No probs, I'm getting my info mostly off Al Jazeera English at the moment. I can get their broadcast live. I can't get the BBC and I find US media somewhat lacking in clarity. I don't even go near RT from Russia.
Reports are that it is gatwick north. Evacuated, suspect package thrown by from a man acting erratically. EOD went to deal with the package/item. Official channels have basically said this now.
More sat imagery (yesterday) near Hmeymim airbase in Syria.
That looks like an incomplete S-300 unit. Instead of 8 or 12 TELs, I see two, but that (if the photos are from where he says they are) would be confirmation of S-300/400 deployment.
Agreed, not a complete unit - but then they wouldn't/shouldn't need a full AD Rgt (or Btln?) at Hmeymim AB one would think, based on the current threat levels within the AO. Further, if the photos are genuine, then I'm sure there are other detachments at Latakita and other Russian-used AB's.
reports coming from French Govt that it does mean an increase in SOF at least (beyond the curr 50)
They're probably feeling the pressure on all fronts. Iraqis are pushing, the SAA is pushing, and now the Kurds too. Even a structure like ISIS is still dependent on manpower. Especially when they're tied down and forced to stand and fight to hold ground.
Part of the reason this issue is so difficult, is that in a number of situations a military response is largely ineffective. The 'conventional' Daesh forces can be engaged in a military response. The network of (potential) terror supporters and attackers which would likely have been involved in the Paris attacks, not so much.
That's the problem facing all govts. The unconventional Daesh forces are hidden within the general population and ferreting (excuse the pun) them out is highly resource intensive. Even then if you get a lead and find a group you are always unsure whether or not you have the whole rats nest because of the insurgents cell based operating procedure. They are like a Hydra - chop one head off and another pops up somewhere else. You have to kill the whole beast, which in Daesh's case is the whole organisation.
One of the potential issues with defeating them completely on the battlefield though, is that they could morph into a force which does not rely upon any particular area for personnel or funding.
Agreed it will take Western Boots on the ground. I'd estimate 2 BCTs (one heavy, one light) plus a RGR BTN and a SEAL team.
Based on CNN reporting, at least one of the attackers was a recently documented "refugee" who arrived via Greece while another has been confirmed to be a French citizen while foreign passports at the Soccer stadium belonged to Middle Eastern citizens. So it's clear that ISIS enjoys diverse support from within and without. Start by destroying the idea of a Caliphate and the support base. That can only be a big plus strategically and tactically and psychologically. It's a logical place to start.
It's a numbers game. You need manpower to accumulate evidence to establish a case against a suspect. What's worrisome ahout the Paris attacks is that authorities were apparently blindsided. Looks like the terrorists may have learned to evade security measures.