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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 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.
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
A close-up view of 4x SU-30 (Flanker) Russian aircraft at al-Assad Airport on September 19, 2015.
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.
Multiple Russian transport aircraft, as well as helicopters, tanks, trucks, and armored personnel carriers arrived at al-Assad Airport between September 4-15, 2015
Satellite imagery of Latakia's Al-Assad Airport from September 4, 2015 reveals increased construction, possibly in preparation for Russian troops and equipment arrivals.
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.
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.
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