With most ISIS forces believed to be operating in the desert in eastern Syria, Iraq is facing growing concern that they’ll eventually, in the face of US-backed offensives, cross into Iraqi territory and try to set up shop again.
The Iraqi military announced that two Army brigades, a total of 8,000 soldiers, have been dispatched to the border. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) say 20,000 Shi’ite militia fighters are also en route.
All told that’s nearly 30,000 fighters loyal to the Iraqi government heading to the Syrian border, in an attempt to keep ISIS from crossing in. Given the size of the border, however, it’s not clear how well they will be able to prevent cross-overs, if ISIS decides to.
That may not be an immediate concern, with ISIS forces in Syria continuing to fight against the Kurdish YPG in the last few towns they have yet. The YPG is also backing away, with a focus on fighting against invading Turkish forces. This could mean that ISIS never has to move from their remote hideouts at all.
“This could mean that ISIS never has to move from their remote hideouts at all.” Correction: ISIS (CIA/Mossad) can continue to act with total impunity killing thousands of Syrian civilians. Thank you very little, Deep State.
Yes, ISIS us no longer Wahhabi cult. Now straight up mercenaries. Turkey promises to go to Euphrates valley — YPG and ISIS both targets. This is why ISIS us taking those places from Kurds — to get Syrian cannin fodder in fight with Turkey. But such forced conscripts do not hang around too ling. They tend to melt away, no matter what the punishment. Shame in thise suppirtjng ISIS and ither nercenaries oreventing oeace to return to the region. But we gave no law that prohibits government from working with ISIS.
And how did ISIS stay intact in East Euphrates region and Deir Azzor? Because US allowed them. From that area, ISIS made periodic attacks on liberated Syrian territory, basically it us fed, clothed and armed — weapons, telecom, vehickes, gas, money. It is no longer Saudus — then who? To start AGAIN their infiltration of smaller villages and towns — their hostages. YPG does what US tells them. They just let ISIS sit there. Kurds are fools — they have not figured out that mercenaries are mobile, but they have homes to protect. Now Turkey will come in from Tel Abayad, and will move into East Eulhrates to tackle YPG and ISIS. It aplears that ISIS is aware — and is taking territory from Kurds to get some willing cannon fodder when Turkey pushes to the South. Will US find another humanutarian concern to protect ISIS? As of niw, US air strikes are killing ISIS hostages — the civilians of those towns and villages. But if Turkey and Iraq squeeze ISIS, and Syrian forces are accross the river — ISIS can only be pushed straight towards US forces — or into Jordan. Jirdan will have to protect borders. Kurds? If they are smart — they will keep clise home in Kobane region, and Turkey will remove YPG councils from majority Arab towns along border. If Kobane region cuts deal with Damascus, and Syrian Army base in Hassakah on border with Iraq takes over border — they could avoid the worst — being told by US what to do, and become pray to ISIS while fighting Turkey. Good luck with that.