War Against ISIS

gf0012-aust

Grumpy Old Man
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
I mean there's a huge difference between walking a jet on to a target, identifying correct munitions to use against the target, and actively lasing a target or providing a 10 or 12 digit grid for the pilot. I guess there probably isn't a real answer to this but I was curious to what extent the Kurds were able to fill the role of a JTAC or FAC? Obviously less then completely but how much less?
I'm not explaining myself clearly enough

they aren't fulfilling what would might be a traditional JTAC or FAC role - they haven't been trained to that level

what they have is a capacity to call in CAS as either the airborne cavalry or as airborne artillery as they have been provided with the comms to fulfill that role. ie the US has been providing a bit more beyond just small arms etc... they get basic trg to be able to call in air - nothing beyond that.

the level of trg is enough for them to function in a very basic JTAC/FAC role without all the other bells and whistles etc....
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
I'm not explaining myself clearly enough

they aren't fulfilling what would might be a traditional JTAC or FAC role - they haven't been trained to that level

what they have is a capacity to call in CAS as either the airborne cavalry or as airborne artillery as they have been provided with the comms to fulfill that role. ie the US has been providing a bit more beyond just small arms etc... they get basic trg to be able to call in air - nothing beyond that.

the level of trg is enough for them to function in a very basic JTAC/FAC role without all the other bells and whistles etc....
That explains it. Thank you.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Russia and Turkey have negotiated some sort of ceasefire in Syria but how far it will extend, and how long it will hold, remains to be seen. This will test the extent of Turkish control over various rebel groups. There is also information that this is part of a larger peace plan that involves partitioning Syria in zones of influence between Iran, Russia, and Turkey, with a weak central government run by Assad and later a successor from the Alawis. A closed Security Council session has been called by Russia to discuss these events. The last link has a list of the groups that are allegedly part of this ceasefire.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ðîññèÿ è Òóðöèÿ ñîãëàñîâàëè ïëàí âñåîáúåìëþùåãî ïåðåìèðèÿ â Ñèðèè, ñîîáùèëà ïðåññà
Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ðîññèÿ, Òóðöèÿ è Èðàí ïëàíèðóþò ïîäåëèòü Ñèðèþ íà çîíû âëèÿíèÿ
Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ðîññèÿ ñîáèðàåò çàêðûòóþ âñòðå÷ó Ñîâáåçà ÎÎÍ äëÿ îáñóæäåíèÿ ïåðåìèðèÿ â Ñèðèè
https://www.almasdarnews.com/articl...an-arab-republic-on-december-30-2016-russian/

Russian sappers and EoD have gotten to work in and around Aleppo. This is the same kind of operation that Russia ran in Palmyra but presumably on a bigger scale.

Разминирование Ðлеппо - bmpd
Мин нет - Colonel Cassad
https://vk.com/rus_army_today?z=album-102718758_239631757

Some materials on alleged Russian SoF operating in Syria.

СпециалиÑÑ‚Ñ‹ - Colonel Cassad
Работа роÑÑийÑких ÑпецÑлужб в Сирии.: kanchukov_sa

Some exotic vehicles in Iraqi militias fighting ISIS. A ZSU-23-4 modded with a Zu-23-2 cannon, and a humvee with a BTR-94 turret.

ÐœÐ¾Ð´Ð¸Ñ„Ð¸Ñ†Ð¸Ñ€Ð¾Ð²Ð°Ð½Ð½Ð°Ñ "Шилка" Федеральной полиции МВД Ирака - Юрий ЛÑмин
ИракÑкий кентавр - Юрий ЛÑмин

The Kyzyl-60 transport ship is back in service for the Syrian express.

ТранÑпортное Ñудно "Кызыл-60" воÑÑтановлено и вернулоÑÑŒ на линию "СирийÑкого ÑкÑпреÑÑа" - bmpd

A little late, but some material on Turkish losses around al-Bab. Allegedly the Turks lost up to 10 Leo-2s though the photos available don't support that. Likely in response to these setbacks Turkey criticized the US for not supporting their offensive on al-Bab. It's likely that Turkish and US goals in this war are starting to diverge markedly with Turkey getting in on the Russo-Iranian deal as they see the continued failure of US policy in Syria.

Потери под Ðль-Бабом - Colonel Cassad
Gur Khan attacks!: ИÑточник: турецкие войÑка потерÑли 10 танков «Ð›ÐµÐ¾Ð¿Ð°Ñ€Ð´-2» в Сирии
Турецкие потери в технике в Сирии - bmpd
Ð¢ÑƒÑ€Ñ†Ð¸Ñ Ð¿Ð¾Ð¿Ñ€Ð¾Ñила военной помощи СШР- Военный Блог

This is a map that shows the extent of Kurdish progress in Syria. At this point they are best situated to push on Raqqa though they lack the heavy weapons.

Карта - Военный Блог

This map shows the current situation around al-Bab. Note the red marking SAA presence in the south. ISIS is facing a threat of encirclement not only from the Turks but also from the Syrians who have considerable resources freed up after the battle for Aleppo. There have also been reports of Russian strikes against ISIS targets in al-Bab. Overall it maybe that the Turks are on board with this ceasefire because they are having such problems with al-Bab and a sort of joint operation is planned. It's likely the city itself has been promised to the Turks but how much territory the SAA gets south of it might be in question.

Штурм Ðль-Баба. 30.12.2016 - Colonel Cassad

Interesting photo of Smerch firing in Syria. It's probably recent given the snowy background.

СириÑ. Смерч. - Коллекционер баÑнов

A delegation of EU officials met with Assad and toured the Russian airbase.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Äåëåãàöèÿ åâðîäåïóòàòîâ è ðîññèéñêèõ ñåíàòîðîâ âñòðåòèëàñü ñ Àñàäîì è ïîñåòèëà àâèàáàçó "Õìåéìèì"
 

Tsavo Lion

Banned Member
Russia has tested 162 New Weapons in Syria
Among the systems tested in Syria were Su-30SM and Su-34 fighter jets, Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters, and Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as other arms. According to Shoigu, 10 of the 162 weapons tested revealed flaws that had not been identified on test ranges, prompting the ministry to stop buying them and ask the developers to fix them.
I wonder what those flaws r, does any 1 have more info.?
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Despite the ceasefire, the SAA continues to push on rebel positions in Wadi, near Damascus, and has launched a major offensive in Kuneitra. In the process, the water source for Damascus has been contaminated. How exactly is unclear but the two sides are blaming each other. Bellingcat provides an interesting analysis.

Коротко по Сирии - Colonel Cassad
https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/01/04/wadi-barada-happened-damascuss-water/

Russia continues to strike oil infrastructure and transport routes in Syria.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: ÑÌÈ ñîîáùèëè îá óäàðàõ ðîññèéñêèõ ñàìîëåòîâ ïî ìàðøðóòàì ïîñòàâêè íåôòè â Ñèðèè

28 killed, 50 wounded, in a terrorist strike in Baghdad.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Âçðûâû â Áàãäàäå: ïî÷òè 30 ïîãèáøèõ

A terrorist attack by a gunman in an Istanbul night club. ISIS has taken credit.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Áîéíÿ â íî÷íîì êëóáå â Ñòàìáóëå: 39 ïîãèáøèõ, óáèéöà ñêðûëñÿ
Плохой Санта - Colonel Cassad
Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: "Èñëàìñêîå ãîñóäàðñòâî" âçÿëî íà ñåáÿ îòâåòñòâåííîñòü çà òåðàêò â Ñòàìáóëå

Tayfun-K MRAP has shown up in Syria as part of the military police deployment. The youtube video shows Russian military distributing humanitarian aid with the Tayfun-K in the background.

Бронированный модульный автомобиль К63968 "Тайфун-К" в Сирии? - bmpd
Тайфун-К в Сирии крупным планом - Ю¹ ЛÑмин
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8gOe8veghw&feature=youtu.be

Some materials on Russian EoD in Aleppo.

ÐовогоднÑÑ Ñ€Ð°Ð±Ð¾Ñ‚Ð° - Colonel Cassad

Two more weeks in Mosul, with no major changes.

МоÑул. Карта. - Военный Блог
 

STURM

Well-Known Member
You got to look at structure of the SAA.
And you have to realise that things have changed; it's 2017 now and the war started in 2011. Over time, through a very painful learning process the Syrians as a whole have improved and of course they have benefited from outside advice. This is not to say that there are no inept Syrian and inexperienced units led by equally inept and inexperienced officers but as a whole they have improved; if they hadn't their front lines would long have collapsed, even with Iranian and Hezbollah help.

If you look at the size of the country and the many areas or front's there are; it's obvious that the Iranians and Hezbollah can't be everywhere once; even if they significantly increased their numbers and are able to sustain those numbers logistically and financially. The fact remains that the bulk of the fighting is still done by Syrian units - not all of which are ''elite'' [a term you're fond of using] and there have been tactical successes in areas where there was no or minimal Iranian or Hezbollah participation. It's not as if Iran and Hezbollah have deployed a few divisions worth of troops which are deployed on every corner of the battlefield.

Here what's going on the SAA regular unit are nothing but conscript which we already know some went AWOL and other switch to FSA and Jihadists.
In the early days of the conflict desertion was a major issue but over time desertion is not the major issue that it was in the early days. In fact, there have actually been reported cases of rebels [we assume non IS] deserting to the Syrians and as some tend to forget, Assad's forces contain quite a number of Sunnis as well. If the bulk of the Syrian army was made up of conscripts who were just waiting for the apt time to desert, the army would have collapsed a long time ago.

Syrian High Command must be given credit for where they put the regular SAA unts at the right place.
I believe in giving credit when due : the Syrians [despite past and continued cockups] appear to be [as expected given that they've had quite a while to absorb some lessons] doing some things right. We also have to ask what the motivations of the average Syrian soldier are. For the Alawites [not all of whom are dedicated Baathists] and the other minorities who have stood by Assad it's the knowledge that a IS victory would be disastrous; given how IS has treated non Sunni and also Sunni prisoners. For the Sunnis it's a bit harder to explain their motivations but we can presume that they feel that Assad represents the lesser evil and that they don't subscribe to IS's warped ideology.

[State-Of-The-Art Technology Gives President Assad’s Army The Edge
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...president-assad-s-army-the-edge-a6898741.html

[Syrian Soldiers On The Latakia Front Finally Taste The Fruits Of Victory - But They Know Isis Is Not Dead]
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...y-russia-turkey-al-rabiaa-assad-a6882281.html

['An Army Boot Is Placed On The Face Of The Dead Men': General Ghassan Of The Syrian Army On The War Against Nusra]
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...n-of-the-syrian-army-on-the-war-10289588.html

The Iranians and Hezbollah are discipline soldiers which at time causes them to hit hard which result in high deaths.
Overall the high rate of death among Iranian and Hezbollah is due to depending on SAA for other tasks which they are not capable of handling example is artillery.
Being discipline doesn't equate to being effective on the battlefield : one can have ''discipline'' units that are also tactically inept. Just like how the failure to observe parade ground formality in the field doesn't mean an army lacks discipline.

The high casualties suffered by the Iranians and Hezbollah are probably caused by various factors; namely the way they have been employed and also because they do not know the area or local surroundings as well as the Syrians. As I've pointed out before, when it comes to actual combat experience [which doesn't automatically equate to battlefield effectiveness] the average Syrian unit may actually have more experience than their Iranian and Hezbollah counterparts.

Questions that remains unanswered but ones that are essential to form an accurate analysis is statistically how do the losses suffered by the Iranians and Hezbollah in Syria compare to what they've suffered in Iraq and [rather than just assuming they're ''elite''] how much experience does the average Iranian and Hezbollah fighter actually have? We also have to keep in mind that the average IS fighter may not be necessarily more competent or experienced that his enemies. Sure, IS has a cadre of experienced fighters but also has its share of fighters who lack experience and training and who rely more on belief in ideology to produce results.

The SAA artillery are just plain garbage.
Maybe, maybe not but if I were on the receiving end of arty it wouldn't matter to me if those doing the firing didn't have the skills of an average American or British battery. Also, we have to look at the type of fire missions being conducted. No doubt Syrian artillery doesn't come up to Western standards but then it may not have to; especially if the targets being fired at have long been pre-registered, are under direct observation, are not mobile, are not time sensitive and are located at a safe distance from friendly troops.
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The Kurdish offensive against ISIS has reached and taken Jabor castle, an important historic landmark. Overall it appears that ISIS is rapidly running out of troops on all front.

Замок Джабар - Colonel Cassad

Low key fighting continues around al-Bab, as the Turks bring in additional troops and armor.

Штурм Ðль-Баба. 07.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad

The noose continues to tighten around Wadi Barada. A reminder, this enclave is the source of water for Damascus. Supply was interrupted earlier but there is some disagreement as to the reason why, the rebels blame a government airstrike while the government claims the rebels contaminated the water with diesel.

After the water was cut off, a government offensive seized a key chain of hills over looking the villages in this enclave, and since then an agreement was reached for the rebels in enclave to capitulate. However shortly after this agreement, fighting resumed, with information coming out that al-Nusra is refusing evacuation to Idlib.

Вади Барада. 05.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
КапитулÑÑ†Ð¸Ñ Ð’Ð°Ð´Ð¸ Барада - Colonel Cassad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHyVy0keg_4
Ð’Ð¾ÐµÐ½Ð½Ð°Ñ Ð¾Ð±Ñтановка в Сирии. 09.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad

The UN Security Council passed the resolution supporting the Russo-Turkish ceasefire agreement in Syria. At the same time, Turkey issued a statement suggesting that they may be open to reconsidering their stance on Assad. This comes as Russian jets hit al-Bab in support of the Turkish offensive.

https://ria.ru/syria/20161231/1485046204.html
Ð¢ÑƒÑ€Ñ†Ð¸Ñ ÐºÐ¾Ñ€Ñ€ÐµÐºÑ‚Ð¸Ñ€ÑƒÐµÑ‚ Ñвою политику - Colonel Cassad

Two Syrian L-39s destroyed by ATGMs in Deyr-ez-Zor. While the SAA forces there continue to hold, their area of control is slowly shrinking.

Уничтожение боевиками "ИÑламÑкого гоÑударÑтва" двух Ñамолетов L-39 ВВС Сирии в Дейр-Ñз-Зор - bmpd

The Iraqi Army near Mosul reached the Tigris river.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Àðìèÿ Èðàêà âïåðâûå çà âðåìÿ îïåðàöèè â Ìîñóëå âûøëà ê áåðåãó ðåêè Òèãð

A look at VBIED use in Mosul.

https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2017/01/09/mapping-mosuls-vbied-attacks/

Information was leaked suggesting that Kerry was pushing for increased US military involvement in Syria.

Ðе удалоÑÑŒ - Colonel Cassad

Russia has declared yet another "withdrawal" from Syria, with the carrier group leaving first. Part of the withdrawal seems to be the return of Su-25s to Syria.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ìèíîáîðîíû ñîêðàùàåò ãðóïïèðîâêó ñèë â Ñèðèè, ïåðâûì óéäåò "Àäìèðàë Êóçíåöîâ"
ÐвианеÑÑƒÑ‰Ð°Ñ Ð³Ñ€ÑƒÐ¿Ð¿Ð° ВМФ РоÑÑии возвращаетÑÑ Ð´Ð¾Ð¼Ð¾Ð¹ - bmpd
Análisis Militares: ¿ Qué hay de nuevo... viejo ?
"Сокращение военного приÑутÑÑ‚Ð²Ð¸Ñ Ð² Сирии": в Хмеймим переброшены 12 штурмовиков Су-25 - bmpd

Satellite imagery has spotted what appear to be Iskander launchers in Syriir presence was tentatively confirmed earlier with grainy photos and claims of launches.

ИÑкандеры в Сирии - Военный Блог

A terrorist bombing in Azaz has left at least 60 dead.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Âçðûâ íà ñåâåðå Ñèðèè: ìèíèìóì 60 ïîãèáøèõ â ãîðîäå Ààçàç

ISIS has blown up a has distribution facility near Palmyra.

ТеррориÑÑ‚Ñ‹ ИГ взорвали газораÑпределительный ÐºÐ¾Ð¼Ð¿Ð»ÐµÐºÑ Ð¥Ð°Ð¹Ñн около Пальмиры.. - Юрий ЛÑмин
 

Toblerone

Banned Member
Is there a contigency plan for Deir Ezzor? Every time i see a map from there it seems they are hanging from a thread in some areas, no consolidation, no buffer zone. Not even the airfield which is (I suppose) their lifeline is properly protected.

I mean, now that Palmyra has fallen, they are truly in the middle of nowhere, what happens if the defense starts to crumble? Can an airlift operation even take place? Big aircraft must be very vulnerable there during landing and takeoff.

I have to wonder at the morale of the force there after the Palmyra defeat.

Also, have you noticed this US special operation?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/worl...483975550564&tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.aa0210085690
 

STURM

Well-Known Member
Overall it appears that ISIS is rapidly running out of troops on all front.
That's a good thing. IS had planned for millions of Muslims to flock to its ''caliphate'' but instead most decided to stay away, with many deciding instead to head to Europe. Another area the IS leadership miscalculated in was declaring war on too many enemies.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Is there a contigency plan for Deir Ezzor? Every time i see a map from there it seems they are hanging from a thread in some areas, no consolidation, no buffer zone. Not even the airfield which is (I suppose) their lifeline is properly protected.

I mean, now that Palmyra has fallen, they are truly in the middle of nowhere, what happens if the defense starts to crumble? Can an airlift operation even take place? Big aircraft must be very vulnerable there during landing and takeoff.

I have to wonder at the morale of the force there after the Palmyra defeat.

Also, have you noticed this US special operation?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/worl...483975550564&tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.aa0210085690
It's my understanding they're resupplying it by airdrop. Also I think the plan was for an eventual offensive towards Deyr-ez-Zor in 2017. Now it depends on how quickly they can re-take Palmyra.
 

STURM

Well-Known Member
''DefenceNews'' has released Israeli satellite imagery showing Russian Iskanders in Syria. Sure, Iskander can be fitted with a nuke warhead but IMO the title of the article ''Israeli Satellite Imagery Shows Russian Nuclear-Capable Missiles in Syria'' gives the wrong picture. To some it may convey the message that the missiles are indeed armed with nuke warheads or that the Russians have nukes in Syria.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
''DefenceNews'' has released Israeli satellite imagery showing Russian Iskanders in Syria. Sure, Iskander can be fitted with a nuke warhead but IMO the title of the article ''Israeli Satellite Imagery Shows Russian Nuclear-Capable Missiles in Syria'' gives the wrong picture. To some it may convey the message that the missiles are indeed armed with nuke warheads or that the Russians have nukes in Syria.
Russian forces in Syria and the Mediterranean have had nuclear capable launchers pretty much the whole time. Kalibr, Granit, Yakhont, etc. The Iskanders aren't anything new, and with the recently revealed anti-surface capabilities of the Bastion-P, Iskander isn't even the only ground-based LACM.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The SAA has begun pushing back towards Palmyra, gaining ground north-east of T4. Russian and Syrian helos are working hard to provide air cover for the push.

They're also slowly collapsing the rebel pocket in Wadi Barada.

Коротко по Сирии. 14.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
ÐаÑтупление в воÑточном ХомÑе - Colonel Cassad
РоÑÑийÑкие боевые вертолеты в боевых дейÑтвиÑÑ… в центральной Сирии - bmpd

An ISIS attack has split the Deyr-ez-Zor pocket in half with a decisive offensive. Communication between the airfield and the rest of the pocket has been shut down.

Дейр-Ñз-Зор. ÐšÑ€Ð¸Ð·Ð¸Ñ - Colonel Cassad
Дейр-Ñз-Зор. 15.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Дейр-Ñз-Зор.16.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Дейр-Ñз-Зор. РаÑÑечение - Colonel Cassad

The Iraqis are slowly gaining ground in Mosul, with the eastern side of the city almost taken. ISIS is destroying bridges as they retreat.

Штурм МоÑула 13.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad

The slow push to encircle Al-Bab continues but nothing decisive has happened so far.

Битва за Ðль-Баб. 11.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad

Russia has been carrying out airstrikes in Idlib against rebel leadership.

Бомбардировки Идлиба - Colonel Cassad

Fox News, citing US officials, said that only 154 combat sorties were flown from the Kuznetsov itself while the rest of the sorties flown by its airwing were from land bases.

С "Ðдмирала Кузнецова" было Ñовершено 154 боевых вылета палубной авиации - bmpd

Israel hit a Syrian airfield near Damascus.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Èçðàèëüñêèå ÂÂÑ îáñòðåëÿëè êëþ÷åâîé âîåííûé àýðîïîðò âáëèçè ñòîëèöû Ñèðèè

Some leaked documents reveal an alleged plan by the EU to build a refugee holding camp in Belarus.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: ÅÑ ñîáèðàåòñÿ ôèíàíñèðîâàòü ñòðîèòåëüñòâî ëàãåðåé â Áåëîðóññèè äëÿ áåæåíöåâ èç Ñèðèè, Ðîññèè è Óêðàèíû

The US has been invited to the Syrian talks in Astana, likely on Turkey's request.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Íà ïåðåãîâîðû ïî Ñèðèè â Àñòàíå ðåøèëè ïðèãëàñèòü ÑØÀ

An interesting interview about Bulgarian weapons supplied to various shady groups in the Syrian Civil War.

БолгарÑкое оружие в ÑирийÑкой войне - Colonel Cassad

Iranians in Syria.

ИранÑкие военные предположительно где-то в Сирии - Юрий ЛÑмин

Some more interesting photos out of Syria. The gentlemen in the photos is allegedly a musician, but given his past career in the 45th VDV SpN regiment, and his current loadout, I suspect he's there for other reasons.

Г‚о в Латакии... - Colonel Cassad

Tayfun-K in Syria, again. It's likely it's there as part of the transport for the Military Police units.

"Тайфун-К" в Сирии крупным планом - bmpd

A large quantity of documents on ISIS fighters from the former Soviet Union have been captured in Mosul.

"Студенты" - Colonel Cassad

Material brought by the Syrian Express.

Подарки "СирийÑкого ÑкÑпреÑÑа" в ТартуÑе: dambiev

More evidence of Tochka use in Syria.

Análisis Militares: Otro lanzamiento de Tochka en Siria
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Deyr-ez-Zor has taken a turn for the worst, as ISIS has managed to split the pocket in half. It's holding on so far and there's talk of air-dropping reinforcements in there, but if they can't re-stablish communication between the airfield and the rest of the pocket, it's days are numbered. The situation there has stabilized over the past couple of days, but it's bad for the SAA.

Tu-22M3s were flown from Russia to deliver emergency additional air support to help stabilize the situation there.

Бои за Дейр-Ñз-Зор. 16.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Дейр-Ñз-Зор. 18.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Дейр-Ñз-Зор.20.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ñòðàòåãè÷åñêèå áîìáàðäèðîâùèêè Òó-22ÌÇ ðàçáîìáèëè îáúåêòû Èà â Ñèðèè
Дейр-Ñз-Зор. 21.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Дейр-Ñз-Зор. 22.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad

Meanwhile the Iraqis have all of eastern Mosul, and are preparing for the push into western Mosul. They found an airplane there that ISIS was preparing for a kamikaze run.

ОÑвобождение воÑточного МоÑула - Colonel Cassad
ÐеÑоÑтоÑвшийÑÑ ÐºÐ°Ð¼Ð¸ÐºÐ°Ð´Ð·Ðµ - Colonel Cassad

Russia and Turkey have announced a joint operation against ISIS with Russia providing 4 Su-24s, 4 Su-25s, and 1 Su-34 for air strikes. This comes after Turkey complained about a lack of US air support for their attack on al-Bab. Meanwhile Russian MoD passenger jets have begun flying to Syria through Turkish airspace.

Despite Russian help, Turkey has taken another nasty pounding around al-Bab, losing two more Leo-2s and a light armor vehicle. The Turks are slowly bringing additional forces, including more artillery, to prepare for a decisive assault on al-Bab. Meanwhile the SAA is making moves against ISIS south of al-Bab.

An interesting side note, the damage to the destroyed Leo-2s is similar to similar footage of destroyed MBTs from the war in Ukraine.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ðîññèÿ è Òóðöèÿ íà÷àëè ñîâìåñòíóþ îïåðàöèþ ïðîòèâ "Èñëàìñêîãî ãîñóäàðñòâà" â Ñèðèè
"Дружба ÑÐºÑ€ÐµÐ¿Ð»ÐµÐ½Ð½Ð°Ñ ÐºÑ€Ð¾Ð²ÑŒÑŽ" - bmpd
Самолеты ВКС РФ начали летать через воздушное проÑтранÑтво Турции: diana_mihailova
Gur Khan attacks!: Без башки!
Ðль-Баб. 20.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Снова битые турецкие танки Leopard 2A4 - bmpd

Russia's special purpose medical unit has returned from their deployment to Syria where they were engaged in providing medical services to the local population. 5000 locals were treated, with ~100 getting surgical operations.

Хорошие лица - nortwolf_sam

Some materials on Russian military police in Syria.

Работа военной полиции РФ в Ðлеппо - Colonel Cassad

Iran and Syria have a new agreement on mobile cell phone services and the construction of an oil terminal for Iranian oil going to Syria.

Ð’ Тегеране подпиÑаны новые ÑÐ¾Ð³Ð»Ð°ÑˆÐµÐ½Ð¸Ñ Ð¾ ÑотрудничеÑтве между Ираном и Сирией - Юрий ЛÑмин

Evidence of continued deliveries of Russian small arms and optics to Syria.

СирийÑкие военные Ñ ÐК-74Ð2 - Юрий ЛÑмин

Russia's naval station in Tartus is now officially a military base for the next 49 years.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ðîññèÿ ïîëó÷èëà âîåííóþ áàçó â Òàðòóñå â áåçâîçìåçäíîå ïîëüçîâàíèå

ISIS is destroying more ancient ruins in Palmyra.

Уничтожение памÑтников Пальмиры - Colonel Cassad

Delegations from Russia, Turkey, and Iran have arrived in Kazakhstan for the upcoming Syria talks.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Íà ïåÑèðèè â Àñòàíó ïðèáûëè äåëåãàöèè Ðîññèè, Òóðöèè è Èðàíà

Fresh T-62Ms have arrived in Syria. Some have been spotted around T4.

Ðовые фото ÑвежепоÑтавленных Т-62Ðœ в Сирии - Юрий ЛÑмин
Gur Khan attacks!: Ð’ Сирии авиабазу Т-4 Ñтали защищать Т-62Ðœ

Some footage of Syrian Su-24s in flight.

КраÑивое видео пары пролетающих ÑирийÑких Су-24 - Юрий ЛÑмин

Some data on the cost of flight hours for various US aircraft in the current operation against ISIS.

СтоимоÑÑ‚ÑŒ летного чаÑа американÑкой авиации в борьбе против "Халифата" - bmpd
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The SAA continues to advance north-eastward around al-Bab while the Turks continue to gather forces for an assault on the city. If the SAA cuts off the road out of al-Bab to the south-east, ISIS will be effectively surrounded. The Russian airforce appears to be coordinating strikes with the Turks around the city.

СовмеÑтные операции - Colonel Cassad
СовмеÑтные удары ВКС РоÑÑии в Сирии - bmpd

In Deyr-ez-Zor indecisive fighting continues and the SAA is attempting to counter-attack with the reinforcements they airlifted in. Russian Tu-22M3s flew repeated sorties hitting ISIS targets around it.

Дейр-Ñз-Зор. 25.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
Análisis Militares: Ataques aéreos desde territorio ruso contra Deir ez zor (24-1-2017)
ДоÑтавка подкреплений в ДÑйр-Эз-Зор Ñамолетами Ил-76 и вертолетами Ми-17: diana_mihailova

ISIS has carried out another attack on Khanasser and the road to Aleppo but ultimately the attack seemed to be more of a raid then a real offensive. In this fighting, a T-90 tank belonging to a pro-Iranian militia, appears to have been destroyed.

ХанаÑÑер. 26.01.2017 - Colonel Cassad
"ИÑламÑкое ГоÑударÑтво" заÑвлÑет об уничтожении танка Т-90 в районе Ðлеппо - bmpd
ГорÑщий Т-90 в районе ХанаÑÑера - Colonel Cassad
Gur Khan attacks!: Т-90Рв Сирии: он Ñгорел?

Clashes continue between various rebel groups in Idlib province as the negotiations in Astana continue, that could leave the rebels split between the pro-Turkish forces which will be labeled as "moderates" and everyone else (including the powerful al-Nusra).

Ð’ краю зеленых автобуÑов - Colonel Cassad
Переговоры в ÐÑтане - Colonel Cassad
Военные поÑледÑÑ‚Ð²Ð¸Ñ Ð¿ÐµÑ€ÐµÐ³Ð¾Ð²Ð¾Ñ€Ð¾Ð² в ÐÑтане - Colonel Cassad

MiG-23BN of the Syrian air force.

МиГ-23БРВВС Сирии - Юрий ЛÑмин

Iraqi forces in eastern Mosul.

ИракÑкие войÑка оÑвободили воÑточную чаÑÑ‚ÑŒ МоÑула - Юрий ЛÑмин

Some details of the Russian agreement with Syria on Tartus.

7 Feet Beneath the Keel: Expansion of RF Navy Logistics Facility in Tartus

Material on ISIS use of drones.

Боевые дроны Халифата - Colonel Cassad
Самодельный БПЛРтеррориÑтов ИГИЛ бомбит танк «ÐбрамÑ» - Andrei-bt

Iranian M-101 105mm arty in SAA hands.

105-мм M101 у правительÑтвенных Ñил в Сирии - Юрий ЛÑмин

Some materials on the French special forces in Iraq.

Силы Ñпециальных операций Франции в Ираке - bmpd

The SAA continues its program of upgrading T-72s with cage armor.

Gur Khan attacks!: Т-72ÐÐ’ "CAGE ARMOUR" - Ñамый защищенный танк в мире?
Gur Khan attacks!: СириÑ. Эпично!

Russia claims they bombed ISIS targets based on eceived from the US, which the Pentagon denies.

Íîâîñòè NEWSru.com :: Ïåíòàãîí íàçâàë ÷åïóõîé çàÿâëåíèå Ìèíîáîðîíû ÐÔ î ïåðåäà÷å Âàøèíãòîíîì êîîðäèíàò ïîçèöèé áîåâèêîâ Èà â Ñèðèè

Ukrainian munitions sold to Saudi Arabia have turned up in Syria. Note this is nothing surprising.

УкраинÑкое оружие Ð´Ð»Ñ ÑирийÑких боевиков - Colonel Cassad

Some info on the Syrian Su-22 fleet which continues to be a major part of their airpower despite the presence of the more modern Su-24s.

Су-22 ÑирийÑких ВВС - Коллекционер баÑнов

The Syrians plan to upgrade their newly received T-62M tanks with Viper thermals and the Mirage anti-ATGM system.

Gur Khan attacks!: В Сирии Т-62М получат "Мираж-2" и тепловизоры "Гадюка"
 

surpreme

Member
Russian private contract in Syria

Now that explain why Syria took East Aleppo so fast. Picture showing up on you tube showing them in action. Seen like Russia has learn from United States on how conduct military campaigns without large casualties. They have experience soldiers in the private contract business. As Frenor mention before they were soldiers who had special forces experience. As a former soldier I have admit I'm impress how far Russians have modernized there forces since the 1990's. They been studying U.S. actions and has adjusted to the next-generation. The way there hitting ISIS is special because of how they doing it. This is testing ground for Russian forces and mercenary force.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Now that explain why Syria took East Aleppo so fast. Picture showing up on you tube showing them in action. Seen like Russia has learn from United States on how conduct military campaigns without large casualties. They have experience soldiers in the private contract business. As Frenor mention before they were soldiers who had special forces experience. As a former soldier I have admit I'm impress how far Russians have modernized there forces since the 1990's. They been studying U.S. actions and has adjusted to the next-generation. The way there hitting ISIS is special because of how they doing it. This is testing ground for Russian forces and mercenary force.
Sorry did you mean to link to something? What exactly are you referring to? I would certainly like to see the pictures too.
 
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