NPR has learned that 16 aircraft — including four attack jets and as many attack helicopters — have landed in Syria at a forward operating base at Latakia.
Police pursuing terrorists in the desert accidentally fired on a group of tourists, some of whom were identified as Mexican nationals. The ministry of tourism said the group was in a restricted area.
More than 60 U.S. citizens have been accused of joining or supporting the Islamic State in the past two years. NPR has documented their individual cases.
Ankara, long hesitant to commit to the coalition against the self-declared Islamic State, said "[the] fight against the terrorist organization is a priority."
Fadhil Ahmad al-Hayali, described as running the finance, media, operations and logistics wings of ISIS, was killed on Tuesday near Mosul, U.S. officials say.
Reports have said the self-proclaimed Islamic State likely used mustard gas against Kurdish forces. Officials tell NPR they have not determined what chemical, if any, was used.
Mueller's family says officials have told them that she was taken as a "wife" by the leader of ISIS. Mueller's death was reported in February. The circumstances have not been confirmed by the U.S.
Airstrikes have helped push back the Islamic State in some places, but the group has gained in other areas. Pentagon officials say the U.S. operation may need another two years or more to succeed.