Publications

Ukraine Crisis Update: December 14, 2015

December 14, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russian-backed separatists intensified attacks along multiple frontline positions in Ukraine in early December 2015, demonstrating Moscow’s intent to continue destabilizing Ukraine after a two-month operational pause that coincided with the launch of Russian operations in Syria. Russia’s proxies in Ukraine increasingly launched attacks using heavy weapons on major flashpoints in Donetsk Oblast since fighting resumed in November while separatists in neighboring Luhansk Oblast remain less active.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: December 3 - 12, 2015

December 12, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

Russia and the Syrian regime faced significant setbacks in Syria this week as ISIS recaptured the towns of Maheen and Hawareen in the southeastern countryside of Homs on December 9.

Afghanistan Threat Assessment: The Taliban and ISIS

December 11, 2015 - Jessica D. Lewis

This map partially depicts areas of Taliban control and support and ISIS presence across Afghanistan as of December 10, 2015 as well as the status of district centers that have been attacked by Taliban militants in 2015. ISW will update this map as ground conditions change and as analysts continue to assess support zones.

Afghanistan Threat Assessment: The Taliban and ISIS

December 11, 2015 - Jessica D. Lewis

This map partially depicts areas of Taliban control and support and ISIS presence across Afghanistan as of December 10, 2015 as well as the status of district centers that have been attacked by Taliban militants in 2015. ISW will update this map as ground conditions change and as analysts continue to assess support zones.

Russia Security Update: December 1- 9, 2015

December 9, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russia confronted NATO with new rigor in the Middle East as NATO took steps to counter Russian power projection efforts. Russia expanded the scope of its operations in Syria, officially claiming its first submarine cruise missile strikes from the eastern Mediterranean on December 8. This step change underscores Russia’s intent to assert its freedom of action to the U.S. and its allies in Syria.

Control Map of Ramadi: December 9, 2015

December 9, 2015 - Patrick Martin

The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) achieved major gains in Ramadi and recaptured key terrain in the city’s environs on December 8. 

ISIS's Regional Campaign: November 2015

December 9, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir

ISIS achieved significant successes in its global strategy to expand its caliphate in the Near Abroad and defeat the West in November 2015. ISIS will likely use its affiliates to launch additional attacks on the West. Destroying the threat posed by ISIS will become more difficult as the organization gains strategic resiliency through its regional affiliate and global radicalization campaigns.

ISIS's Regional Campaign: November 2015

December 8, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir

ISIS achieved significant successes in its global strategy to expand its caliphate in the Near Abroad and defeat the West in November 2015. ISIS will likely use its affiliates to launch additional attacks on the West. Destroying the threat posed by ISIS will become more difficult as the organization gains strategic resiliency through its regional affiliate and global radicalization campaigns.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: November 30 - December 6, 2015

December 8, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

Iraq Situation Report: December 3 - 7, 2015

December 7, 2015 - Patrick Martin

Turkey deployed “hundreds” of troops with armored vehicles northeast of Mosul on December 4, drawing outrage from the Iraqi government and Shi’a political parties.

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