Turkey’s Air War in Iraq

Since the beginning of 2017, Turkish military forces have been responsible for the vast majority of the remote violence reported in the Iraqi governorates bordering Turkey. This is largely due to their ongoing conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which maintains bases in northern Iraq (Iraqi News, December 25, 2017).…

Regional Overview – Middle East 30 April 2018

The number of political violence events recorded in Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine dropped this week, while the number of events in Bahrain and Turkey rose considerably. Meanwhile Syria is seeing a renewed focus by various forces on fighting the Islamic State, while fighting remains roughly static in Yemen.…

The Russian Involvement in Syria, Whom Do They target?

There is considerable debate over Russia’s ulterior motives in Syria. While motives may be hard to disentangle, ACLED data can shed light on Russia’s choice of targets. The Russian Defense ministry insists being in Syria to fight terrorist organizations (the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates).…

5 Hidden Conflicts in the Middle East: #4 Turkish Village Guards

In this series of infographics, ACLED’s Research Analyst, Melissa Pavlik, explores 5 hidden or under-reported conflicts across the Middle East. The fourth explores political violence events involving Turkish village guards (2017 – present).…

5 Hidden Conflicts in the Middle East: #3 Kurdish Groups & Political Violence in the Middle East

In this series of infographics, ACLED’s Research Analyst, Melissa Pavlik, explores 5 hidden or under-reported conflicts across the Middle East. The third is Kurdish Groups & Political Violence in the Middle East  (2017 – present).…

5 Hidden Conflicts in the Middle East: #2 Southern Syria and the Khalid ibn al-Walid Army

In this series of infographics, ACLED’s Research Analyst, Melissa Pavlik, explores 5 hidden or under-reported conflicts across the Middle East. The second is Southern Syria and the Khalid ibn al-Walid Army (2017 – Present).…