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Thread: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

  1. #76
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Russia deactivates its S-400 batteries at the Khmeimim air base – and all Syria


    [COLOR=#FFFFFF !important]Russia deactivates its S-400 batteries at the Khmeimim air base – and all Syria

    Nov 3, 2019 @ 21:04 18Russia’s advanced S-400 air defense batteries at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria have been quietly “deactivated,” according to Russian military sources and publications. This has not been officially

    [/COLOR]

  2. #77
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    US Troops fired on by Syrian forces in northern Syria. It was a combined US-Kurd operation on routine patrol when they were ambushed by Syrian troops. No word on casualties or any damage inflicted on the enemy. US troops did return fire and then retired back to their base.

    As I have stated many times, I want the US and indeed our allies as well to support the Kurds. But, I do agree it's time to strongly consider a plan to remove our troops from Syria, parts of Iraq, eventually all of Iraq, and from Afghanistan. Trump has stated he wants to get US troops out of harm's way in these "endless" wars. They are endless. There has never been, and will never be, a true peace in that region of the world. There are only temporary lulls in wars...never a true peace.

    Right now I have two who are dear to me in Afghanistan. So far, fortunately, neither of their units have been involved in heavy combat. But that could change quickly. Yes, I know why we remain in such places. And it may not be for the reasons most people assume. Still, there has to be a better way of accomplishing that mission without boots on the ground. We have technology that can serve us very well in that endeavor.

  3. #78
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Quote Originally Posted by dawg80 View Post
    US Troops fired on by Syrian forces in northern Syria. It was a combined US-Kurd operation on routine patrol when they were ambushed by Syrian troops. No word on casualties or any damage inflicted on the enemy. US troops did return fire and then retired back to their base.

    As I have stated many times, I want the US and indeed our allies as well to support the Kurds. But, I do agree it's time to strongly consider a plan to remove our troops from Syria, parts of Iraq, eventually all of Iraq, and from Afghanistan. Trump has stated he wants to get US troops out of harm's way in these "endless" wars. They are endless. There has never been, and will never be, a true peace in that region of the world. There are only temporary lulls in wars...never a true peace.

    Right now I have two who are dear to me in Afghanistan. So far, fortunately, neither of their units have been involved in heavy combat. But that could change quickly. Yes, I know why we remain in such places. And it may not be for the reasons most people assume. Still, there has to be a better way of accomplishing that mission without boots on the ground. We have technology that can serve us very well in that endeavor.
    I totally agree and Trump has publicly stated and acted upon the same thought.

  4. #79
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Quote Originally Posted by dawg80 View Post
    US Troops fired on by Syrian forces in northern Syria. It was a combined US-Kurd operation on routine patrol when they were ambushed by Syrian troops. No word on casualties or any damage inflicted on the enemy. US troops did return fire and then retired back to their base.

    As I have stated many times, I want the US and indeed our allies as well to support the Kurds. But, I do agree it's time to strongly consider a plan to remove our troops from Syria, parts of Iraq, eventually all of Iraq, and from Afghanistan. Trump has stated he wants to get US troops out of harm's way in these "endless" wars. They are endless. There has never been, and will never be, a true peace in that region of the world. There are only temporary lulls in wars...never a true peace.

    Right now I have two who are dear to me in Afghanistan. So far, fortunately, neither of their units have been involved in heavy combat. But that could change quickly. Yes, I know why we remain in such places. And it may not be for the reasons most people assume. Still, there has to be a better way of accomplishing that mission without boots on the ground. We have technology that can serve us very well in that endeavor.
    If the house and senate passes that bill saying that we cannot retaliate without congressional approval (the "in your face, Trump" bill), and such a bill survives any veto or court challenge, I would bring everyone home immediately out of that entire region. To do otherwise would be leaving them there with targets on their backs, because Iran KNOWS nothing would ever get through congress to hold them accountable for attacking our troops.

    Then, if Congress wants them there, they can declare full outright war (which is their right under the Constitution).

  5. #80
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Quote Originally Posted by DawgyNWindow View Post
    If the house and senate passes that bill saying that we cannot retaliate without congressional approval (the "in your face, Trump" bill), and such a bill survives any veto or court challenge, I would bring everyone home immediately out of that entire region. To do otherwise would be leaving them there with targets on their backs, because Iran KNOWS nothing would ever get through congress to hold them accountable for attacking our troops.

    Then, if Congress wants them there, they can declare full outright war (which is their right under the Constitution).
    Not a bad idea.

  6. #81
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Fighting getting serious between Turkey and Assad's Syria. Two Turkish planes shot down and 33 Turks killed in fighting. No reports on Syrian casualties. Erdogan is threatening Europe by stating he will allow Syrian refugees to pass thru Turkey into Europe. He's hoping to motivate NATO to send troops to bail him out now that he moronically invaded northern Syria.

    Turkish troops hit a brickwall...the Kurds dug in and refusing to be moved. And now, backed by Putin, Assad has boldly attacked the Turks trapped between the two forces.

  7. #82
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Strange times...

    fear of the C-19 virus has caused opposing forces in northern Syria to withdraw further apart. In one example, Turkish forces withdrew 10 miles to another oasis, creating distance between themselves and opposing Kurdish units and Assad's Syrian forces. But, fearing the water was left contaminated, or poisoned, neither the Kurds nor the Syrians advanced to occupy the abandoned Turk positions.

    There are also reports that the virus is ravaging the war-torn regions in Syria and Iraq where medical services were in short supply already. Rumors have it that the Russians have been hard hit by the virus, and Putin is recalling some of his units and many of his advisors to Assad's army.

    Separately, news out of North Korea is that the fat POS dictator has had a heart attack and has been out of public sight for 10 days now.

  8. #83
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Quote Originally Posted by dawg80 View Post

    Separately, news out of North Korea is that the fat POS dictator has had a heart attack and has been out of public sight for 10 days now.
    Wow. That guy is less than 40 years old and is the only well fed person in the nation.

  9. #84
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Quote Originally Posted by dawg80 View Post
    Strange times...

    fear of the C-19 virus has caused opposing forces in northern Syria to withdraw further apart. In one example, Turkish forces withdrew 10 miles to another oasis, creating distance between themselves and opposing Kurdish units and Assad's Syrian forces. But, fearing the water was left contaminated, or poisoned, neither the Kurds nor the Syrians advanced to occupy the abandoned Turk positions.

    There are also reports that the virus is ravaging the war-torn regions in Syria and Iraq where medical services were in short supply already. Rumors have it that the Russians have been hard hit by the virus, and Putin is recalling some of his units and many of his advisors to Assad's army.

    Separately, news out of North Korea is that the fat POS dictator has had a heart attack and has been out of public sight for 10 days now.
    Thanks for the update.

    US-trained rebel force quits American Al-Tanf base in E. Syria
    US-trained rebel force quits American Al-Tanf base in E. Syria
    Apr 18, 2020 @ 10:58 Comments Off
    The Revolutionary Commando Army has suddenly defected from the US Al-Tanf base near the Syria-Jordan border after striking a deal

    More
    https://www.debka.com/

  10. #85
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    It is time to get us out of Syria...as long as we leave the Kurds in a position they can defend themselves. The Kurdish people have a historic claim to the land that is now northeast Syria, and that is why they are stubbornly holding on to their positions there. It is not up to us to tell them what they have to do. It may be prudent for the Kurds to withdraw back to the land in northern Iraq, where they can consolidate their defenses. But, again, they have a legit claim to northeast Syria. By stretching themselves that thin, defending thousands of square miles and supply lines that stretch hundreds of miles across the desert, there is tremendous risk to them militarily. A concerted effort, by the Turks, for instance, to invade northwestern Iraq could cut those supply lines and isolate the Kurds occupying Syria. Right now, those supply lines have US aircover and it would be suicide for the Turks, or anyone, to try. But, if we withdraw, then all bets are off.

    At some point the US has to get out of Syria and Iraq. Hopefully we can leave behind allies, the Kurds, for one, who can hold the line there. In Iraq, well, the day we leave, and I mean the very day, all hell will break loose into a brutal civil war. The country will be plunged into a war that will utterly destroy all the "building" we have done the past almost 20 years.


    In other news, Trump has authorized US Navy ships to fire on the Iranian gunboats harassing our ships in international waters. It's about time.

  11. #86
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    US Navy has deployed 10 Cyclone Patrol Boats in the Persian Gulf to deal directly with the Iranian gunboats. The Cylones are more than a match for their gunboats and can even stand toe to toe with a corvette.

    Cyclones pack two 25mm fast-firing cannons, four heavy machineguns, two 40mm grenade launchers, Stinger surface to air missiles and Griffin ship to ship missiles, capable of taking out much bigger ships. At 180 feet in length they are small and very, very fast. These crafts can operate in shallow waters, close in to shore. They are not ocean-going and do need a support "mother ship" for transport and supply. Said "mother ships" stand off in safety, in the company of attack carriers, cruisers and destroyers.

  12. #87
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq


  13. #88
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    The US Navy has received and placed into service 10 new patrol boats, Mark VI. They are smaller than the Cyclones and designed for coastal patrol, shallow water, and to also operate with the Navy Seals in commando operations. None have been deployed to the Persian Gulf...yet.

    And as of this morning there are 19 good Iranian sailors!

  14. #89
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Latest on our friends and allies, the Kurds...

    They are getting hit from all directions now. It has been confirmed that Iranian forces launched ground attacks into northern Iraq in a coordinated operation with the Turks. Turkey denies any connection to the Iranians claiming that the timing of their assaults is just a coincidence. Turkey launched both air and ground attacks against the Kurds in northern Iraq aimed at the PKK, which is the organization of Turkish-born Kurds fighting for their independence. Turkey has branded them as terrorists and uses that excuse to attack them. The initial probing attacks began on June 14th, and culminating late last week with a massive helicopter-born assault against 81 different PKK positions. Turkey landed 3,000 assault troops and together with helicopter gunships, supported by long-range artillery positioned on the border, about 9 miles distant, attacked during the night. The Kurds, not directly connected to the PKK, although they share a cultural heritage, sided with the PKK when attacked. The Turks got quite a bloody nose. No official casualty reports have been released as Turkey practices "spin" saying their operation was "successful." But Kurdish sources report the Turks were slaughtered, suffering very high losses in killed, wounded, and captured. Also, 17 Turk helicopters were shot down. The Kurds did release a photo of 8 Turks being held as prisoners, and claim they have hundreds more, but that has not been confirmed by independent sources.

    The Kurds then, to fend off criticism this proves they are allied with the "terrorist" PKK, released a statement saying the Turks have attacked them, the Kurds, including killing women and children, and have been doing so since October, 2019. They issued a stern warning to Turkey months ago that the Kurds would "shoot first and ask questions later" anytime Turkish forces were approaching any of their towns, villages, or military positions. This is what happened during the night. The Kurds have to assume they are the target of the Turks.

    The Iranian assault occurred over 100 miles to the east, also in northern Iraq, and did target Kurdish positions. Most of the Iranian effort was confined to an artillery barrage that lasted for 6 hours. But, also included Iranian fighter jets and helicopters attacking Kurdish positions and one commando raid against a key bridge over a canyon, on an important highway in the region. The Iranians captured the bridge but were later driven off by a Kurdish counter-attack. The two attacks were coordinated perfectly, and appeared designed to split Kurdish air support, which is still very limited, and most likely to test the Kurds' ability to respond to attacks on two fronts 100 miles apart. US Intelligence also surmises the coordinated attack was designed to test the US's response to such an operation. US planes were scrambled at the request of the Kurds but never saw any action. On both fronts the Kurds had gotten control of the situation and the US planes were not needed.

    US sources also report they have confirmed a series of meetings in Turkey between the Turks and the Iranians, and the participants were regional military leaders/planners, giving credence to the charge that this was a coordinated attack. Turkey denies it and Iran has not commented.

    As you may or may not know, the Kurds have struck two "uneasy" alliances, one with Damascus, and one with Baghdad. In Syria, the alliance is designed to team up against the Turkish invasion. But the Syrian government is playing a tricky game of trying to appease its Russian ally, which is also an ally with Turkey in its Syrian operations. War makes for strange bedfellows... In Iraq, the alliance is more one of a temporary, convenient "let's agree to not kill each other while we sort things out." The Kurds and the government in Baghdad have two common enemies, well three, really, Turkey, Iran, and Russia.

    Meanwhile, the single most powerful force, and "the big dog on the porch" remains the US. All those other nations mentioned, with their chest thumping, give ground whenever/wherever US forces go. Together with the gallant Kurds as an ally, the US can control the region. But, the big question is, and its more a political one, how long do we wish to continue being there?

    As you know Trump pulled a real bonehead move when he suddenly announced he was withdrawing US troops from Syria...and eventually Iraq as well. That is what motivated the Turks to launch their invasion last fall. Now, on the advice of his military commanders, Trump reversed himself and the situation stabilized fairly quickly, but not until after 19,000 Kurds, mostly women, children and old people, had been slaughtered by the Turks. The Turks are still holding a chunk of northern Syria, a strip about 25 miles deep and 120 miles long. Trump's unilateral announcement incensed the Kurds (and me too), and caused some consternation by the Kurds. They revere President Trump, and Americans, and were shocked by it all. Now, feelings have been somewhat soothed, mostly by our military advisors on the ground and subsequent tangible actions by the Trump administration in terms of supplies and equipment and support. But, the Kurds will never forget nor forgive the action that cost 19,000 lives.

    I cannot emphasize enough how strong and gallant an ally the Kurds have been with us. YES! it is true they need our support and they, more than us, benefit from the alliance. The Kurds will be wiped out if the US totally turns her back on them. Oh, they will go down fighting and take many thousands of Turks, Iranians, and Russians with them. The war would be brutal. But, the Kurds lack the air power to successfully fend off a three-prong assault. What the Kurds have done for us already is sacrifice thousands of their own soldiers over the past 3-4 years in the war on ISIS, and now against other common enemies. Many score of US troops would be dead today if not for the heroic efforts of the Kurds in some of those tough battles fought in the remote valleys of eastern Syria, especially. We had teams of guys pinned down in a tough spot and they were rescued by the Kurds. We owe them for that.

    If Biden is elected the Kurds will be abandoned, that is for sure. They know it too. And that is why despite the "hiccup" of Trump's "oops" last fall, the Kurds are hoping Trump gets reelected. It will, at least, give them 4 more years of relative security.

  15. #90
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    Re: Trouble in Syria and Iraq

    Dateline August 26, 2020 (a tad old)

    UN observers, working in concert with both Turkish and American forces, but many miles apart, are reporting a resurgence of ISIS activity. According to informers, ISIS has built back to operational force of 10,000 soldiers. But, both Turkish and American planes continue to patrol looking for targets of opportunity. Thus, ISIS has been unable to concentrate troops to create a force big enough to do any real damage. Instead, ISIS is restricted to clandestine operations in small groups and movement mostly at night. US intelligence warns it would not take much time nor effort for ISIS to concentrate its forces and to increase its numbers if the air war was slowed or stopped.

    In related news, the Kurds have started moving captive ISIS soldiers and separately, families of dead or captured ISIS fighters, deeper into Kurdish-held territory in northern Iraq. This move was severely criticized by some international relief organizations citing humanitarian concerns, for women and children, and concerns that this move may mark a change in Kurdish military strategy i.e. a renewed offensive by Kurdish forces to attack the groups of ISIS forces held up in remote dessert regions and valleys. The Kurds' response was no, the move is simply a logistical one designed to move the detainees closer to their supply bases and supply lines making it easier to care for the captives.

    OR! the Kurds could simply treat the ISIS women and children exactly the way ISIS treated women and children they held (briefly) in captivity...

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