The Situation in Rojava - TTG

“Moments ago, the Kurdish-led 'Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) established full control over Tall as-Saman after a 48-hour battle prompted ISIS fighters to withdraw to the neighbouring village of Qaryah Armaniyah.

The capture of Tall as-Saman is significant as it lies on one of two main roads leading directly southwards to the predominately Arab city of Raqqa. The advance puts Kurdish forces some 28 kilometers north of the Islamic State capital.

12 days into the US-backed Kurdish offensive, codenamed operation 'Euphrates Wrath', over 30 villages have been liberated from the Islamic State. However, Kurdish forces have suffered heavy casualties due to ISIS guerilla tactics and suicide bombers.”  (Al Masdar News)

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“All hell is loose in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo as ISIS, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Free Syrian Army (FSA) all battled one another on Wednesday. While ISIS mounted a counter-offensive on Qabasin, their forces completely withdrew from several nearby villages, leaving them easy prey for the US-backed SDF. Thus, the SDF was able to pinch out a largely abandoned ISIS bulge and took control over the villages of Al-Bughaz, Abu Hayj, Hutah, Jubb ad Dam (Qanlê Qoyê), Kur Huyuk, Ulashi, Kandarliyah, al-Qarah and Tall Bersaya - these villages are located northeast of al-Bab.

Meanwhile, Turkish-backed rebels fighting under the FSA banner seized the adjacent villages of Arab Wiran and Shuweiha.

Additionally, FSA fighters have once again captured Qabasin; ISIS was only able to maintain control of the town for three hours earlier today. Moments ago, rebel forces also captured the village of Agil (Aji), southeast of Qabasin.

While the FSA and SDF leadership are still firmly at odds with each other, both parties hope to liberate the Islamic State stronghold of al-Bab.”  (Al Masdar News)

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While all eyes are focused on the beginning of the “final” battle for Aleppo, The YPG/SDF forces are continuing to make offensive gains on both the al Bab and the Raqqa fronts. The seizure of several villages near al Bab was impressive in how quickly the SDF/YPG was able to take advantage of an IS thinning of the lines. That takes discipline and initiative.

I’m also impressed by the early success of “Euphrates Wrath,” the SDF offensive to take Raqqa. That the YPG is the major element in this offensive is surprising. This is not Kurdish land. Phase one of this offensive kicked off with a pincer move similar to the one used to take Hasakah earlier this year. Despite this early success, this is going to be a long term project.

Both the DOD and YPG spokespeople have been making the point that YPG forces are leaving Manbij to take part in “Euphrates Wrath,” but not before they complete the training of the Manbij Military Council. Turkey has long pressured the US to force the Kurds to withdraw east of the Euphrates. While Turkey is pleased about the withdrawal, they are crying like rats eating onions about the recent SDF seizure of IS controlled villages near al Bab. At the same time the DOD announced that the US does not sanction the Turkish/FSA effort to take al Bab and will not provide air support. US advisors have also been withdrawn.

There is also a large build up of SAA and Hezbollah forces in the al Safirah area just south of Aleppo and al Bab. Russia has redeployed seven batteries of S-300s to the same area. Clearly this is all to support the reduction of the Aleppo pocket, but these forces are also in a perfect position to thwart Turkish dreams of taking al Bab, Manbij and beyond.

As a final note, I hope that the DOD plans to do a thorough study of the YPG/YPJ. There are valuable lessons to be learned here. This a remarkably successful, self-trained and self-organized force. Although it possesses  a small number of mortars, armored vehicles and other supporting arms, it is overwhelmingly a very lightly armed infantry force that can move rapidly on foot or in their fleet of light pickup trucks. The individual units enjoy tremendous freedom of action and display remarkable battlefield initiative down to the company equivalent sized force. The all female YPJ units seem to be far more than some new age publicity gimmick. Unencumbered by 100 pounds of equipment, they are effective against an enemy that is apparently terrified of dying at the hands of a woman. The YPJ fighters are also very effective in handling refugees and civilians in liberated villages. The Kurds may be on to something with their approach to the military art.

TTG

For your reading pleasure:

Kurdish forces capture another village in push towards Raqqa city

US-backed Kurds seize 9 villages from ISIS while Turkish-backed rebels attack both

Kurdish militia YPG to depart Syria's Manbij after training, U.S. diplomat says

U.S. halts military support for Turkey’s fight in key Islamic State town

Results of Wrath of Euphrates First Phase – SDF Campaign to Liberate Raqqa

Russia redeploys anti-aircraft missiles to Aleppo

People's Protection Units (Wikipedia)

Kurdish People’s Protection Unit YPG (Global Security)

YPG Rules of Procedure

 

Comments

[robt willmann]

As a side note, James Clapper, director of national intelligence, resigned today (not unexpectedly)--

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/17/502428952/clapper-resigns-as-director-of-national-intelligence

[The Twisted Genius]

I saw the big headline. After reading the article, I see this announcement is a lot of nothing. His term runs out in January and that's what he chose as his resignation date. Big deal. If he said he was willing to stay on for a while for continuity's sake, that would be news. I don't like the man. I consider him a self-aggrandizing bloviator. His announcement of his resignation is further evidence of that.

[Prem]

OT The Russians have been hammering Homs and Idlib for the last few days. Are the loyalists going to move in that direction, or are they just keeping the jihadis' heads down whilst western Aleppo is liberated?

[mike allen]

Thanx TTG -

With regard to the YPG leaving Manbij, that was done I think primarily due to American pressure. I hope that there was some quid pro quo on the part of the Turks, you think? But since there are many Kurdish families living in Manbij, I suspect the YPG political arm stayed behind and some Asayish, possibly even some YPG in civvies.

Agree 100% with your comments re a YPG/YPJ study effort.

[The Twisted Genius]

The Russians are hitting the supply lines in the Idlib area to prevent jihadi reinforcements from attempting to break the Aleppo encirclement from the west.

[Laguerre]

"The all female YPJ units seem to be far more than some new age publicity gimmick. .... they are effective against an enemy that is apparently terrified of dying at the hands of a woman."

You contradict yourself there. You claim the female units are not a publicity gimmick, but then cite an obvious piece of Kurdish propaganda as the proof, although in fact it is more likely an indicator that they may well indeed be to some extent a publicity gimmick. There isn't the slightest evidence that Da'ish fighters fear "dying at the hands of a woman". The idea just comes from the Kurdish propaganda. The point is to show off the Kurds as Westernised and modern, and Da'ish as backward and medieval. That's why they appear in every single video about the Rojava Kurds in battle. It is necessary to show off the point.

[The Twisted Genius]

The Kurds are certainly milking the YPJ for propaganda value and the West is eating it up. However, the Kurds do not have the luxury of dedicating limited resources to the YPJ units just for the propaganda value. They use what they got in the most efficient way possible. They work as a military unit.

As far as the truth of the Da'ish fighters' fears goes, I'm open to correction. But I remember seeing reports of captured jihadis claiming this fear as well as Kurdish and Western claims.

[Allen Thomson]

Be interesting to see what his new gig will be. VP for something at a Beltway Bandit or Senior Fellow at a think tank would be my guess. Plus board memberships at MIC heavyweights.

[The Twisted Genius]

Of course. I doubt even he could stand being with himself in retirement. The thought of reflection and contemplation probably frightens the hell out of him.

[Frank]

Actually there is plenty of evidence that Daesh fighters are terrified of being killed by a woman. It consists of them openly admitting it themselves. They don't believe they are rewarded with going to heaven for martyrdom if it's a woman that kills them. I'm open to being wrong on this as well, but I've seen far too many clips out there of ISIS guys admitting it.

[turcopolier]

TTG

It will be interesting to see if BHO promotes him on the retired list. I suspect not and that he is leaving in a fit of pique. Someone mentioned me as a possibility for a job offer. Nevah hoppen, GI. The neocons would fight it to the bitter end. This below is more fun. pl
http://sasquatchgenomeproject.org/sasquatch_genome_project_019.htm

[The Twisted Genius]

pl,

Sasquatch hunter... now there's something that could draw me out of retirement. I remember you providing us a link to a show about sasquatch hunters. Some burly gentleman heard a feral noise out in the darkness and, without hesitation, ran outside armed with nothing more than a stout stick and a brave heart. I could sit around a fire and drink beers with those crazy bastards. I imagine you could, too.

[turcopolier]

TTG

IMO an application of sound intelligence analysis on what is supposedly known of the "Sasquatch People" would lead to an ability to go the right place and be waiting for them. If it is true that they are another kind of human there must be law to protect. pl

[fjdixon]

Off Topic but another piece of interest from Jack Murphy:
https://sofrep.com/67808/three-green-berets-killed-isis-infiltrator-cia-ignored-warnings/

[The Twisted Genius]

pl,

Damned good idea. I'll be reading/studying that DNA material you found. It's a good place to start. Considering that a trained sniper in a ghillie suit can be invisible, I can see how a population of "Sasquatch People" can remain undiscovered.

[Earthrise]

The sad part Dear Host is that the Empire will never let Rojava stand. Before all the shooting stops, the US are going to allow the Turks to destroy Rojava (either directly or through the Iraqi Kurds). What the YPG represents is far more dangerous than Assad, or even Putin, to the Masters of the Universe. The Syrian Kurds are committing the most heinous of crime; Anarchy. A group after my own heart; they have transferred all power to the lowest practical level, are radically democratic (by international norms), and they are able to defend themselves. They are not reliant on anyone, not dependent on the Global financial system, and bend the knee to no man. This will not stand. The Empire will not allow Rojava to become a beacon to oppressed people everywhere.

Anarchy is the perfect foil to centralised power, hence the weight of the world will fall on their unbowed heads. Of course, once the Empire has finished using them.

[Earthrise]

Sorry Twisted, I didn't see your name on this one. Many thanks for picking up the crown.

[Ishmael Zechariah]

TTG, All; This might be of interest:
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2016-11-17/why-turkey-s-erdogan-is-so-happy-about-trump-s-victory
Ishmael Zechariah

[The Twisted Genius]

Thanks, Earthrise. But the crown is still where it belongs. I'm just providing a little temporary supporting fire.

[VietnamVet]

As sovereign states fall victim to the globalist's onslaught of looting, the Kurd’s People Protection Units are a means of securing communities from roving bands of religious nuts or corporate road warriors. Another means of achieving security is to restore the draft and 4-year militia tours duty for all able bodied Deplorables and One Percenters. If all hands are needed on the battle line to secure the peace; divisive identity politics will have to disappear.

[different clue]

Colonel Lang,

It might be safer to have a pre-emptive law to protect them now, just in case they exist. If there is no such law now ahead of time, and some one who is "loaded for Sasquatch" sees one, there is nothing to deter such a person from killing him/her to prove it to science.

[esq]

I assume this is an inside joke?
No harm if it is, but if serious no way they could have a sufficient breeding population and not have been found!

[Valissa]

The latest Trump update...

Trump offers Flynn national security adviser job http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ap-source-trump-offers-flynn-national-security-adviser-job/ar-AAkqtH0
Flynn, who served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, has advised Trump on national security issues for months. As national security adviser, he would work in the White House and have frequent access to the president. The post does not require Senate confirmation.

The official wouldn't say whether Flynn had accepted the job, which left open the possibility that the arrangement was not finalized. The official was not authorized to discuss the offer publicly and insisted on anonymity. ...

The president-elect held his first face-to-face meeting with a world leader since winning the presidential election, huddling privately with Japan's Shinzo Abe. While Trump made no comments following the meeting, Abe said the president-elect was "a leader in whom I can have great confidence."

Trump also consulted with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and sat down with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a potential contender to lead the State Department. ...

Trump's actions Thursday aimed to show leaders both in the U.S. and overseas that he could soften his rhetoric, offer pragmatism in the White House and reaffirm longstanding American alliances. Since his stunning victory over Hillary Clinton last week, Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Theresa May and nearly three dozen other world leaders by telephone.

Ron Dermer, Israel's ambassador to the United States, also visited the skyscraper and called Trump "a true friend of Israel." He specifically cited as another "friend" Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon, whose selection as a top White House adviser has created a backlash among Democrats. Bannon's news website has peddled conspiracy theories, white nationalism and anti-Semitism.

"We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, in making the U.S.-Israel alliance stronger than ever," Dermer said.
----------

Despite all the media hysteria about the "transition" it appears things are moving along at a good clip.

The MSM headlines tonight about Trump are much less negative and more "politically normal" (for lack of a better phrase).

Interesting times!

[Earthrise]

Amen VietnamVet,

Identity politics is now only aiding the enemy, time for the patriots to rally around the flag. Sorry to ask, were you drafted or did you volunteer? I would not have expected a Vietnam vet to support the draft, but hopefully I am about to find out. The Syrian Kurds are using the same playbook that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps developed; part militia, part social service provider. I think this is the future once centralised control weakens, and our budgets hollow out.

I would prefer not to have to draft our fellow militia warriors; the strength of the YPG is in their incredible motivation. A little gentle social pressure should do the job, seemed to have got my ancestors to travel all the way to France 100 years ago. If the times are serious enough, there will be no need to draft anyone. And we civvies are going to need you old vets to come back from your well-deserved retirements to show us a thing or two.

[robt willmann]

I have been engaging in some speculative and wishful thinking that Col. Lang's taking some time off was a cover story resulting from an overture from the Trump camp to discuss a possible job or policy. But he would have to either go in a disguise to Trump Tower, or Trump could go out for another dinner. Not to the 21 Club, but maybe to a little authentic Italian restaurant. Or a meeting at an Irish spot in New York--

http://ny.curbed.com/2015/3/16/9980406/in-modern-day-new-york-reminders-of-irish-roots-abound

If he is nominated or hired without the need for Senate approval, once pl's experience is publicized, the neocons might not be able to block it, after Trump makes a decision.