Todjaeger
Potstirrer
Half the Mideast? Really, only half? As for causing Europe to question the judgement of US leadership, I think it more likely confirmed existing European doubts about US leadership.
War Against ISIS
- Thread starter spikehades
- Start date
I was being generous.
gazzzwp
Member
I can say yes to that. What precisely do people think he had in mind? It's as though he was trying to solicit a reaction.
Theory:
Stir up anti Israeli sentiment, then as the Arab nations respond militarily, use that as a pretext to move more forces into the region. Protecting Israel, opposing Iran and Russia, all possible motives?
Any comments please? We know that he is impetuous but at the same time this has to be a tactical move. Remember the US is desperate to find a raison d'etre here.
Todjaeger
Potstirrer
One of the questions to ask, and this is admittedly getting off a strictly defence-related discussion, is just where or with whom did the idea originate?
It could have originated with domestic US advisers, either as a way to shore up domestic support for the POTUS, or to shore up support for an embattled foreign leader/"ally". The decision itself may very well have been a tactical one, but if that is true, that in and of itself is a problem, since the decision will have strategic implications.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
The US religious right is a large component of Trump’s so called “base”. Appeasing them keeps their loyalty, good for Trump, not so good for the USA.
Interesting articles on Daesh weapons and munitions acquisition and production.
How ISIS Produced Its Cruel Arsenal on an Industrial Scale
Exclusive: Tracing ISIS’ Weapons Supply Chain—Back to the US
How ISIS Produced Its Cruel Arsenal on an Industrial Scale
Exclusive: Tracing ISIS’ Weapons Supply Chain—Back to the US
Some updates.
Russia has announced victory in Syria, and has begun withdrawing. However even as many Russian units depart, including EOD, medics, and many aircraft, operations continue in support of Assad's efforts against rebel positions in Hama province. Also the Syrian express continues deliveries, with ships going loaded full of military aid one way, and full of withdrawing Russian equipment in the other. Private military contractors continue to crop up and it's likely they will continue to be a critical component of the pro-Assad forces.
Боевое применение тяжелой огнеметной системы ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" в провинции Хама
К югу от Ханассера
Wall
ISIS has carried out a local counter-attack along both sides of the Euphrates. While these are obviously futile efforts, they still managed to deal considerable damage, and serve as a reminder that while ISIS has certainly lost the war, they're not done dealing damage.
ISIS also carried out an attack against the Syrian Airbase at Deyr ez Zor, highlighting continued problems in the security of regime-held territories. They managed to destroy a number of L-39 jets.
ИГИЛ напомнил о себе
A former press secretary of the SDF has fled, and revealed that on several occasion coalition-backed forces intentionally let ISIS escape, casting the organized ISIS evacuation from Raqqa in a darker light. He also claimed that the US promised the Kurds access to the Mediterranean. He also revealed that Assad has given the Kurds access to a route to the Afrin pocket, north-west of Aleppo.
США и курдские PYD/PKK трижды допускали бегство халифата
Из Ракки вышло 3500 "чёрных"!!! Хатай - курдам!!! Или беглый SDF Тало Сило продолжает информировать... (Emp_IL)
With the war coming to an end, there is a possibility of a peaceful accommodation between the SDF and Assad, with the SDF becoming nominally part of the regime forces. In my opinion, at this point a wide autonomy under the wing of the Assad regime is best case outcome for the Kurds. Via Russia, they might be protected from the Turks, though there's a good chance they would have to sacrifice control over the border.
SDF готовы вступить в САА
Some interesting footage of what appears to be a Russian UAV being used to put guided arty shells on target.
Целеуказание с российского беспилотного летательного аппарата в Сирии
A number of Russian journalists were wounded in a explosion in Syria. Warning, graphic footage.
Russia has announced victory in Syria, and has begun withdrawing. However even as many Russian units depart, including EOD, medics, and many aircraft, operations continue in support of Assad's efforts against rebel positions in Hama province. Also the Syrian express continues deliveries, with ships going loaded full of military aid one way, and full of withdrawing Russian equipment in the other. Private military contractors continue to crop up and it's likely they will continue to be a critical component of the pro-Assad forces.
Боевое применение тяжелой огнеметной системы ТОС-1А "Солнцепек" в провинции Хама
К югу от Ханассера
Wall
ISIS has carried out a local counter-attack along both sides of the Euphrates. While these are obviously futile efforts, they still managed to deal considerable damage, and serve as a reminder that while ISIS has certainly lost the war, they're not done dealing damage.
ISIS also carried out an attack against the Syrian Airbase at Deyr ez Zor, highlighting continued problems in the security of regime-held territories. They managed to destroy a number of L-39 jets.
ИГИЛ напомнил о себе
A former press secretary of the SDF has fled, and revealed that on several occasion coalition-backed forces intentionally let ISIS escape, casting the organized ISIS evacuation from Raqqa in a darker light. He also claimed that the US promised the Kurds access to the Mediterranean. He also revealed that Assad has given the Kurds access to a route to the Afrin pocket, north-west of Aleppo.
США и курдские PYD/PKK трижды допускали бегство халифата
Из Ракки вышло 3500 "чёрных"!!! Хатай - курдам!!! Или беглый SDF Тало Сило продолжает информировать... (Emp_IL)
With the war coming to an end, there is a possibility of a peaceful accommodation between the SDF and Assad, with the SDF becoming nominally part of the regime forces. In my opinion, at this point a wide autonomy under the wing of the Assad regime is best case outcome for the Kurds. Via Russia, they might be protected from the Turks, though there's a good chance they would have to sacrifice control over the border.
SDF готовы вступить в САА
Some interesting footage of what appears to be a Russian UAV being used to put guided arty shells on target.
Целеуказание с российского беспилотного летательного аппарата в Сирии
A number of Russian journalists were wounded in a explosion in Syria. Warning, graphic footage.
gazzzwp
Member
Syrian plane shot down reportedly by 'militants'.
Syrian military jet downed by militants, pilot killed – Syrian TV
Vicinity of Hama, and pilot reportedly killed.
Not clear at the moment exactly on the weapon responsible. The Free Idlib Army has claimed responsibility.
Syrian military jet downed by militants, pilot killed – Syrian TV
Vicinity of Hama, and pilot reportedly killed.
Not clear at the moment exactly on the weapon responsible. The Free Idlib Army has claimed responsibility.
A Russian Mi-24 helo clipped a power line and fell, both crew dead, in Syria. Additionally there are unconfirmed reports of a rocket strike hitting Khmeimeem airbase, allegedly damaging 4 Su-25s, 2 Su-35s, and 1 An-72, as well as taking out a munition dump and wounding over 10 service members. As of now information is scarce.
Обстрел Хмеймима 31.12.2017
При обстреле базы Хмеймим уничтожены семь самолетов ВКС РФ
Хмеймим попал под огонь
Обстрел Хмеймима 31.12.2017
При обстреле базы Хмеймим уничтожены семь самолетов ВКС РФ
Хмеймим попал под огонь
cdxbow
Well-Known Member
Reuters are reporting an attack on Hmeymim air base in Syria on the 31st of December that destroyed a number of Russian aircraft - At least seven Russian planes destroyed by shelling at Syrian air base
BTW Happy New Year to all the posters at DT. I think 2018 is going to be a very, very interesting year.
BTW Happy New Year to all the posters at DT. I think 2018 is going to be a very, very interesting year.
supercomrade
Member
Wow that is major damage and losses to the Russian forces
Russian MoD says Khmeimeem did get shelled, two service members were killed, no planes destroyed.
Обстрел Хмеймима. Комментарий от МО РФ
Минобороны подтвердило данные об обстреле базы Хмеймим и гибели двух российских военных
Обстрел Хмеймима. Комментарий от МО РФ
Минобороны подтвердило данные об обстреле базы Хмеймим и гибели двух российских военных
gazzzwp
Member
Is Kommersant a western or anti-Putin backed newspaper in Russia? Should we take the report with a grain of salt? The major US media is not reporting it.
Last edited:
Russian MoD officially confirmed this, so at this point the question is moot. Kommersant is not really a western newspaper to the best of my knowledge.
Also here's photos of the damage. Apparently two aircraft were damaged, one helicopter and one Su-24.
Пострадавшая техника в Хмеймиме
Update time.
After the mortar strike, another attempt has been made to hit Russian facilities in Syria. 13 small UAVs attempted a mass air raid on both Khmeimeem and Tartus. 6 drones were hijacked by Russian EW units, 3 landed safely, 3 exploded on landing with no casualties. 7 were shot down by Pantsyr-S systems. Russian military analysts say that the launch was done from over 50kms away and it's possible to use the home-made UAVs in question from as far away as 100kms. Also the fact that the UAVs used GPS guidance, and are airplane rather then helicopter type suggests a higher level of sophistication then previously seen UAV strikes, suggesting foreign aid.
Подробности атаки на Хмеймим 5-6 января 2018 года
В Минобороны РФ раскрыли подробности атаки неизвестных дронов на российские военные объекты в Сирии
Минобороны об атаке на базы в Сирии
Meanwhile videos released from Khmeimeem show Su-24M 29 white taking off. Either it's old footage, or the aircraft has been repaired, or the footage of the Su-24M 29 white damaged is old and not from Syria.
Видео из Хмеймима
A major Syrian offensive is developing into Idlib province, east of Khan Sheikhun. Russian PMCs have been spotted in the area, and the Russian airforce continues large scale strikes. Reportedly even an additional 6 Su-34s arrived at Khmeimeem in support of this effort.
Коротко по Сирии. 02.01.2018
Идлиб. 07.01.2018
Идлиб 05.01.2018
Rebel reinforcements are reported to be moving to defend.
https://vk.com/milinfolive?w=wall-123538639_538354
A local crisis occurred in Eastern Ghouta where an army base was cut off by a rebel attack. The base was deblockaded with mass air strikes in support of the effort. It's likely that this was done in an attempt to force the Syrians to pull troops from the front in Hama and Idlib.
Хараста деблокирована
Russian humanitarian aid was delivered to a village near the Lebanese border.
Россия доставила гуманитарную помощь в сирийский поселок на границе с Ливаном
A reminder of how quickly allegiances can change, Russian transport planes continue to use Turkish airspace to save on fuel.
https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3908120.html
After the mortar strike, another attempt has been made to hit Russian facilities in Syria. 13 small UAVs attempted a mass air raid on both Khmeimeem and Tartus. 6 drones were hijacked by Russian EW units, 3 landed safely, 3 exploded on landing with no casualties. 7 were shot down by Pantsyr-S systems. Russian military analysts say that the launch was done from over 50kms away and it's possible to use the home-made UAVs in question from as far away as 100kms. Also the fact that the UAVs used GPS guidance, and are airplane rather then helicopter type suggests a higher level of sophistication then previously seen UAV strikes, suggesting foreign aid.
Подробности атаки на Хмеймим 5-6 января 2018 года
В Минобороны РФ раскрыли подробности атаки неизвестных дронов на российские военные объекты в Сирии
Минобороны об атаке на базы в Сирии
Meanwhile videos released from Khmeimeem show Su-24M 29 white taking off. Either it's old footage, or the aircraft has been repaired, or the footage of the Su-24M 29 white damaged is old and not from Syria.
Видео из Хмеймима
A major Syrian offensive is developing into Idlib province, east of Khan Sheikhun. Russian PMCs have been spotted in the area, and the Russian airforce continues large scale strikes. Reportedly even an additional 6 Su-34s arrived at Khmeimeem in support of this effort.
Коротко по Сирии. 02.01.2018
Идлиб. 07.01.2018
Идлиб 05.01.2018
Rebel reinforcements are reported to be moving to defend.
https://vk.com/milinfolive?w=wall-123538639_538354
A local crisis occurred in Eastern Ghouta where an army base was cut off by a rebel attack. The base was deblockaded with mass air strikes in support of the effort. It's likely that this was done in an attempt to force the Syrians to pull troops from the front in Hama and Idlib.
Хараста деблокирована
Russian humanitarian aid was delivered to a village near the Lebanese border.
Россия доставила гуманитарную помощь в сирийский поселок на границе с Ливаном
A reminder of how quickly allegiances can change, Russian transport planes continue to use Turkish airspace to save on fuel.
https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3908120.html
gazzzwp
Member
This looks like a fairly sophisticated attack even if the drones were crude. Where are they getting the resources from to launch an attack from that distance?
And who is behind these attacks? There have been several well coordinated attempts to hit Russian bases in Syria. Someone with considerable resources has been hitting Russian bases with mortars, Grad rockets, and UAVs, fairly consistently. This is a pattern and one that has only appeared recently.
gazzzwp
Member
Russia (RT) feels that the US are involved. They report that a Poseidon was circling at the time of the drone attack.
US spy plane circled between Russian airbase & port facility during Syria drone attack – MoD
It's not RT that feels this way, it was mentioned in a Russian MoD statement. They also fired back, saying that the technology required for this attack was not available on the open market in the past and if it's available now, it poses new concerns.
След "Посейдона"
Еще про навязчивый "Посейдон". Минобороны дискутирует с Пентагоном по очередной атаке на Хмеймим
Update.
The SAA offensive in Idlib looks to be aimed at forming pocket in the western portion of Idlib, surrounding both a large chunk of Al-Nusra with allies, as well as the ISIS forces that broke out of Akkerbat.
10 километров до котла
Идлиб. 09.01.2018
Meanwhile Russia claims the UAV attack on on Russian bases came from the de-escalation area in Idlib. Specifically from the territory that's supposed to be under Turkish watch. This comes as Turkey calls on Russia and Iran to halt the Syrian offensive in Idlib.
МО РФ назвало местом запуска атаковавших Хмеймим БЛА зону деэскалации под ответственностью Турции
"Щит Евфрата". Анонс второй серии
Минобороны обвиняет "умеренную оппозицию" в атаке дронов на Хмеймим
CITeam, using OSINT, suggests that Russian PMC Turan doesn't actually exist and instead is a fabrication. Colonelcassad fires back, in Russian, pointing out inconsistencies in the CITeam analysis. The reality of that particular structure remains in question, but the presence of Russian PMCs is not.
https://citeam.org/turan-pmc/
https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3922189.html
A Bahrein citizen, fighting for ISIS, and captured by the SDF, claims there are connections between ISIS and Turkey. Given the revelations of an organized exit out of Raqqa, repeated rumors of coalition helos evacuating ISIS leadership, and the earlier captured documents regarding links between ISIS and Turkey, the entire situation smells bad. It's hard to say anything concrete, given that many ISIS fighters face flat out execution when captured and would likely say much to avoid it, but the weight of indirect evidence is getting to be heavy.
https://diana-mihailova.livejournal.com/1462490.html
Syria accuses Israel of 3 strikes in Syria over one night.
http://classic.newsru.com/world/09jan2018/3za1syrizrael.html
The SAA offensive in Idlib looks to be aimed at forming pocket in the western portion of Idlib, surrounding both a large chunk of Al-Nusra with allies, as well as the ISIS forces that broke out of Akkerbat.
10 километров до котла
Идлиб. 09.01.2018
Meanwhile Russia claims the UAV attack on on Russian bases came from the de-escalation area in Idlib. Specifically from the territory that's supposed to be under Turkish watch. This comes as Turkey calls on Russia and Iran to halt the Syrian offensive in Idlib.
МО РФ назвало местом запуска атаковавших Хмеймим БЛА зону деэскалации под ответственностью Турции
"Щит Евфрата". Анонс второй серии
Минобороны обвиняет "умеренную оппозицию" в атаке дронов на Хмеймим
CITeam, using OSINT, suggests that Russian PMC Turan doesn't actually exist and instead is a fabrication. Colonelcassad fires back, in Russian, pointing out inconsistencies in the CITeam analysis. The reality of that particular structure remains in question, but the presence of Russian PMCs is not.
https://citeam.org/turan-pmc/
https://colonelcassad.livejournal.com/3922189.html
A Bahrein citizen, fighting for ISIS, and captured by the SDF, claims there are connections between ISIS and Turkey. Given the revelations of an organized exit out of Raqqa, repeated rumors of coalition helos evacuating ISIS leadership, and the earlier captured documents regarding links between ISIS and Turkey, the entire situation smells bad. It's hard to say anything concrete, given that many ISIS fighters face flat out execution when captured and would likely say much to avoid it, but the weight of indirect evidence is getting to be heavy.
https://diana-mihailova.livejournal.com/1462490.html
Syria accuses Israel of 3 strikes in Syria over one night.
http://classic.newsru.com/world/09jan2018/3za1syrizrael.html