Amir Toumaj

2 weeks ago | longwarjournal.org | John Hardie |Amir Toumaj

Ukrainian intelligence details Russia’s new V2U autonomous loitering munition | Russia has developed a new loitering munition called the V2U that, according to Ukrainian reports, can use AI to navigate and strike targets and may be able to collaborate with other drones as part of a swarm. If these reports are accurate, the V2U marks a significant step forward in Russian autonomous drone development.

1 month ago | longwarjournal.org | Seth J. Frantzman |Amir Toumaj |Caleb Weiss

US-backed Syrian Free Army secures airbase east of Damascus | The US-backed Syrian Free Army (SFA), which operates from the Tanf Garrison in southern Syria, has been working to secure and protect an airbase 45 miles east of Damascus. The Al Seen Military Airbase was previously used by the Assad regime and has been the site of “sabotage” recently, according to the SFA. The commander of the Syrian Air Force visited the facility on May 20.

2 months ago | longwarjournal.org | Bridget Toomey |Joe Truzman |Amir Toumaj |Caleb Weiss

Major Shiite parties to run separately in Iraq’s November election amid disagreements | The Coordination Framework, Iraq’s ruling bloc of Shiite political parties, has announced that its members will run on separate lists in Iraq’s November 2025 election and reform the alliance following the vote. Elements of the bloc have disagreed strongly over key issues since the current government’s formation in 2022.

Mar 6, 2025 | longwarjournal.org | Seth J. Frantzman |Behnam Ben Taleblu |Caleb Weiss |Amir Toumaj

After 2 years, Iraq claims to be searching for kidnapped researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov | On March 5, Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al Araji said that Baghdad is trying to locate kidnapped researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli and Russian citizen who was abducted in March 2023. Israeli officials have blamed Kataib Hezbollah for kidnapping Tsurkov, and her case has received increased attention in the last two months since the Trump administration entered office.

Jan 28, 2025 | longwarjournal.org | Seth J. Frantzman |Amir Toumaj

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq face an uncertain future | Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, collectively part of the Hashd al Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units), face increasing calls to place their arms under state control or lay them down entirely. The fall of the Assad regime, a new administration in Washington, and the Gaza ceasefire have put these groups under the spotlight in Iraqi politics.