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US journalist released from Syria 'overwhelmed with emotion'

A US journalist released earlier this week after almost two years of imprisonment in Syria said he was "overwhelmed with emotion" because of the attention he has received upon returning home.

Peter Theo Curtis, 45, was captured in 2012 by Nusra Front and was only released on Sunday.

He said: "I suddenly remember how good the American people are, and what kindness they have in their hearts."

Meanwhile, Douglas McAuthur McCain, 33, who is suspected of fighting with Islamic State militants operating in Iraq and Syria, has been killed in the Middle East, a US security official has said.

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Obama: Iraqis and Kurds 'capable of working together'

Iraqi and Kurdish forces recaptured Iraq's biggest dam from Islamist militants with the help of US air strikes to secure a vital strategic objective in fighting that threatens to break up the country, Kurdish and US officials said.

Kurdish Peshmerga fighters stand guard Credit: Reuters

US fighter, bomber and drone aircraft took part in the strikes on Islamic State positions near the Mosul Dam, according to the Pentagon. The strikes damaged or destroyed six armed vehicles, a light armoured vehicle and other equipment.

"This operation demonstrates that Iraqi and Kurdish forces are capable of working together in taking the fight to ISIS (Islamic State), and if they continue to do so they will have the strong support of the United States of America," President Obama told a news conference.

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US journalist released from Syria 'overwhelmed with emotion'

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