Publications

Russian Military Activity: October 21 - 27, 2015

October 27, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russia continued to shape conditions on the ground in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East following the air safety memorandum of understanding signed with the U.S. on October 20, 2015.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30, 2015 - October 26, 2015

October 27, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) resumed reporting of airstrikes in Syria on October 26, following a hiatus of reports about airstrikes from October 23-25. The Russian MoD claimed to carry out “59 sorties” from October 24-26 in the Syrian provinces of Idlib, Latakia, Homs, Damascus, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zour.

Iraq Situation Report: October 21 - 26, 2015

October 26, 2015 - Patrick Martin

The U.S. escalated its role in the anti-ISIS fight by having U.S. special operators participate in a Peshmerga-led raid under “advise and assist” powers near Hawija in southwestern Kirkuk.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30, 2015 - October 22, 2015

October 23, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

Key Takeaway:  Russian airstrikes continue primarily to target rebel-held terrain in support of Syrian regime ground offensives in northwestern Syria. Russian airstrikes from October 19-20 largely supported regime ground offensives in rebel-held areas of the southern countryside of Aleppo and northern Hama Province far from core ISIS-held terrain.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30 - October 18, 2015

October 22, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande
Key Takeaway: The Russian air campaign in Syria continues to bolster the Syrian regime’s fight against the opposition. Russian warplanes provided air support to regime ground offensives against rebels in Aleppo, Latakia, northern Hama, and Damascus Provinces from October 17-18.

Regime and Iranian Forces Launch Multi-Pronged Offensive in Aleppo

October 22, 2015 - Chris Kozak

The Syrian regime and its allies launched a major, multi-pronged offensive in Aleppo Province on October 15 in order to bolster the regime's foothold in Aleppo City. Both Russia and Iran likely aim to enable Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to reassert control over Syria’s largest city given the heavy involvement of their military forces in these operations. Russia and Iran will not limit their support to reinforcing the regime's defenses in its heartland along the Syrian coast.

Russian Military Activity: October 14 - 21, 2015

October 21, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding

Russia reached an understanding with the U.S. on air safety guidelines in Syria on October 20,  but Russia's aggressive maneuvers against U.S. aircraft and violations of Turkish airspace are likely to continue in order to keep U.S. air power in the Middle East in check.

Iraq Situation Report: October 16 - 20, 2015

October 20, 2015 - Patrick Martin

The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Iranian proxy militias have made rapid progress in Baiji.

Russian Airstrikes in Syria: September 30, 2015 - October 18, 2015

October 19, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande

The Russian air campaign in Syria continues to bolster the Syrian regime’s fight against the opposition. Russian warplanes provided air support to regime ground offensives against rebels in Aleppo, Latakia, northern Hama, and Damascus Provinces from October 17-18.

Iraq Situation Report: October 6 - 15, 2015

October 15, 2015 - Patrick Martin

Two parallel security operations by anti-ISIS forces are underway in Iraq, one in Ramadi that is led by the Iraqi Security Forces with U.S.-led coalition support, and one that is led by Iranian agents in Baiji.

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