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August 26: Syrian Democratic Forces Disband as Iran and Oman Discuss Hormuz Corridor
In Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed force that led much of the campaign against ISIL in Syria, says it is disbanding. The announcement marks a major change for a force that has been central to security operations in northeastern Syria.
In the Gulf
Iran and Oman have discussed a temporary arrangement for vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, along with a joint mine-clearing project. The countries say further talks are expected on a permanent shipping arrangement through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
U.S. military operations
U.S. Southern Command says it killed four people in a strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean on Tuesday. The operation followed a separate strike in the eastern Pacific on Monday that killed two people aboard another vessel. The military says both boats were traveling on established trafficking routes.
In U.S. elections
South Carolina Senator Darline Graham won the Republican primary for a full Senate term after receiving President Trump’s endorsement. Graham, who was appointed to replace her brother Lindsey Graham, defeated Representative Ralph Norman and will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
In Oklahoma, Trump-backed former state Senator Mike Mazzei is projected to have won the Republican runoff for governor over Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Mazzei now moves on to the general election.
On quitting smoking
An updated Cochrane review of 80 trials, involving nearly 30,000 people, found nicotine vapes were more effective than patches or gum at helping smokers quit for at least six months. The review estimated that eight to 10 out of every 100 people using nicotine vapes quit, compared with about six in 100 using other nicotine-replacement products. Serious adverse events were rare in the studies, though most tracked participants for only six months and did not assess long-term outcomes.
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