AMMAN - The second phase of the evacuation of civilians and gunmen from the war-ravaged Darayya town, southwest Damascus, is complete.
BAGHDAD - Iraq's Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi announces the full liberation of Khaldiya Island from so-called Islamic State.
BAGHDAD - Two days after the Iraqi parliament voted to oust the defense minister, the finance minister faces a similar scenario.
ISTANBUL - A Turkish soldier is killed and three others injured in a missile attack by the Kurdish Democratic Union Party in north Syria.
TEHRAN - Iran and Russia sign a contract to build five offshore rigs costing USD one billion in the Gulf waters. (end) gb