WORLD09/30/26

U.S. Troops Exit Iraq

The U.S. military has completed its withdrawal of forces from Iraq, ending its combat mission there.

Photo: Fox News World

DIFFERENT FOCUS

NPR World emphasized War's Unresolved Legacy; Fox News World emphasized Mission Accomplished, Transition.

LEFT FOCUS

▸The withdrawal comes 23 years after the original 2003 U.S. invasion that sparked an insurgency and civil war. — NPR World

RIGHT FOCUS

▸Final forces and equipment departed from Erbil Air Base, closing the Operation Inherent Resolve chapter. — Fox News World
▸CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper praised the tens of thousands of service members who served in Iraq. — Fox News World
▸The broader counter-ISIS mission continues, with the coalition headquarters relocating to Jordan and operations ongoing in Syria. — Fox News World
▸Primary responsibility for Iraq's security transfers to Iraqi forces. — Fox News World

Houthis Strike Saudi Arabia

Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate as Egypt agrees to help defend the kingdom.

Left: Egypt joins Saudi Arabia's Houthi defense effort.

Right: Riyadh skyscraper sends workers home amid strikes.

Houthi missile and drone strikes disrupt business and daily life across Saudi Arabia in October 2026.

Left: Investor conference postponed; Egypt offers defense aid.

Right: Iconic Riyadh skyscraper evacuates amid drone fear.

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery at Gemelli Hospital.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 11: Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday, October 11 that he will undergo surgery to remove an early-stage lung nodule.

Thursday: Pope diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery

Sunday: Pope discharged four days post-surgery

Left: Surgeon says pope fit for Latin America tour.

Right: Operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, age 71.

Independent Australian MP Helen Haines was struck by an SUV outside her Wangaratta office in a deliberate attack.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Monday: Independent Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured when struck by a vehicle outside her office in rural Victoria.

Tuesday: Attack confirmed as deliberate by Prime Minister

Left: Nation stunned as MP reportedly loses leg.

Right: PM Albanese calls it a deliberate act.