UNICEF calls for protection of some 850 minors detained inside the prison, some as young as 12, warning they could be 'harmed or forcibly recruited' by IS

Faceoff follows bold assault by the extremists that breached the premises of Gweiran Prison, allowing an unknown number of militants to escape

Concurrent assaults could suggest terror group is trying to boost its ranks and arsenal in an attempt to reorganize

Syrian Democratic Forces say efforts to combat jihadists today 'more difficult and more dangerous' since their expulsion into Syria's vast desert

Veteran diplomat James Jeffrey tells Defense One that his team played 'shell games' to hide the number of American soldiers in Syria following Trump's order to withdraw

Tension ramps up on border after suspected Kurdish militant blows himself up, Russian airstrike on Turkey-backed troops

General says operations against Islamic State are rising after cutback due to Iran tensions; US president ordered withdrawal from Syria but then agreed to keep scaled-back force

US vice president stays out of Baghdad for security reasons, speaks to Iraqi PM by phone after he declines to visit him on military base

Deployment part of cease-fire brokered by Moscow to stop Turkish military offensive against Kurds

Helicopters moved to airport in northeastern city of Qamishli as Russian military grows its presence in area after US withdrawal