Iraq ‘to open Baghdad Green Zone’
Craig TaylorIraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi orders officials to open up to civilians the heavily fortified area of Baghdad known as the Green Zone. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
UK jihadist ‘killed in drone strike’
A British man described as a “top cyber jihadist” has been killed in a military drone strike in Syria, US officials say. BBC News – Middle East
Syria ‘confident’ of allies’ support
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he is confident of continuing support from Iran and Russia amid a fresh push to resolve the country’s war. BBC News – Middle East
Palmyra destruction ‘a war crime’
The UN’s cultural agency condemns the destruction of the ancient temple of Baalshamin at Palmyra by Islamic State militants as a war crime. BBC News – Middle East
Lebanon pledge on police ‘excesses’
Lebanese PM Tammam Salam promises to take action against police who used force to disperse demonstrations against piles of uncollected rubbish. BBC News – Middle East
IS ‘deputy’ killed in air strike – US
A deputy leader of Islamic State, Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali, is killed in a US military strike in northern Iraq, the White House says. BBC News – Middle East