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ISW has tracked the ISIS assault on Ramadi since January 2014 when they attacked both Ramadi and Fallujah. This presentation shows how ISIS has positioned itself in Anbar Province since that time to the capture of Ramadi this past weekend.
ISIS conducted a main attack upon downtown Ramadi, reportedly making its greatest gains since December 2014, including multiple neighborhoods in central Ramadi and the unconfirmed capture of the Ramadi government complex.
Russian-backed separatists continue to posture for a surprise offensive.
CENTCOM has not confirmed the death of senior ISIS leader Abu Ala al-Afri following a statement from the Iraqi Defense Ministry indicating that a coalition airstrike based on prior intelligence had killed Afri near Mosul. Reports of senior ISIS casualties usually take time to confirm.
ISIS targets the regime in Hasaka to offset losses to the YPG while also trying to expand in the Central Corridor and out to the west. JN declares itself in direct confrontation with ISIS while JN and rebels resist regime offensives in Idlib.
ISIS targets the regime in Hasaka to offset losses to the YPG while also trying to expand in the Central Corridor and out to the west. JN declares itself in direct confrontation with ISIS while JN and rebels resist regime offensives in Idlib.
The prison break in Khalis that resulted in the escape of ISIS fighters was reminiscent of previous attacks by ISIS that replenished its ranks in 2012-2013.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed in February 2015 that ISIS would pursue simultaneous campaigns to defend territory in Iraq and Syria, to foster affiliates in the region, and to polarize populations globally. Events from the March-May 2015 reporting period demonstrate that ISIS is now executing this multifaceted strategy.
The contest for the Baiji Oil Renery is accelerating as ISIS cut off supply routes previously used by the ISF and occupied positions within the facility.
ISW is issuing a warning about an imminent Russian-backed separatist o_ensive in eastern Ukraine on or around Victory Day, May 9, 2015.