Here it comes: Syria
While pushed off of the front page, there are still things going on in Syria ...(The picture with the article shows M2A3 Bradlys: so 'boots on the ground' in Syria remains a reality if those are still there (reported to have been delivered in January of this year, off loaded from C-17's. <= Aviation Content! 
).
"Clever saboteurs" or "inside job" 
Saw a few other items on the web about the Russians slowing or canceling their troop rotation in Syria thanks to their attack into Ukraine. That would (oddly) mean that an area for cooperation between Russia and 'The West" as regards Islamic State (who are not quite done in Syria, if the linked article is accurate) gets scuppered (if true) in the near term.
Granted, I am not sure how much cooperation has been ongoing of late between 'the West' and Russia in Syria, but I would have thought that DAESH/ISIS/IS (whatever you wanna call them) would be a common foe regardless of how much one likes, or dislikes, Mr Assad.
).
Originally Posted by linked article
The U.S. military says explosions earlier this month on a base in eastern Syria that injured several U.S. service members were not, as it originally reported, caused by artillery or another form of indirect fire. Instead, it is now believed the April 7 attack was carried out by the “deliberate placement of explosive charges” by one or more individuals at an ammunition holding area and shower facility on the base, according to a statement issued Thursday by Combined Joint Task Force – Inherent Resolve, the command that oversees U.S. military operations against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq...The reference to “deliberate placement” of explosive charges on the base appeared to raise the prospect of infiltration and a lapse of base security, or perhaps even to an insider attack.
The U.S. has several hundred troops in eastern Syria as part of its effort to counter the Islamic State group.
The U.S. has several hundred troops in eastern Syria as part of its effort to counter the Islamic State group.
Saw a few other items on the web about the Russians slowing or canceling their troop rotation in Syria thanks to their attack into Ukraine. That would (oddly) mean that an area for cooperation between Russia and 'The West" as regards Islamic State (who are not quite done in Syria, if the linked article is accurate) gets scuppered (if true) in the near term.
Granted, I am not sure how much cooperation has been ongoing of late between 'the West' and Russia in Syria, but I would have thought that DAESH/ISIS/IS (whatever you wanna call them) would be a common foe regardless of how much one likes, or dislikes, Mr Assad.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Erdogan isn’t calling a “special military operation”, but you get the idea…
There are Unconfirmed reports that the renewed Turkish Invasion of Syria has begun, Armored Columns being supported by Air Assets and Artillery are Claimed to have crossed the Turkish Border into Northern Syria moments ago, Kurdish Forces are reportedly moving to intercept.
There are also reports that Kurdish and Syrian Military Forces have created a Unified Command in order to Hold-Off a Turkish Invasion, this creates a worrying situation since Russia supports the Syrian Government, this could put Turkish and Russian Troops in Open Hostilities.…
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/...0606-0001.html
Russia Raises Military Alert in Syria Over Turkish Operation
https://www.aaj.tv/news/30288225
Turkey Calims to have “Neutralised” 16 “terrorists in Northern Syria
There are Unconfirmed reports that the renewed Turkish Invasion of Syria has begun, Armored Columns being supported by Air Assets and Artillery are Claimed to have crossed the Turkish Border into Northern Syria moments ago, Kurdish Forces are reportedly moving to intercept.
There are also reports that Kurdish and Syrian Military Forces have created a Unified Command in order to Hold-Off a Turkish Invasion, this creates a worrying situation since Russia supports the Syrian Government, this could put Turkish and Russian Troops in Open Hostilities.…
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/...0606-0001.html
Russia Raises Military Alert in Syria Over Turkish Operation
https://www.aaj.tv/news/30288225
Turkey Calims to have “Neutralised” 16 “terrorists in Northern Syria
Heard this on the radio Friday morning, have seen very little coverage since.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-...outhern-coast/
Israeli jets did a daytime raid along the Syrian coast just north of the border between Syria and Lebanon.
No comment from Israel what they were shooting/bombing a"largely controlled by Russia"
https://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-...outhern-coast/
Israeli jets did a daytime raid along the Syrian coast just north of the border between Syria and Lebanon.
No comment from Israel what they were shooting/bombing a"largely controlled by Russia"
There was no comment from the Israel Defense Forces, in line with its policy of not generally commenting on air raids in the country.
Quoting a military source, SANA said the missiles were launched by Israeli fighter jets over the Mediterranean Sea, west of the north Lebanon city of Tripoli, at the Syrian town of al-Hamidiyah, south of Tartus. According to SANA, “poultry farms” were targeted in the airstrike, and two civilians were hurt. Their conditions were not immediately clear. Damage was also caused to the site. Syria often claims targets of Israeli strikes as being non-military.
Quoting a military source, SANA said the missiles were launched by Israeli fighter jets over the Mediterranean Sea, west of the north Lebanon city of Tripoli, at the Syrian town of al-Hamidiyah, south of Tartus. According to SANA, “poultry farms” were targeted in the airstrike, and two civilians were hurt. Their conditions were not immediately clear. Damage was also caused to the site. Syria often claims targets of Israeli strikes as being non-military.
Someone was launching drones aimed at the offshore oil drilling rig (s) over the weekend
Turks have launched air strikes into Syria and Northern Iraq, with the usual target - Kurds- as their object.
Rationale: bomb attack in Istanbul last week.
Rationale: bomb attack in Istanbul last week.
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey launched airstrikes over northern regions of Syria and Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said Sunday, targeting Kurdish groups that Ankara holds responsible for last week’s bomb attack in Istanbul. Warplanes attacked bases of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and the Syrian People’s Protection Units, or YPG, the ministry said in a statement, which was accompanied by images of F-16 jets taking off and footage of a strike from an aerial drone.
The ministry cited Turkey's right to self defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter in launching an operation it called Claw-Sword late Saturday. It said it was targeting areas “used as a base by terrorists in their attacks on our country.” Turkey said it was seeking to prevent attacks, secure its southern border and “destroy terrorism at its source.”
The airstrikes came after a bomb rocked a bustling avenue in the heart of Istanbul on Nov. 13, killing six people and wounding over 80 others. Turkish authorities blamed the attack on the PKK and its Syrian affiliate the YPG. The Kurdish militant groups have, however, denied involvement.
Ankara and Washington both consider the PKK a terror group, but disagree on the status of the YPG. Under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the YPG has been allied with the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria.
The ministry cited Turkey's right to self defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter in launching an operation it called Claw-Sword late Saturday. It said it was targeting areas “used as a base by terrorists in their attacks on our country.” Turkey said it was seeking to prevent attacks, secure its southern border and “destroy terrorism at its source.”
The airstrikes came after a bomb rocked a bustling avenue in the heart of Istanbul on Nov. 13, killing six people and wounding over 80 others. Turkish authorities blamed the attack on the PKK and its Syrian affiliate the YPG. The Kurdish militant groups have, however, denied involvement.
Ankara and Washington both consider the PKK a terror group, but disagree on the status of the YPG. Under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the YPG has been allied with the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria.
HH-60G Chinook down in Syria.
22 personnel, no fatalities reported, some flown to Landstuhl after the crash.
Reported to have been "shortly after takeoff"
Also from the various reports, takeoff was during the hours of darkness.
22 personnel, no fatalities reported, some flown to Landstuhl after the crash.
Reported to have been "shortly after takeoff"
Also from the various reports, takeoff was during the hours of darkness.
That can only possibly be half right.
It would appear that "HH-47G" was not spelled correctly. Oops.
In other news, USAF F-22's heading back to Syria. The Russians and Americans are giving each other a hard time over issues in Syrian air space.
F-22 stealth fighter jets are back in the Middle East as a US commander warns of 'buffoonery' by Russian pilots (msn.com)
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US Air Forces Central Command, said on June 21 that Russian fighter pilots are behaving more aggressively over Syria and suggested it might be "a way to compensate for the fact that they have had to move capability and capacity out of Syria in order to support the war in Ukraine."
Speaking to reporters last month, Grynkewich pointed to a mid-March incident in which a Russian fighter jet struck an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, forcing it down in the Black Sea.
The pilot was rewarded for that action, proving that Russia encourages such "unprofessional behavior," Grynkewich said. "So any time you have an air force that has fallen so low on the professional ladder that they're giving medals for buffoonery in the air, you've really got to wonder what they're thinking."
The F-22 redeployment is "part of a multifaceted show of US support and capability in the wake of what I would deem increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior" by Russian aircraft in Syria, Grynkewich said, arguing it was necessary because of Russia's increasing "unprofessional behavior" and its pilots "flying in a more assertive manner against us."
In other news, USAF F-22's heading back to Syria. The Russians and Americans are giving each other a hard time over issues in Syrian air space.
F-22 stealth fighter jets are back in the Middle East as a US commander warns of 'buffoonery' by Russian pilots (msn.com)
Originally Posted by selected bits from the article
- US Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets were redeployed to the Middle East in mid-June
- Their redeployment comes amid repeated cases of aggressive flying by Russian air force pilots.
- That reflects the history of tension between the US and Russia in the region, especially over Syria.
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US Air Forces Central Command, said on June 21 that Russian fighter pilots are behaving more aggressively over Syria and suggested it might be "a way to compensate for the fact that they have had to move capability and capacity out of Syria in order to support the war in Ukraine."
Speaking to reporters last month, Grynkewich pointed to a mid-March incident in which a Russian fighter jet struck an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, forcing it down in the Black Sea.
The pilot was rewarded for that action, proving that Russia encourages such "unprofessional behavior," Grynkewich said. "So any time you have an air force that has fallen so low on the professional ladder that they're giving medals for buffoonery in the air, you've really got to wonder what they're thinking."
The F-22 redeployment is "part of a multifaceted show of US support and capability in the wake of what I would deem increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior" by Russian aircraft in Syria, Grynkewich said, arguing it was necessary because of Russia's increasing "unprofessional behavior" and its pilots "flying in a more assertive manner against us."
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Speaking of which…. (Video in link)
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 “Reaper” Drone was Buzzed and had Flares dropped on it by Russian Military Aircraft earlier today over Syria; this is the 2nd Incident to occur involving Russian and U.S. Aircraft over Syria in the last 48 Hours with yesterdays Incident taking place in a claimed Russian “Restricted Zone” near the Iraq-Syrian Border and involving 3 Russian Su-35s dropping Flares and using their Afterburners on the Drone.
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 “Reaper” Drone was Buzzed and had Flares dropped on it by Russian Military Aircraft earlier today over Syria; this is the 2nd Incident to occur involving Russian and U.S. Aircraft over Syria in the last 48 Hours with yesterdays Incident taking place in a claimed Russian “Restricted Zone” near the Iraq-Syrian Border and involving 3 Russian Su-35s dropping Flares and using their Afterburners on the Drone.
It would appear that "HH-47G" was not spelled correctly. Oops.
In other news, USAF F-22's heading back to Syria. The Russians and Americans are giving each other a hard time over issues in Syrian air space.
F-22 stealth fighter jets are back in the Middle East as a US commander warns of 'buffoonery' by Russian pilots (msn.com)
In other news, USAF F-22's heading back to Syria. The Russians and Americans are giving each other a hard time over issues in Syrian air space.
F-22 stealth fighter jets are back in the Middle East as a US commander warns of 'buffoonery' by Russian pilots (msn.com)
cheers
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Interesting…..
A Jordanian airstrike has been reported overnight near the town of al-Ghariyah in the Suwayda province.
The strike targeted a farm that was likely used by Syrian regime/Iran-tied drug smugglers.
A Jordanian airstrike has been reported overnight near the town of al-Ghariyah in the Suwayda province.
The strike targeted a farm that was likely used by Syrian regime/Iran-tied drug smugglers.
And there was a recent Israeli hit on an airport as well.
Iran warns Israel that it will face retaliation for its airstrike on Syria | AP News
Iran warns Israel that it will face retaliation for its airstrike on Syria | AP News
On Monday, an Israeli airstrike damaged Aleppo's airport, putting the runway out of service. The airport has been targeted several times this year, including two attacks in March that also put it out of service.
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years but it rarely acknowledges or discusses the operations. Often the strikes target Syrian military forces or Iranian-backed groups.
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years but it rarely acknowledges or discusses the operations. Often the strikes target Syrian military forces or Iranian-backed groups.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
In case anyone missed it:
A U.S. fighter jet shot down a Turkish drone over NE #Syria earlier today -- I've had that confirmed by a senior U.S. official.….
A U.S. fighter jet shot down a Turkish drone over NE #Syria earlier today -- I've had that confirmed by a senior U.S. official.….
https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1709...HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
Last edited by ORAC; 6th Oct 2023 at 07:38.
Appears the Turks did not take too kindly to that.
Turkey Escalates Syria Airstrikes After US Downs Its Drone - Bloomberg
October 5, 2023 at 10:22 PM CDT Updated on October 6, 2023 at 6:47 AM CDT
American commentator: With Friends like Turkey, who needs enemies?
Turkish commentator: With Friends like America, who needs enemies?
Kurdish commentator: while you two bicker, we're still fooked.
Turkey Escalates Syria Airstrikes After US Downs Its Drone - Bloomberg
October 5, 2023 at 10:22 PM CDT Updated on October 6, 2023 at 6:47 AM CDT
Turkey intensified airstrikes on America’s Kurdish allies in Syria after the US shot down a Turkish drone in the region, a rare instance of two NATO allies coming into conflict and which led the lira to weaken. Turkish air raids targeting militants in northern Syria add to tensions between Ankara and Washington. They have been at odds over American support for armed groups ...
Turkish commentator: With Friends like America, who needs enemies?
Kurdish commentator: while you two bicker, we're still fooked.
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Syrian military graduation ceremony hit by drone attack, some say 115 dead amongst the recruits and families.
Syria war: Dozens killed in drone attack on graduation ceremony - BBC News
Syria war: Dozens killed in drone attack on graduation ceremony - BBC News
The fun continues in Syria. Various Iranian proxies are getting some iron raindrops delivered.
From ABC news.
From ABC news.
The U.S. military on Wednesday said American warplanes struck a weapons storage facility in eastern Syria that officials said was being used by Iran-backed militants responsible for dozens of drone and rocket attacks against American troops in the region over the last three weeks.
It was the second such strike in the past two weeks.
"Today, at President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted a self-defense strike on a facility in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. "This strike was conducted by two U.S. F-15s against a weapons storage facility. This precision self-defense strike is a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds Force affiliates. The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.
"The United States is fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities. We urge against any escalation. U.S. personnel will continue to conduct counter-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria," he said.
"Between October 17 and November 7 ... U.S. forces have been attacked at least 40 times," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said on Tuesday.
More than half of those attacks came after Oct. 27, when U.S. fighter jets struck two weapons and ammunition facilities in eastern Syria that officials said were used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups
So far, 46 U.S. service members have been identified with signs of traumatic brain injuries, or minor wounds such as perforated eardrums, tinnitus and rolled ankles, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Monday.
Most troops have returned to duty, but two were taken to U.S. hospital facilities in Landstuhl, Germany, for further examination and care, Ryder said.
In a statement following the Oct. 26 American counterstrikes, Austin blamed the Iranian regime for the attacks on U.S. forces, and vowed further action if the aggression were to continue.
"Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them. If attacks by Iran's proxies against U.S. forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people," he said.
"Part of any good defense is a good offense, and to respond to the near constant attacks by Iranian-backed and directed groups in a manner that deters further attacks," said Mick Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East and an ABC contributor.
It was the second such strike in the past two weeks.
"Today, at President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted a self-defense strike on a facility in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. "This strike was conducted by two U.S. F-15s against a weapons storage facility. This precision self-defense strike is a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds Force affiliates. The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.
"The United States is fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities. We urge against any escalation. U.S. personnel will continue to conduct counter-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria," he said.
"Between October 17 and November 7 ... U.S. forces have been attacked at least 40 times," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said on Tuesday.
More than half of those attacks came after Oct. 27, when U.S. fighter jets struck two weapons and ammunition facilities in eastern Syria that officials said were used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups
So far, 46 U.S. service members have been identified with signs of traumatic brain injuries, or minor wounds such as perforated eardrums, tinnitus and rolled ankles, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Monday.
Most troops have returned to duty, but two were taken to U.S. hospital facilities in Landstuhl, Germany, for further examination and care, Ryder said.
In a statement following the Oct. 26 American counterstrikes, Austin blamed the Iranian regime for the attacks on U.S. forces, and vowed further action if the aggression were to continue.
"Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them. If attacks by Iran's proxies against U.S. forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people," he said.
"Part of any good defense is a good offense, and to respond to the near constant attacks by Iranian-backed and directed groups in a manner that deters further attacks," said Mick Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East and an ABC contributor.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Explosions reported near the U.S. Embassy in the “Green Zone” of Baghdad, Iraq; this is 2nd Attack on US troops in the region within the last 24 hours with an attack haven taken place against the Conoco gas fields in Eastern Syria earlier yesterday morning.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Explosions reported near the U.S. Embassy in the “Green Zone” of Baghdad, Iraq.
This is 2nd attack on US troops in the region within the last 24 hours with an attack haven taken place against the Conoco gas fields in Eastern Syria earlier yesterday morning.
This is 2nd attack on US troops in the region within the last 24 hours with an attack haven taken place against the Conoco gas fields in Eastern Syria earlier yesterday morning.