Jennifer Cafarella & Brian Fisher: Key Takeaway: ISIS Mobilizes in Northern and Central Syria: ISIS forces in northern and central Syria appear to be mobilizing as ISIS fighters ousted by the Iraqi Peshmerga from areas in Iraqs Ninewa Province attempt to regroup in Hasaka Province. ISIS bombardment of regime positions southeast of Aleppo City near Safira may seek to test regime defenses in the area, yet likely also serve as cover for an ISIS mobilization, possibly in preparation for a final assault against the besieged Kuweiris military airbase. Meanwhile, the reported growing ISIS presence near al-Sukhna, east of Palmyra in Homs Province, follows a gradual build-up of ISIS presence in the eastern countryside of Homs. Repeated attacks against regime gas facilities in this zone serve to fix regime forces away from other crucial terrain and may serve as a shaping operation for a future ISIS attack against military targets east of Homs city, including the Tayfor Military Airbase and the heavily fortified regime stronghold of Palmyra. Rebel Forces Unify in Aleppo: The unification of major military factions in Aleppo City into the Sham Front is a crucial step forward in the continued defense of Aleppo City by rebel forces. Including both prominent FSA affiliates and the Islamic Front, the Sham Front is also a key achievement for the Revolutionary Command Council by uniting local forces in an attempt to increase the effectiveness of coordinated military operations. The Sham Fronts establishment follows the formation of a wider Joint Aleppo Operations Room and therefore bolsters a growing effort to strengthen rebel unity in the defense of the city. While JN and its primary Salafi-Jihadist ally Jabhat Ansar al-Din are not signatories to either of these structures, they continue to contribute key military efforts to the rebel defense of the city. The increasing consolidation of rebel forces is therefore unlikely to sideline either of these elements in the short term. Regime Forces Defend Remaining Stronghold in Quneitra: Regime forces continue to be successful in defending remaining regime-held terrain in the northeastern corner of Quneitra Province. While rebel forces have seized wide swaths of the province since early September 2014, regime forces appear to have drawn a stable defensive line at al-Baath City and its surrounding countryside. iswsyria.blogspot.dk/2014/12/syria-situation-report-december-23-30_30.html?utm_source=Syria+Situation+Report:+December+23-30,+2014&utm_campaign=ISW+New+Iraq+update&utm_medium=email
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 10:59:40 +0000