Publications

Iraq Situation Report: September 22 - 25, 2015

September 25, 2015 - Sinan Adnan

An anonymous senior U.S. official stated that “low-level Russian generals” had established a “coordination cell” in Baghdad with Syrian and Iranian military commanders to coordinate the activities of Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi’a militias in Iraq.

New Russian Activity in Syria: Istamo Weapon Storage Facility SE of Latakia September 24, 2015

September 24, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

New satellite imagery from AllSource Analysis. Istamo Weapon Facility in Syria (southeast of Latakia). Evidence of new paving/clearing operations, logistics/storage, and both Mi-17 and Ka-27/28 helos in newly-paved areas.

Russian Deployments at Al-Assad Airport in Syria - September 24, 2015

September 24, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

More Russian work at Al-Assad Airbase in Latakia, Syria. New images of multiple aircraft – both fixed and rotary wing.  Multiples of these: SU-30SM (multi-role fighter)/SU-24 (all-weather attack/interdictor)/SU-25 (close air support)/ HIND-24 (attack helo), and an IL-76 (strategic airlift). Images: AllSource Analysis

Al-Assad Airport Latakia 19 SEPT 2015 SU-30 close-up

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

A close-up view of 4x SU-30 (Flanker) Russian aircraft at al-Assad Airport on September 19, 2015.

Al-Assad Airport Latakia 20 SEPT 2015

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

Satellie image of al-Assad Airport September 20, 2015 showing 4x SU-30s (Flanker), 12x SU-25s (Frogfoot), as well as a possible fuel depot being established and a new logistics/vehicle park.

Al-Assad Airport, Latakia, 15 SEPT 2015

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

Multiple Russian transport aircraft, as well as helicopters, tanks, trucks, and armored personnel carriers arrived at al-Assad Airport between September 4-15, 2015 

Al-Assad Airport, Latakia 04 SEPT 2015

September 24, 2015 - John Lawrence

Satellite imagery of Latakia's Al-Assad Airport from September 4, 2015 reveals increased construction, possibly in preparation for Russian troops and equipment arrivals.

Ukraine Crisis Update: September 23, 2015

September 23, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russia and the separatists continued their operational pause in eastern Ukraine as Russia turned its attention toward its creation of a forward operating base in Syria ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the UN General Assembly on September 28.

Ukraine Crisis Update: September 23, 2015

September 23, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russia and the separatists continued their operational pause in eastern Ukraine as Russia turned its attention toward its creation of a forward operating base in Syria ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the UN General Assembly on September 28.

Syria 90 - Day Strategic Forecast: Jabhat Al - Nusra (JN)

September 22, 2015 - Jennifer Cafarella

Grand strategic objectives:
• Establish an Islamic Emirate in Syria that is a future component of the envisioned al-Qaeda Caliphate
• Unify the global jihadist movement
Strategic objectives:
• Destroy the Assad regime
• Transform Syrian society from secular nationalism to an Islamic theocracy
• Establish locally-accepted governance as a precursor to an eventual Islamic Emirate
• Build an army to protect the Islamic Emirate by partnering with Syrian rebel groups
• Resolve the fitna, or schism, with ISIS
• Counter U.S. influence in Syria

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