Over the past 72 hours, Russia has been carrying out airstrikes against ISIS targets in central Syria. At least 29 ISIS fighters were reported killed so far, and a number of others are badly wounded.
The attacks centered on the desert in central Hama Province, and went all the way to the Deir Ezzor Province border, where ISIS fighters are often hiding in the deserts along the main highway.
ISIS forces control no real towns in Syria any longer, but still have substantial numbers of fighters in the deserts, and often ambush military convoys when they happen by. Russia is likely keen to root some of the bigger forces out.
Years after losing their territory in various government offensives, ISIS still seems to hope to recover, and at times will make a run at a few towns in a poorly defended area. So far, that has not worked, but they show no signs of giving up.
‘no signs of giving up’
giving up what?
Saudi, UAE, Qatar, and Israeli/US money and weapons.
At this point, I do not think you can demonstrate that. ISIS made billions during its little “reign”. Arms dealers can keep it going. Indeed, ISIS is now an international franchise. Mozambique is its latest target.
It is pure inference. But presumably those who could, and wished to, leave for Mozambique already have. This rump in Syria are at their last ditch, but as long as they are present and live, they function strategically to provide Israel a pretext to continue its war against Hezbollah, Damascus, and Iran. Similarly, it benefits the fake sheiks against Iran.
They all can fry for all I care, but say “fake” sheik to them only if you have an iron collar and a dozen trained spec ops guys with firepower when you do.
At this point, I do not think you can demonstrate that. ISIS made billions during its little “reign”. Arms dealers can keep it going. Indeed, ISIS is now an international franchise. Mozambique is its latest target.
Needless to say, the US pompously denounces Putin as a “killer” and keeps sanctions on Russia, when it could be offering considerable logistics and intelligence assistance to Syria in coordination with Russia to vanquish ISIS and like groups that impede the rebuilding of that nation and the resettlement of its population.
President Biden is firmly stuck in the Cold War, I do not get upset about that per se, it’s like an elder relative who won’t and can’t change.
However that does not leave the US media, defense establishment or Washington “insiders” off any hooks.
President Assad and his faction run Syria. The alternatives are Salafists, pro Turk groups or factions even more tied to Iran than Assad. Accept Assad, work with Russia, move on to what are becoming really dangerous problems like the utter collapse of nation states in Africa, from Ethiopia to Nigeria, from Mozambique to the ever fracture Dem ha Republic of the “Congo.
Get real Pentagon. If erotic publisher Avrill Haines can’t get it together to break thru to the Foggy Joe or his Hot to Fight advisors who hung in Hillary’s Hothouse, let the JCS do it, in full uniform before an awed Joe and Konfused Kamala. Iran and Russia can stabilize the Levant. Make a deal. It will pay off many fold for the US and world order.
The utter incompetence of the Obama-Biden regime and its “seasoned” hands at State and Defense led to the expansion indeed the very creation of ISIS. Stop it.
Needless to say, the US pompously denounces Putin as a “killer” and keeps sanctions on Russia, when it could be offering considerable logistics and intelligence assistance to Syria in coordination with Russia to vanquish ISIS and like groups that impede the rebuilding of that nation and the resettlement of its population.
President Biden is firmly stuck in the Cold War, I do not get upset about that per se, it’s like an elder relative who won’t and can’t change.
However that does not leave the US media, defense establishment or Washington “insiders” off any hooks.
President Assad and his faction run Syria. The alternatives are Salafists, pro Turk groups or factions even more tied to Iran than Assad. Accept Assad, work with Russia, move on to what are becoming really dangerous problems like the utter collapse of nation states in Africa, from Ethiopia to Nigeria, from Mozambique to the ever fracture Dem ha Republic of the “Congo.
Get real Pentagon. If erotic publisher Avrill Haines can’t get it together to break thru to the Foggy Joe or his Hot to Fight advisors who hung in Hillary’s Hothouse, let the JCS do it, in full uniform before an awed Joe and Konfused Kamala. Iran and Russia can stabilize the Levant. Make a deal. It will pay off many fold for the US and world order.
The utter incompetence of the Obama-Biden regime and its “seasoned” hands at State and Defense led to the expansion indeed the very creation of ISIS. Stop it.
How can you omit the bellicose elephant in the room?
My room isn’t a courtroom.
What is it about myths that do not die.? One is that ISIS is still hiding in desert, and occasionally jumps up on Syrian army.
Bollocks.
There is NO ISIS living in desert. None. Zero. Nada.
Since 2017 coup Saudi Arabia is not participating in funding, Wahhabi radicalizing, arming, feeding or clothing any Islamic militants, including ISIS.
At present, US is still controlling the skies of Deir Azzor. Three key assets are there: US Al -Tanf military base, Abu Kamal border pass to Iraq, and some oil/gas.
The base STRADDLES Jordan border, and this was the transit point for all our “vetted” fighters that were poured into Syria before Russia entered Syria. Once Russia entered, ISIS was pushed into US/SDF Kurds area, as Russia and Syria were NOT ALLOWED to chase them there.
Once the chase went into Deir Azzor, resulting in US bombing Syrian army, killing also many Russian contractors. What was US explanation? This was presumably in defense of our allies, Kurds.
More bollocks.
Now, invigorated Biden interventionists are taking some paid mercenaries — sending them from Deir Azzor to government controlled areas, to terrorize population and commit acts of sabotage. Unfortunately , the money made is not worth their lives, so recruitment might subside.
For the umpteen time, no militants can live in deserts. They need shelter, food and water, vehicles, arms and ammunition, and monthly salary. At this point we must pay for it — unless UAE has bern leaned on. Nobody else will pay or arm.
These “ISIS” mercenaries must be living in former refugee camp adjacent to US base.
Since US would like to send such groups through Iraq so they can attack from other points — not being this obvious from Deir Azzor — it is critical to keep Syria-Iraq border unattended. Thus periodic bombing of that border by US or Israeli planes, killing Iraqi border guards. Naturally, that is in the name of preventing Iranians coming.
When will we stop repeating the myth of Desert People — instead of squarely ask questions. Like why is US controlling the area where mercenaries hide? If Syria is allowed to take the control of Deir Azzor, there would be no more ISIS.
But then, how to justify staying in Syria?
We are just as guilty for terrorism as are those paying for it. We pretend we do not know that “ISIS” is existing currently ONLY in US controlled areas. In camp we gave them.
Thus myth has to be debunked.
What is it about myths that do not die.? One is that ISIS is still hiding in desert, and occasionally jumps up on Syrian army.
Bollocks.
There is NO ISIS living in desert. None. Zero. Nada.
Since 2017 coup Saudi Arabia is not participating in funding, Wahhabi radicalizing, arming, feeding or clothing any Islamic militants, including ISIS.
At present, US is still controlling the skies of Deir Azzor. Three key assets are there: US Al -Tanf military base, Abu Kamal border pass to Iraq, and some oil/gas.
The base STRADDLES Jordan border, and this was the transit point for all our “vetted” fighters that were poured into Syria before Russia entered Syria. Once Russia entered, ISIS was pushed into US/SDF Kurds area, as Russia and Syria were NOT ALLOWED to chase them there.
Once the chase went into Deir Azzor, resulting in US bombing Syrian army, killing also many Russian contractors. What was US explanation? This was presumably in defense of our allies, Kurds.
More bollocks.
Now, invigorated Biden interventionists are taking some paid mercenaries — sending them from Deir Azzor to government controlled areas, to terrorize population and commit acts of sabotage. Unfortunately , the money made is not worth their lives, so recruitment might subside.
For the umpteen time, no militants can live in deserts. They need shelter, food and water, vehicles, arms and ammunition, and monthly salary. At this point we must pay for it — unless UAE has bern leaned on. Nobody else will pay or arm.
These “ISIS” mercenaries must be living in former refugee camp adjacent to US base.
Since US would like to send such groups through Iraq so they can attack from other points — not being this obvious from Deir Azzor — it is critical to keep Syria-Iraq border unattended. Thus periodic bombing of that border by US or Israeli planes, killing Iraqi border guards. Naturally, that is in the name of preventing Iranians coming.
When will we stop repeating the myth of Desert People — instead of squarely ask questions. Like why is US controlling the area where mercenaries hide? If Syria is allowed to take the control of Deir Azzor, there would be no more ISIS.
But then, how to justify staying in Syria?
We are just as guilty for terrorism as are those paying for it. We pretend we do not know that “ISIS” is existing currently ONLY in US controlled areas. In camp we gave them.
Thus myth has to be debunked.
https://www.state.gov/u-s-announces-additional-humanitarian-assistance-for-the-syria-crisis-response/
US “humanitarian assistance” to Syria. Is that the same as the US stealing Syria’s oil for export?
I think $200 billion might best describe the damages the ICC might award Syria from US and Israeli coffers. Neither country is signatory to ICC judgments.