US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Turkey, his first stop in the week-long new West Asia trip. This is US' top diplomat's fourth crisis visit to the region amid escalating tensions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office on Friday (Jan 5) said that the government is beginning the process to end the presence of US-led international coalition forces in the country.

The United States has deployed over 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as a part of a mission which as per Washington is targeted to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State.

"Government is setting the date for the start of the bilateral committee to put arrangements to end the presence of the international coalition forces in Iraq permanently," a statement from the prime minister's office said. &nbsp;

The committee would comprise of members from the military coalition, said a government official.

"We stress our firm position in ending the existence of the international coalition after the justifications for its existence have ended," Sudani was quoted as saying in the statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-confirms-islamic-states-afghanistan-branch-behind-iran-blasts-report-677056">US intel confirms Islamic State's Afghanistan branch behind Iran blasts: Report</a>

<h2>US military launches retaliatory strike in Baghdad</h2>

Sudani's statement comes a day after a US strike killed a military commander of Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed &nbsp;al-Shaabi force in Baghdad, who as per Washington, was "actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks" against US forces.

"And finally, I can confirm that on January 4 at approximately 12 PM Iraq time, U.S. forces took necessary and proportionate action against Mushtaq Jawad Kazim al-Jawari (a.k.a Abu-Taqwa), who was a Harakat-al-Nujaba leader. Abu-Taqwa was actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks against American personnel," Pentagon Spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said in a media briefing.

"The strike also killed another Han member. It is important to note that the strike was taken in self-defence, that no civilians were harmed, and that no infrastructure or facilities were struck," he added.

As per police and militia sources, the missiles hit a car inside Nujaba'a headquarters, killing four people including the group’s local commander and an assistant.

The Iraqi government, condemning the US-led anti-jihadist coalition for the strike and&nbsp;called it "a blatant aggression" as well as "a dangerous escalation and assault".

"The Iraqi armed forces hold the forces of the international coalition responsible for this attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's office said in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Attacks against US targets</h2>

Washington has till now come under attack at least 100 times since the war broke out between US ally Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Out of these assaults, many have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US backing for Israel in the Gaza war.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office on Friday (Jan 5) said that the government is beginning the process to end the presence of US-led international coalition forces in the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office on Friday (Jan 5) said that the government is beginning the process to end the presence of US-led international coalition forces in the country. The United States has deployed over 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as a part of a mission which as per Washington is targeted to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. "Government is setting the date for the start of the bilateral committee to put arrangements to end the presence of the international coalition forces in Iraq permanently," a statement from the prime minister's office said. The committee would comprise of members from the military coalition, said a government official. "We stress our firm position in ending the existence of the international coalition after the justifications for its existence have ended," Sudani was quoted as saying in the statement. Also read: US intel confirms Islamic State's Afghanistan branch behind Iran blasts: Report US military launches retaliatory strike in Baghdad Sudani's statement comes a day after a US strike killed a military commander of Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi force in Baghdad, who as per Washington, was "actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks" against US forces. "And finally, I can confirm that on January 4 at approximately 12 PM Iraq time, U.S. forces took necessary and proportionate action against Mushtaq Jawad Kazim al-Jawari (a.k.a Abu-Taqwa), who was a Harakat-al-Nujaba leader. Abu-Taqwa was actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks against American personnel," Pentagon Spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said in a media briefing. "The strike also killed another Han member. It is important to note that the strike was taken in self-defence, that no civilians were harmed, and that no infrastructure or facilities were struck," he added. As per police and militia sources, the missiles hit a car inside Nujaba'a headquarters, killing four people including the group’s local commander and an assistant. The Iraqi government, condemning the US-led anti-jihadist coalition for the strike and called it "a blatant aggression" as well as "a dangerous escalation and assault". "The Iraqi armed forces hold the forces of the international coalition responsible for this attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's office said in a statement. Attacks against US targets Washington has till now come under attack at least 100 times since the war broke out between US ally Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Out of these assaults, many have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US backing for Israel in the Gaza war. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq preparing to end presence of US-led coalition, says PM Mohamed Shia al-Sudani

US State Secretary Antony Blinken is on a visit to the West Asian region from January 4-11 where the top official will travel to Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, West Bank, and Egypt. During his trip, the state secretary will stress protecting civilian lives in Israel, West Bank, and Gaza while also securing hostages release, and sustaining humanitarian aid to Gazans. Watch the video to know more!

US State Secretary Antony Blinken's West Asia trip amid escalating tensions

Police in the United States have confirmed that an Iowa school is currently in the midst of an active shooter situation. The incident is unfolding on the very first day at the Perry High School after winter break.

As per reports in the US media, first reports of the shooting were received around 7:40 am local time. NBC News has reported that most of the students have been evacuated but more details are awaited.

The Perry High School is about 40&nbsp;miles northwest of Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa State. The school is part of Perry Community District which, according to its website serves around 1785 students.

According to reports in the local media, police and state troopers are at the scene and are searching for the shooter.

It was not immediately clear whether the shooter was a man,&nbsp;woman or a student of the school.

News reports are saying 'victims' of the shooting are being rushed to hospital without specifying the number.

Des Moines Register, a local news outlet has said that there may be a few injuries and few 'victims' but there is no clarity as to the exact number.

The report&nbsp;has quoted a parent who said his son told him that principal of the school has been shot.

The outlet said that the school has told its staff to go home.

"Do not return to the building. More information will be available later," said a text message sent on&nbsp;districtwide communications system.

The Perry Community School District has cancelled classes that were scheduled to take place on Friday.

Other schools in the area are either locking their buildings for safety of the students and staff inside or are asking students to go home with their parents.

Police in the United States have confirmed that an Iowa school is currently in the midst of an active shooter situation. The incident is unfolding on the very first day at the Perry High School after winter break.

Police in the United States have confirmed that an Iowa school is currently in the midst of an active shooter situation. The incident is unfolding on the very first day at the Perry High School after winter break. As per reports in the US media, first reports of the shooting were received around 7:40 am local time. NBC News has reported that most of the students have been evacuated but more details are awaited. The Perry High School is about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa State. The school is part of Perry Community District which, according to its website serves around 1785 students. According to reports in the local media, police and state troopers are at the scene and are searching for the shooter. It was not immediately clear whether the shooter was a man, woman or a student of the school. News reports are saying 'victims' of the shooting are being rushed to hospital without specifying the number. Des Moines Register, a local news outlet has said that there may be a few injuries and few 'victims' but there is no clarity as to the exact number. The report has quoted a parent who said his son told him that principal of the school has been shot. The outlet said that the school has told its staff to go home. "Do not return to the building. More information will be available later," said a text message sent on districtwide communications system. The Perry Community School District has cancelled classes that were scheduled to take place on Friday. Other schools in the area are either locking their buildings for safety of the students and staff inside or are asking students to go home with their parents.

US: Active shooter situation in Perry High School in Iowa

America is returning to the time of the Wild, Wild West. Let me show you a video now earlier this week where a convict attacked the presiding judge this was during a hearing. And this isn't the first instance of violence in the US. Molly Gambhir brings you more.

Gravitas | A Culture of violence in the US

North Korea has opened fire near South Korean islands. Yemen's Houthis have detonated an unmanned boat near a U.S. warship in the Red Sea. Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes on Lebanon. Ground raids in Gaza continue. A ship with an Indian crew has been hijacked in the Arabian Sea. Venezuela has threatened an oil war in South America. War is raging across the world. Is this the start of a new world war?

Gravitas | Ring of Fire: Is this the start of a new world war? | Here are the signs

Ananya Dutta sits down with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen as rigging allegations mount against the ruling government. Ambassador Momen also talks about relations with the US amid heavy criticism.

Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Momen speaks to WION as allegations mount against ruling government

In yet another school shooting in the US, a 17-year-old teenager killed a sixth grader while five others were left injured in the&nbsp;state of Iowa, media reports said. Among the injured were four students and a school administrator. The incident took place at Perry High School in the morning hours of Thursday (Jan 4) local time.&nbsp;The suspect teenager also succumbed to self-inflicted injuries during the gunfire, reports said citing officials.

At a news conference following the horrific incident, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Mitch Mortvedt said that the suspect teenager was identified as Dylan Butler.&nbsp;The motive behind the act is still unclear and authorities are investigating the matter.

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Moreover, the identities of the victims, except the injured school administrator, in the shooting have&nbsp;also not been revealed. The administrator was identified by Easton Valley Community School District as the principal at Perry High School, Dan Marburger.&nbsp;

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Thursday was when the winter break at the school ended and the second semester kicked off. &nbsp;The incident took place days ahead of the Iowa Republican presidential caucuses which is due to be held on January 15, 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>'Last straw'</h2>

Media reports quoted&nbsp;two 17-year-old siblings, Yesenia Roeder and Khamya Hall,&nbsp;as saying that the shooter was subjected to bullying at the school along with his younger sister.&nbsp;The students alleged that the school officials failed to act on the matter and that acted as the “last straw” for&nbsp;Butler.

Though the victims were hit by gunshots, the police authorities also found, what is being dubbed as a “rudimentary” improvised explosive.&nbsp;

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However, the agents with the state fire marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rendered the device "safe".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In yet another school shooting in the US, a 17-year-old teenager killed a sixth grader while five others were left injured in the state of Iowa, media reports said.

In yet another school shooting in the US, a 17-year-old teenager killed a sixth grader while five others were left injured in the state of Iowa, media reports said. Among the injured were four students and a school administrator. The incident took place at Perry High School in the morning hours of Thursday (Jan 4) local time. The suspect teenager also succumbed to self-inflicted injuries during the gunfire, reports said citing officials. At a news conference following the horrific incident, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Mitch Mortvedt said that the suspect teenager was identified as Dylan Butler. The motive behind the act is still unclear and authorities are investigating the matter. Also Read | UK: Indian-origin man awarded 9 months of jail term for masturbating in front of woman on London train Moreover, the identities of the victims, except the injured school administrator, in the shooting have also not been revealed. The administrator was identified by Easton Valley Community School District as the principal at Perry High School, Dan Marburger. Also Read | UK mathematicians devise approach for guaranteed lottery win by purchasing just 27 tickets Thursday was when the winter break at the school ended and the second semester kicked off. The incident took place days ahead of the Iowa Republican presidential caucuses which is due to be held on January 15, 2024. 'Last straw' Media reports quoted two 17-year-old siblings, Yesenia Roeder and Khamya Hall, as saying that the shooter was subjected to bullying at the school along with his younger sister. The students alleged that the school officials failed to act on the matter and that acted as the “last straw” for Butler. Though the victims were hit by gunshots, the police authorities also found, what is being dubbed as a “rudimentary” improvised explosive. Watch | Gravitas | What the fossils of the giant predator worms 'terror beasts' reveal × However, the agents with the state fire marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rendered the device "safe". (With inputs from agencies)

Iowa high school shooting: Student kills sixth grader, injures five others

The US military on Thursday struck a base in eastern Baghdad used by Iran-backed armed groups, killing a commander who had conducted attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria, the Pentagon said.

US strike kills pro-Iran commander in Iraq, Pentagon says

US continues its diplomatic efforts to soothe escalating tensions in West Asia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on his fourth crisis visit to the region. While US diplomatic envoy Amos Hochstein has met with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

US' Antony Blinken heads to West Asia; to visit Israel, West Bank, Jordan & Qatar

US warns Houthis over Red Sea attacks says action will be taken if attacks do not stop. Watch the video to know more.

UK Foreign Ministry issues warning to Houthis; US' Joe Biden urges to strike Houthis | WION

US, UK warnings to Houthis in Red Sea after number of attacks | World DNA

Iran blamed Israel and the United States on Wednesday for twin bomb blasts that killed at least 95 people in the country's south, ripping through a crowd commemorating Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani four years after his death in a US strike.

Iraq labels US strikes as blatant aggression, Pentagon calls it a 'self defence measure' | World DNA

Department of Justice initiated a legal action against the state of Texas and its Governor to block a new and controversial State immigration law. The law was assigned into effect by the Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott on December 19th.

US-Mexico migrant row: US department of justice sues Texas & Gov Abbott over immigration law

A 17-year-old opened fire at a small-town Iowa high school before classes resumed on the first day after the winter break, killing a sixth-grader and wounding five others on Thursday. Suspect found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

US Iowa school shooting: Suspect found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound

Japan plans to accept a US relief team but no aid from other regions or countries for now, as per reports. A devastating earthquake killed 92 people and forced the evacuation of thousands in the country's west. Watch this video for all details.

Is Japan ready to accept earthquake relief from the US?

New York City has filed a $708 million lawsuit against 17 Charter bus and transportation companies. The New York City Mayor made this announcement criticising a practice initiated by the Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

US: New York sues bus firms over migrant transfer

China showcased fighter jets firing missiles in the South China Sea on Thursday, as it held rival military exercises with the United States in the hotly contested waters.

Philippines and US conduct two-day joint patrol

Tensions are rising in the Korean peninsula and the evacuation order has been issued in South Korean border island due to North Korean provocation. The orders have been issued by the South Korean military.

Tensions in Korean North Korea fires artillery shells after US-South Korea military drills

A 17-year-old opened fire at a small-town Iowa high school before classes resumed on the first day after the winter break, killing a sixth-grader and wounding five others on Thursday.

US: 1 killed, 5 injured in Iowa high school shooting

The Indian Navy has enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in central as well as northern parts of Arabian Sea. This comes amid the rising incidents of attacks on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and central/north Arabian Sea.

Another hijack attempt of Indian Navy ship in Arabian Sea, Indian warship moving towards vessel

US: New York sues bus firms for $708 million over migrant transfer, lawsuit aims to recoup costs

US intelligence officials have determined that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine in a major escalation of support for Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine War: US says Russia using North Korean missiles for attacks on Ukraine

China & US hold rival military drills in disputed South China Sea

Hassan Sharif, the Imam who was shot Wednesday outside a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, has died. The shooting occurred near the corner of Camden Street and South Orange Avenue.

US: Imam shot outside New Jersey mosque dies

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war."

The exercise by a South Korean Army mechanised infantry brigade and U.S. Army armoured Stryker brigade was to test and enhance combat readiness simulating enemy aggression, South Korea said in a statement on Thursday.

The drills took place over a week starting on Dec. 29 and ended on Thursday, the South Korean Army said.

The allies have dramatically increased the scale and intensity of joint drills in the past year amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang tested both long-range ballistic missiles and tactical weapons designed to strike targets in the South and the Pacific.

The U.S. has also deployed more military assets near the Korean peninsula including a nuclear missile submarine, aircraft carriers and large bombers.

Wrapping up a major ruling party meeting, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday lashed out at Washington for deploying large weapons and vowed to increase the North's nuclear arsenal and grow attack capabilities to "pacify the South."

The North called the joint firing drills "reckless war manoeuvres" and mocked South Korea for backing Washington's hegemonic ambitions "when it has no chance of winning or survival."

"With the instinct of confrontation deep in their bones, the puppets again marked the new year by making the aggressive choice that stokes war," the North's official KCNA news agency said in a commentary.

"2024 is the year of the highest risk of conflict," it said.

The joint drills involved more than 110 large combat weapons including South Korean army tanks, anti-aircraft artillery and combat earthmovers supported by U.S. military attack aircraft and armoured fighting vehicles, the Army said.

South Korea's navy on Wednesday conducted live firing drills and anti-submarine manoeuvres in the waters in the east, west and the south involving destroyers, frigates and corvettes, the navy said.

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war.

South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint combat firing drills near the border with North Korea involving heavy weapons, as Pyongyang lambasted the allies for dangerous moves pushing the region to the brink of "an inferno of nuclear war." The exercise by a South Korean Army mechanised infantry brigade and U.S. Army armoured Stryker brigade was to test and enhance combat readiness simulating enemy aggression, South Korea said in a statement on Thursday. The drills took place over a week starting on Dec. 29 and ended on Thursday, the South Korean Army said. The allies have dramatically increased the scale and intensity of joint drills in the past year amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula as Pyongyang tested both long-range ballistic missiles and tactical weapons designed to strike targets in the South and the Pacific. The U.S. has also deployed more military assets near the Korean peninsula including a nuclear missile submarine, aircraft carriers and large bombers. Wrapping up a major ruling party meeting, leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday lashed out at Washington for deploying large weapons and vowed to increase the North's nuclear arsenal and grow attack capabilities to "pacify the South." The North called the joint firing drills "reckless war manoeuvres" and mocked South Korea for backing Washington's hegemonic ambitions "when it has no chance of winning or survival." "With the instinct of confrontation deep in their bones, the puppets again marked the new year by making the aggressive choice that stokes war," the North's official KCNA news agency said in a commentary. "2024 is the year of the highest risk of conflict," it said. The joint drills involved more than 110 large combat weapons including South Korean army tanks, anti-aircraft artillery and combat earthmovers supported by U.S. military attack aircraft and armoured fighting vehicles, the Army said. South Korea's navy on Wednesday conducted live firing drills and anti-submarine manoeuvres in the waters in the east, west and the south involving destroyers, frigates and corvettes, the navy said.

South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border

Top Biden administration officials huddled with Mexico’s president in urgent talks Wednesday to slow the record pace of illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border, just as congressional negotiators raced to reach a deal to tighten America’s immigration laws.

US-Mexico migrant crisis: Migrants navigate through barbed wires to surrender in US | WION

Israel will appear before the international court of justice at the ICJ after South Africa accused it of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. South Africa had urged the ICJ on Friday to issue an urgent order to declare that Israel was violating its obligations under the 1948 genocide convention. In response, Israel says it will appear before the court to dispel South Africa's accusations.

South Africa accuses Israel of Genocide; US backs Israel, labels charges baseless | WION

Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman has ignited a political storm with his accusations of anti-Semitism and plagiarism against Claudine Gay, Harvard's first Black president. Known for founding Pershing Square Capital Management, Ackman's high-profile financial manoeuvres have seen both significant gains and losses. His recent alignment with conservative groups has sparked criticism and accusations of racial bias in his campaign against Gay.

Hedge fund Billionaire Bill Ackman targets Harvard's Claudine Gay in controversial campaign

Dozens of Republican Senators headed to the southern border in Texas on Wednesday to draw attention to record migrant crossings and bash the Biden administration's enforcement of immigration laws.

US: Republican Senators visit Texas border over migration crisis

US warns Houthis over Red Sea attacks says action will be taken if attacks do not stop

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip

Iraq preparing to end presence of US-led coalition, says PM Mohamed Shia al-Sudani

US State Secretary Antony Blinken's West Asia trip amid escalating tensions

US: Active shooter situation in Perry High School in Iowa

Gravitas | A Culture of violence in the US

Gravitas | Ring of Fire: Is this the start of a new world war? | Here are the signs

Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Momen speaks to WION as allegations mount against ruling government

Iowa high school shooting: Student kills sixth grader, injures five others

US strike kills pro-Iran commander in Iraq, Pentagon says

US' Antony Blinken heads to West Asia; to visit Israel, West Bank, Jordan & Qatar

UK Foreign Ministry issues warning to Houthis; US' Joe Biden urges to strike Houthis | WION

US, UK warnings to Houthis in Red Sea after number of attacks | World DNA

Iraq labels US strikes as blatant aggression, Pentagon calls it a 'self defence measure' | World DNA

Iraq labels US strikes as blatant aggression, Pentagon calls it a 'self defence measure' | World DNA

US-Mexico migrant row: US department of justice sues Texas & Gov Abbott over immigration law

US Iowa school shooting: Suspect found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound

Is Japan ready to accept earthquake relief from the US?

US: New York sues bus firms over migrant transfer

Philippines and US conduct two-day joint patrol

Tensions in Korean North Korea fires artillery shells after US-South Korea military drills

US: 1 killed, 5 injured in Iowa high school shooting

Another hijack attempt of Indian Navy ship in Arabian Sea, Indian warship moving towards vessel

US: New York sues bus firms for $708 million over migrant transfer, lawsuit aims to recoup costs

Russia-Ukraine War: US says Russia using North Korean missiles for attacks on Ukraine