Syria conflict: Damascus twin bombing kills 40 Iraqis
Craig TaylorThe attack targeted buses carrying Shia pilgrims to the Bab al-Saghir cemetery site. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
IS conflict: US sends Marines to support Raqqa assault
Pentagon deploys 400 troops and artillery to help local fighters capture the IS stronghold in Syria. BBC News – Middle East
Mosul IS battle: Iraqi forces retake Badoush prison
Some 600 inmates there, mostly Shia Muslims, were allegedly summarily killed by IS militants in 2014. BBC News – Middle East
Mosul battle: Troops retake main government office
Iraqi forces launch a surprise attack as they press the offensive against so-called Islamic State. BBC News – Middle East
Mosul IS offensive: Iraqi forces capture second bridge over Tigris
The capture of a second bridge over the Tigris gives Iraqi forces a foothold into western Mosul. BBC News – Middle East
‘Syrian’ military plane crashes near Turkey border
A search is under way for the pilot, as an Islamist group says opposition fighters shot it down. BBC News – Middle East