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Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in Minsk, Belarus on February 12, while the Russian-backed separatist forces had nearly encircled the key city of Debaltseve.
The purpose of this intelligence summary is to document and assess the significance of open source reports regarding ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) activity outside of Iraq and Syria (ISIS Abroad).
ISIS continues its offensive in Anbar near the al-Asad Airbase.
Iran Raises its Posture in Southern Syria: IRGC Quds Force commander General Qassem Suleimani’s appearance along regime frontlines validates reports of Iranian command-and-control over the ongoing offensive in Dera’a Province.
Shi’a militias unresponsive to direction by the Iraqi state are undermining the authority of PM Abadi and might be threatening the political process in Iraq.
ISIS has launched major attacks in Anbar, Salah ad Din, and Ninewa over the last two days.
Ukrainian and separatist forces launched surprise offensives to gain new terrain and optimize their negotiating positions ahead of peace talks in Minsk, Belarus on February 11.
Iranian-backed militias expanded their operations into northern Iraq where they have not previously operated.
ISIS Continues to Lose Ground in Northeastern Aleppo: ISIS appears to be contracting in response to continued gains by the YPG and allied rebel forces.
The deployment of Iraqi Shi’a militias to urban centers in Anbar was considered an important step in preventing the fall of Ramadi and other areas in the province to ISIS.