after the army retook the area from rebels.

The fall of Kasab to President Bashar al-Assad's forces less than three months after insurgents captured it dealt another symbolic and strategic blow to an opposition undermined in recent months by infighting and government gains.

Egypt declares state of emergency. Announcement comes amid security crackdown on pro-Morsi protesters which left at least 295 people dead nationwide.

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A state of emergency has been declared across Egypt, according to a presidential statement announced on state television.
The state of emergency will begin at 4pm local time (14:00 GMT) and will last for a month, the statement said on Wednesday afternoon.
The exceptional measures came as "the security and order of the nation face danger due to deliberate sabotage, and attacks on public and private buildings and the loss of life by extremist groups," the presidency said.