Publications

Dabiq: The Strategic Messaging of the Islamic State

November 14, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s (ISIS) assault on the city of Mosul on June 10, 2014 demonstrated its formidable military strength. ISIS’s activities across Iraq and Syria also reveal that the organization is engaged in governance programs, ranging from Shari’a courts to aid distribution and law enforcement. These efforts underscore ISIS’s desire to erect a functional Caliphate within the boundaries of its controlled territory.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: November 2 - November 12, 2015

November 13, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

The Russian air campaign continued to support regime ground operations against the Syrian opposition in Aleppo, Latakia, Idlib, Hama, and Dera’a Provinces from November 11 - 12. Russian warplanes targeted rebel-held terrain in the southern Aleppo countryside, enabling pro-regime forces to seize the towns of al-Hader and al-Eis located southwest of Aleppo City on November 12.

Ukraine Crisis Update: November 11, 2015

November 11, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russian-backed separatist forces renewed coordinated offensive operations across the front line in eastern Ukraine on November 7. This escalation follows a two-month operational pause that coincided with the start of the Russian intervention in Syria. Both the separatist ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ (DNR) and the Ukrainian military reported the completion of the withdrawal of light artillery from the front line in the days leading up to the recent clashes. An agreement to withdraw light weapons and tanks served as the main focus of the September 1 renewed ceasefire.

Control Map of Ramadi: November 11, 2015

November 11, 2015 - Patrick Martin

Iraqi Security Forces have advanced towards and are proximate to infrastructure necessary for assault on downtown Ramadi.

Russia Security Update: November 3-10, 2015

November 11, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated on November 10 that Russia was developing nuclear-capable strike systems that could penetrate NATO’s planned missile defense shield in Europe. Russian-backed separatists reignited hostilities on the front line in eastern Ukraine after a two-month operational pause that coincided with Russia’s deployments to Syria. Russia may be escalating operations in response to a November 4 EU leadership statement indicating that Europe may extend sanctions beyond January 2016.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: October 31 - November 10, 2015

November 11, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

Russian airstrikes continued to support regime ground operations in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Idlib, and Dera’a from November 9 - 10. Pro-regime forces relieved several hundred regime soldiers besieged by ISIS in the Kuweires Airbase east of Aleppo City on November 10 with air support provided by Russian warplanes.

Pro-Regime Forces Relieve Besieged Airbase in Symbolic Victory

November 10, 2015 - Chris Kozak

The Syrian regime and its allies reestablished a ground line of communication (GLOC) to the hitherto-besieged Kuweires Airbase east of Aleppo City in their first significant victory since the start of the Russian air campaign in Syria on September 30.

UPDATE: Posture of Syrian Regime and Allies: November 9, 2015

November 9, 2015 - Chris Kozak

Russia shifted military assets into eastern Homs Province, positioning at least five attack helicopters at the T4 (Tiyas) Airbase and additional rotary-wing aircraft at the Shayrat Airbase east of Homs City by November 4.

For additional information on Russian military activity in Syria, see: Russian Airstrikes in Syria: October 29 - November 8, 2015

Iraq Situation Report: November 3 - 9, 2015

November 9, 2015 - Patrick Martin

ISIS demonstrated resurgent capabilities in nominally secure areas. 

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: October 29 - November 8, 2015

November 9, 2015 - Jennifer Cafarella
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) claimed airstrikes in Aleppo, Damascus, Idlib, Lattakia, Homs, Hama, and Raqqa from November 6 – November 8. Credible local sources substantiated strike claims in Aleppo, Damascus, Idlib, Homs, and Hama during this time period, but failed to verify reports of Russian airstrikes in Raqqa province. Russian airstrikes continued to support regime ground operations with limited effect.

Pages