Levant crisis - III

LokeshC · Post by **LokeshC** » 16 Oct 2016 13:35

All bark..... will wait and see (and hope) that it tries to bite. A few broken teeth and a loose jaw wont hurt the stiff upper lip i hope.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 16 Oct 2016 15:23

video of blocked and mined escape route in east aleppo. jihadis have blocked all from leaving

https://twitter.com/MuradGazdiev/status ... 6022353920

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 16 Oct 2016 15:27

houthis kill 40 saudis in convoy ambush...2 huge ied , despite a ah64 showing up in support

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ho ... 40-killed/

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 16 Oct 2016 15:32

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 16 Oct 2016 17:58

Looks like TSJ deleted his Tug boat comment ...........BTW TSJ there are tug boats too ...should be satisfying

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 16 Oct 2016 17:59

Putin told leaders of the BRICS on the Russian vision of the situation in Syria
10.16.2016 15:14:07

Goa (India). 16 October. Interfax - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he had informed his colleagues on the BRICS on how Russia sees the development of the situation in Syria.

"I have informed all our colleagues and friends from five about how we see the situation unfolding in Syria in general and around Aleppo in particular," - he told reporters in Goa on the press conference said.

Putin also noted that all members of the BRICS countries consider it necessary to fight terrorism and believes that the Syrian conflict could be resolved only through political and diplomatic means.

Link http://militarynews.ru/story.asp%3Frid% ... d%3D429471

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 16 Oct 2016 18:06

Singha wrote:(deleted Kuznetsov image)

The junk in the foreground appears to be floating portoilets with poodlestani flag, hain?

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 16 Oct 2016 18:11

TSJ this might interest you

Putin - for cooperation with the US in combating terrorism
10.16.2016 14:54:11

Goa (India). 16 October. INTERFAX - Moscow supports cooperation with Washington in the fight against terrorism, a positive example of this is the interaction of special services of the two countries in the preparation of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference in Goa on Sunday.

"Dialog (in the fight against terrorism), there is always," - Putin said. He recalled that in his time - even before the tragic events in Boston during the marathon - the FSB, at the request of the President of the Russian Federation, sent the Americans a written notice of the fact that in Russia in the development of "there are people who are dangerous, and we offer them work. "

"But there was no answer, as time passed, Alexander Bortnikov (FSB director) came to me and told me about it I said to him: write more, he again wrote from the second or third time we have received the answer: they (Tsarnaevy brothers) -.. US citizens do not climb, we shall understand ourselves I said. well, okay, so, so, "- said Putin, adding," that there was a terrorist attack during the marathon in Boston a couple of months. "
"All this is evidence that those who are in favor of cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism - their position is right We are committed to exactly that point of view." - Said the Russian leader.

According to him, the examples of such cooperation is. "In preparation for the Olympics in Sochi, the US side and US intelligence agencies have established contact real business, partnership, and helped to ensure the security, for which we are grateful," - concluded Putin.

http://militarynews.ru/story.asp%3Frid% ... d%3D429467

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 16 Oct 2016 18:24

close up of Kuz

chanakyaa · Post by **chanakyaa** » 16 Oct 2016 18:53

USS Mason Fired on Again Off Coast of Yemen: Officials

Looks like uncle has officially checked out of She-riya, looking at how quickly and urgently such ~~false flag~~ news are coming out. Is that the reason for lot of hot air last week? Military industrial complex needs new country to test future weapons. Yemen checks all the boxes. Precedent is being set, news are being flooded to give an impression that Yemen sends mizziles. Things are heading towards another "Gulf of Tonkin"

Suresh S · Post by **Suresh S** » 16 Oct 2016 22:26

LokeshC wrote:All bark..... will wait and see (and hope) that it tries to bite. A few broken teeth and a loose jaw wont hurt the stiff upper lip i hope.

Good one lokeshC like that

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 17 Oct 2016 01:21

Russia doesn't need the US help. they can certainly handle things in Syria with Iran. they'll have it all squared away in no time.

Iran needs to be more involved in Yemen with Russian help. things will work out nicely there, too.

meanwhile Obama wants Mosul cleared out by the end of his presidency. Erdogan has stepped forward to achieve that goal. which makes me wonder if Obama is completely sane. I wouldn't trust erdogan anymore than I would assad. they're all dirty. we promised federalism to Iraq where all citizens are equal. has everybody forgotten that?

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 17 Oct 2016 01:46

"We" are certainly trying our best using "our" ISIS friends and clients. - Everyone is equal when they are dead.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 08:09

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 08:10

seriously, Iraq's best chance against the Sith is to remain united under one banner - shia, sunni, mandean, assyrian, yezidi, kurd ... rather than a set of chaotic bantustans beholden to fickle sugar daddies for protection. unlike syria, iraq does have enough manpower to defend itself strongly.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Oct 2016 09:03

https://twitter.com/AlRFORCEFREAK/statu ... 4811865088

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 17 Oct 2016 10:14

As I-Rak and its allies start the battle to liberate Mosul from the clutches of ISIS,isn't that exactly what the Syrian govt. and Russia are trying to do in Aleppo?

https://www.theguardian.com/international

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 17 Oct 2016 10:24

^^^^^^no. they're trying to keep their dictator in power.

Iraq and Syria are not morally equivalent.

don't worry Russia and Assad will prevail. eventually. some day. they need lots more men and equipment though.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 17 Oct 2016 10:33

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... ][b]Russia accuses US of ‘unprecedented’ threats and ‘borderline insolence’
Washington taking ‘aggressive, unpredictable line,’ says Kremlin official[/b]

President Vladimir Putin denies Moscow is responsible for cyber attacks on US organisations Getty
Russia has condemned Washington for making “unprecedented” threats of cyber attacks, which the Kremlin says demonstrate “borderline insolence”.

Last week the Obama administration officially accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the presidential elections, alleging Moscow was hacking computers belonging to American political organisations – including those of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

US vice-President Joe Biden said on Friday that America would send a “message” to Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to the violation.

READ MORE
Donald Trump stuns experts by refusing to accept intelligence on Russia
Obama administration asks CIA to prepare revenge cyber attack against Russia
Russia accused of ‘posturing’ as its warships head for English Channel
NBC News also reported CIA leaders were planning a revenge cyber attack against Moscow.

A source said the leak would “embarrass” the Russian government and that information had already been obtained that could humiliate Mr Putin.

But Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told the RIA Novosti news agency that Moscow would respond to any US cyber attacks, saying such threats were “borderline insolence”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also criticised Mr Biden’s remarks and said Russia would make preparations to protect itself.

READ MORE
Putin ally tells Americans to vote for Trump or risk nuclear attack

“The threats directed against Moscow and our state’s leadership are unprecedented because they are voiced at the level of the US vice-president,” Mr Peskov told the news agency.

“To the backdrop of this aggressive, unpredictable line, we must take measures to protect [our] interests, to hedge risks.”

Mr Biden had told NBC News in an interview: “We’re sending a message. We have the capacity to do it.

“It will be at the time of our choosing. And under the circumstances that have the greatest impact.”

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, has denied accusations Moscow had launched a cyber warfare-style campaign to interfere with the election proces. He called the claims “flattering” but “ridiculous” and unsubstantiated

Mr Putin has personally rebuffed the allegations and said he was not trying to help Republican candidate Donald Trump.

“They started this hysteria, saying this [hacking] is in Russia’s interests, but this has nothing to do with Russia’s interests,” Putin said. He claimed his government would collaborate with whoever won the election “if, of course, the new US leader wishes to work with our country”.

It comes after WikiLeaks, the organisation that publishes leaked information online, released thousands of emails from the chairman of the Clinton campaign’s email account. It has not said how it accessed them.

A range of Hillary Clinton’s private documents were also released last week.

Russian newspaper warns 'risky game' in Syria could start World War
Mr Trump recently told audiences in Florida he had nothing to do with Mr Putin or Russia.

“I promise you, I don't have any business deals with Russia,” he said at a rally in Lakeland.

Ms Clinton has repeatedly denounced the Republican candidate for taking a favourable stance on Russia. Mr Trump has indicated he is open to lifting Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia and has been strongly critical of Nato.

The property tycoon has also purportedly ignored an intelligence briefing that blamed Russia for the hack on members of the DNC.

During the first presidential debate, Mr Trump questioned whether Russia was involved in the hacking scandal. In the second debate he questioned if there had been a cyber attack in the first place.[/quote]

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 10:50

someone has the same idea I did wrt to deployment

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity 3h3 hours ago
The Hashd should also be deployed heavily west and north of #Mosul to block escape of Da'ish terrorists towards #Syria.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity 3h3 hours ago
More than enough tasks for #Iraq's Hashd to help with in #MosulOp. Tal 'Afar the main one. The Turks too. Ninawa plains. Mosul peripheries.

^^ there are 4x4 routes across the flat unpopulated desert west of the river all the way to Shahdadi and Deir azzor in syria which ISIS has been using for the route to Mosul, ever since the Sinjar highway got taken by the kurds.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 10:53

this map makes it clear...giving Tal Afar to the Hashd to clean up is a nice move by Iraqi govt as they will setup a line from Shirqat logistics base to Tal Afar with strongpoints ... a net to catch the ISIS if they make a break for syria

https://www.google.co.in/maps/@35.71557 ... 0838,8.13z

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 10:54

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity 3h3 hours ago
#Iraq's Hashd Al-Sha'abi have introduced brand new "seismic rockets" for #MosulOp. To be used vs. Da'ish fortifications and tunnel systems.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity 3h3 hours ago
Turkish forces near #Mosul must be treated as enemy combatants if they come near #Iraq's forces. They've done enough to delay #MosulOp.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity 3h3 hours ago
The 1st wave of attack on #Iraq's #Mosul is coming from multiple directions: Kaski, Qosh, Makhmur, Qayyarah, Kuwayr, Shaykhan to name a few.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 11:18

CNN Breaking NewsVerified account
‏@cnnbrk
Officials now say it's unclear whether US destroyer was fired on near Yemen; radar malfunction possible. http://cnn.it/2edu2kC

Richard Steven Hack ‏@richardhack Oct 15
@cnnbrk @RaniaKhalek Since it appears NONE of the US vessels off Yemen has actually SEEN a missile, could be "Gulf of Tonkin" incident?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 11:19

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 11:19

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity 15h15 hours ago
.@MazMHussain Take Idlib as a microcosm of a Free Syria. You think these Salafi factions will just renounce extremism the day Assad is gone?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 11:22

cometh the hour...cometh the man to deliver justice, Iraqi justice...good luck to him and his colleagues..many Hashd commanders too are middle aged and old who should be enjoying time with grand children than years in the field trying to combat the Sith....let none escape ... no mercy to Daesh

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity Oct 15
Massive news:

After liberating Baiji refinery, Tikrit and Fallujah... Lt. Gen. Abdul-Wahab Al-Sa'adi will lead #Iraq's SOF into #Mosul.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 11:34

Charles ListerVerified account
‏@Charles_Lister
JFS militants attacked a Suqor al-Sham base in Ariha, #Idlib - likely in response to an earlier Suqor al-Sham raid on Jund al-Aqsa fighters.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity Oct 14
Haidar Sumeri Retweeted Charles Lister
These rabid dogs can't sit still. There's no Syrian army around so they're attacking one another. Let's hand the whole of #Syria to them.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 11:39

serious charges here...classical chanakyan concentric rings of power. R1 at center will empower R3 to control R2.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity Oct 14
Assyrian, Shabak, Yezidi, Turkmen minorities will be empowered to rule themselves. If this means a war for independence vs. Kurds, so be it.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity Oct 14
Iraqi Kurds banked on Da'ish to facilitate their expansion (land grabs) in Ninawa province but soon enough, all of that will be reversed.

Haidar Sumeri ‏@IraqiSecurity Oct 14
Feel sorry for the Kurds. Once again, their politicians lied to them. #Iraq's forces have re-entered Ninawa and aren't going anywhere.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Oct 2016 12:09

TSJones wrote:^^^^^^no. they're trying to keep their dictator in power.

Iraq and Syria are not morally equivalent.

don't worry Russia and Assad will prevail. eventually. some day. they need lots more men and equipment though.

To keep Assad in power is the goal of every Shiah country out there , The consquences of not him there means Sunni Jihadi will rule over that place , This war is beyond Assad and Russia , its survival of Shia country out there

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 12:13

I guess nobody gamed three things
- a mild mannered foreign educated westernized princeling would have such staying power mentally, sons of powerful fierce fathers often are not up to the mark
- the syrian elites incl sunnis & other minorities on the coast would rally around him and fight to the end
- russia would step in so firmly

for point#2 we have the daesh and AQ to thank - a normal anti-govt movement would find resonance but not the brutal and scorched earth tactics unleashed by these , once they took over the syrian opposition under foreign funding.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Oct 2016 12:21

Its time once Mousal is liberated , Iraq and Iran come together and send their military and airforce in support of Assad

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Oct 2016 15:47

Very Rare these days for BBC to write a balanced article but here it is

Russia and the West: Where did it all go wrong?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37658286

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 17 Oct 2016 16:01

Austin wrote:Its time once Mousal is liberated , Iraq and Iran come together and send their military and airforce in support of Assad

mmmm, not w/o these guys..........

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/ ... /84655664/

most of the Iraqi shiite militias are nothing but local bully boys and thugs and posers of the highest order. they couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag.

the golden brigade is the real deal and I am pretty sure a lot of them are sunis from tribes that were decimated by ISIS. why? because they were willing to go along with federalism within the Iraqi government. and they and their US advisors will lead the fight into Mosul. they are so mean their shadows fear to follow them.

God bless them and lead them to victory.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 17 Oct 2016 16:07

TSJones wrote:
Austin wrote:Its time once Mousal is liberated , Iraq and Iran come together and send their military and airforce in support of Assad

mmmm, not w/o these guys..........

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/ ... /84655664/

most of the Iraqi shiite militias are nothing but local bully boys and thugs and posers of the highest order. they couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag.

the golden brigade is the real deal and I am pretty sure a lot of them are sunis from tribes that were decimated by ISIS. why? because they were willing to go along with federalism within the Iraqi government. and they and their US advisors will lead the fight into Mosul.

God bless them and lead them to victory.

It is not about individual now but about the entire Shia community as a whole may be that also includes some minorities like Christians , Alawite and some Sunnis too.

Fight for Syria is about the Shia Nation survival in the long run and Christians and Alawite are more then happy to be under present regiem then be under Moderate Head Chopping Sunni , the Christians have already tasted the medicine of being under them a year back or so even priest and nuns were not spared by moderate sunni beheaders

Once Syria falls and alawite and christians are beheded these Sunni Moderate Beheaders would turn towards Iraq.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 16:23

Daesh draws first blood in mosul....

Peshmerga unit thought every isis dead after air power bombed a target. They were hiding and hìt the Peshmerga when they walked in. 6 kia 20 wounded

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 17 Oct 2016 16:29

Austin wrote:
TSJones wrote:

mmmm, not w/o these guys..........

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/ ... /84655664/

most of the Iraqi shiite militias are nothing but local bully boys and thugs and posers of the highest order. they couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag.

the golden brigade is the real deal and I am pretty sure a lot of them are sunis from tribes that were decimated by ISIS. why? because they were willing to go along with federalism within the Iraqi government. and they and their US advisors will lead the fight into Mosul.

God bless them and lead them to victory.
It is not about individual now but about the entire Shia community as a whole may be that also includes some minorities like Christians , Alawite and some Sunnis too.

Fight for Syria is about the Shia Nation survival in the long run and Christians and Alawite are more then happy to be under present regiem then be under Moderate Head Chopping Sunni , the Christians have already tasted the medicine of being under them a year back or so even priest and nuns were not spared by moderate sunni beheaders

Once Syria falls and alawite and christians are beheded these Sunni Moderate Beheaders would turn towards Iraq.

I think it is more about Shia +Yazidis + Arab CHristians+ Non mainstream Sunnis like Kurds Survival, I.e survival or every type who does agree with Turkish or Saudi Establishment view

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 17 Oct 2016 16:45

the peshmerga are not hard corps, lead the point, assault infantry. they need to let the real troops do their jobs, not get in a rush, and stay at their posts to repel ISIS counter attacks. in other words, have the real troops backs covered.

US SOF advisors and Marines have their work cut out for them. that is for sure.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 17:12

one good thing is daesh IEDs are failure prone going by the legions unearthed buried in palmyra

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 17:29

one of iraqi 'gold unit' generals near the front barring a few NDF type units in western provinces, every combat capable unit is being thrown into this fight. fate of iraq is at stake.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Oct 2016 17:30

his close protection guy due to american eqpt looks like a "security contractor" in the old iraq/afpak..down to the beard, baseball cap and pistol belt strapped to thigh