Britain is at war: RAF Tornados are in the air over Iraq with orders to strike ISIS - and SAS are on the ground to guide in the bombs

[superbeets]

[h=1]Muslim lesbian tortured her eight-year-old daughter to death at behest of vampire-loving girlfriend who created a fantasy world of Facebook fakes to fool her[/h]

• Polly Chowdhury, 35, was 'groomed' by 43-year-old lover Kiki Muddar
• Pair were cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter of child
• Ayesha weighed just three-and-a-half stone and had 50 separate injuries
• Her mother Chowdhury bit her on the back as part of vampire fantasy
• Lovers tortured Ayesha as part or terror campaign to rid her of 'evil spirits'
• Muddar created Muslim spirit and male lover who sent messages to Polly
• Fictional characters told her to have sex with Muddar and attack Ayesha
• Child was found dead on the floor of her bedroom by emergency services

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 4, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted three airstrikes near Kobani, which struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck a roadside bomb factory, an ISIL vehicle bomb factory, and a ISIL weapons storage facility, and also destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Ramadi, an airstrike on ISIL fighters was reported as ineffective.
-- Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and three ISIL vehicles.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Campbell: Taliban Overmatched by Afghan Forces[/h]By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2015 – While Afghanistan remains a dangerous place with many challenges ahead, it’s unlikely the Taliban have the ability to best Afghan forces on the battlefield or topple the government, the top U.S. general in the country said today.
Army Gen. John F. Campbell, commander of Operation Resolute Support and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said in prepared remarks to the House Armed Services Committee that while the Taliban has shifted tactics to high-profile attacks against soft targets, it is not capable of overthrowing the Afghan government in Kabul.
While they will continue to test Afghan security forces, “it’s unlikely that the Taliban will be able to overmatch the Afghan national defense and security forces on the battlefield in 2015,” Campbell said.
He predicted that indirect fire, insider attacks and other Taliban offensives will increase during the upcoming fighting season, but “these are not the tactics of an insurgent movement capable of overthrowing the Afghan government.”
Afghans Control Key Territory
With 350,000 Afghan security forces now in charge of the country’s security, Campbell said, the Afghan government has been able to maintain control over all key territory and populated areas including the country’s 34 provincial capitals and its major cities.
Casualties among Afghan security forces were higher last year than in 2013, he said, primarily because of the stepped-up role Afghan forces have taken in security operations at a time when coalition forces were drawing down.
Though U.S. and coalition casualties were lower, “Afghanistan remains a dangerous place,” Campbell said. In the coming months, he added, “we can anticipate we will be targeted and we will suffer casualties.”
Some 10,600 U.S. forces remain in Afghanistan -- out of a total coalition force of 13,000 -- continuing with a mission to train, advise and assist Afghan forces and conduct counterterrorism operations.
“Our primary focus continues to be on preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven again for al-Qaida and other international extremist groups,” Campbell said, including the Haqqani network. That network, he said, could pose a formidable challenge to the Afghan government and coalition forces.
There is evidence of recruiting efforts in Afghanistan by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists and that some Taliban members have rebranded themselves as ISIL, Campbell said. These are developments, he said, that bear watching.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 5, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Attack, fighter and bomber aircraft conducted seven airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Kobani, four airstrikes destroyed 11 ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
-- Near Tal Hamis, two airstrikes struck two ISIL fighting positions and destroyed an ISIL staging area and an ISIL fighting position.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted five airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Haditha, an airstrike was conducted to help support friendly forces movement.
-- Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

Some great ass kicking today and sending those Islamic barbarians to hell fire.

 

[superbeets]

“The Islamic Nation is bleeding because of the news of the martyrdom of Commander Abu Humam,” Nusra Front said on Twitter.

Top al-Qaida leader killed in air strike, says militant group in Syria

• US-led coalition spokesman denies air strikes were conducted in past 24 hours
• Nusra Front announced that Abu Humam al-Shami died in bombing

.Al-Qaida’s official Syrian wing, the Nusra Front, announced on Thursday the death of its top military commander, who insurgent sources said fell victim to a blast targeting a high-level militant meeting.


Abu Humam al-Shami, a general military commander and veteran of Islamist militant fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, was the senior-most member of the group to die in the Syria war, an insurgent source said.


Insurgent sources said a US-led coalition air strike hit the meeting in the north-western province of Idlib, but a coalition spokesman said it had not conducted air strikes in the province during the past 24 hours


The sources said at least three other Nusra Front commanders were also killed in the blast, which they said hit the town of Salqin, near the border with Turkey.

Syrian insurgents have in the past killed members of rival militant groups by planting bombs at meetings. The blast comes at a time of flux for the Nusra Front, which is waging war on other insurgents and also looking for support from Gulf states, sources in Nusra have said.

“The Islamic Nation is bleeding because of the news of the martyrdom of Commander Abu Humam,” Nusra Front said on Twitter.

“It’s a major blow to Nusra. A very painful, very powerful hit,” one insurgent source said, declining to be named as he was not allowed to speak to the media.

The United States has carried out strikes against one of Nusra’s jihadi rivals, Islamic State, in Iraq since July and in Syria since September. It has also targeted Nusra fighters in Syria.

The Nusra Front has also battled western-backed Syrian rebels this year, seizing their territory and forcing them to disarm so as to consolidate its power in northern Syria.

The Hazm movement, one of the last remnants of non-jihadist opposition to President Bashar al-Assad in northern Syria, dissolved itself last week after weeks of fighting with the Nusra Front.

After Thursday’s attack, the Nusra Front told its members not to provide information to the media, the insurgent sources said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the conflict, also said that al-Shami was killed, as well as other Nusra Front members.

The weakness of the mainstream Syrian opposition and the growing power of the Nusra Front and Islamic State has complicated diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian conflict that has killed around 200,000 people.

The war started in 2011 after security forces cracked down on a peaceful pro-democracy movement.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 6, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Attack and fighter aircraft conducted four airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Dayr az Zawr, an airstrike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
-- Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Tal Hamis, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Qaim, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL bulldozer.
-- Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL headquarters and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Haditha, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery system.
-- Near Samarra, an airstrike neutralized an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
-- Near Taji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

Iraqi Forces Eject ISIL Terrorists From Baghdadi

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOhe Anbar region, officials reported.

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 6, 2015


– Iraqi security forces and tribal fighters from the Anbar region supported by coalition airstrikes have successfully cleared the Iraqi city of Baghdadi of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists, retaking both the city police station and three Euphrates River bridges, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.


The Euphrates River bridges have been held by ISIL since September, officials said, adding that Iraqi security forces with coalition airstrike support also succeeded in pushing ISIL from seven villages northwest of Baghdadi on the road to Hadithah.





Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve delivered precise and effective airstrikes on enemy positions in and around Baghdadi in support of the Iraqi government’s fight against ISIL, officials said. In support of the government of Iraq’s campaign to defeat ISIL, the coalition executed 26 airstrikes from Feb. 22 to March 6 to facilitate the maneuver of the Iraqi security forces and their successful attacks.


In addition to airstrikes, officials said, the coalition supported the operation with surveillance assets and advise and assist teams that provided operational and intelligence assistance to Iraqi security force headquarters elements, which helped to enable them to successfully conduct the offensive operation.


The Inherent Resolve coalition will continue supporting efforts on behalf of all Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government to attack and defeat ISIL, officials said. Iraqi security forces now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the Anbar region, officials reported.

 

[superbeets]

Assad's BBC interview: Key excerpts



In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad talks about the devastating civil war, the use of barrel bombs, the battle against Islamic State and al-Qaeda and relations with the US.


Below are excerpts from the interview recorded in the Syrian capital Damascus.


Q: Mr President, you've lost control over large areas of Syria, the Islamic State has emerged, there are perhaps 200,000 Syrians dead, millions have lost their homes. Has Syria become a failed state?


A: No, as long as the government and the state institutions are fulfilling their duty toward the Syrian people, [we] cannot talk about failed states.


Talking about losing control is something completely different. It's like if you have [an] invasion of terrorists coming from abroad and the government is doing its job in fighting and defending its country.




Q: Can we briefly go back to when all this started in 2011 - you've said that there were mistakes made in the handling of those early demonstrations. Did you make mistakes yourself?


A: No, I never said we made mistakes in handling this. I always said that "anyone could make mistakes", but there is a difference between talking about, or asking your question about policies and about practice.


If you want to go back to policies, we took the decision to fight terrorism from the very beginning. We took the decision to make dialogue on [a] national level, and I think both policies are correct. While if you want to talk about mistakes in practice, and that some mistakes [have been] committed towards some civilian, that happened from time to time, and some people were punished for these mistakes.




Q: You've talked about the influence of terrorism, as you call it, from the very beginning. But I was able as a reporter to go to some of those early demonstrations inside Damascus, in areas outside as well, and people there were not saying they wanted an Islamic Caliphate - they were saying they wanted freedom, democracy - not some kind of vision that IS have now for the country. Do you think you got it wrong?


A: You in the West called it that time, and some still talk about that period as [a] peaceful demonstration period.


And I will tell you that during the first few weeks many policemen were killed. Shot dead. I don't think they were shot dead and killed by the sound waves of the demonstrators - so it was just a fantasy to talk about this... we have to talk about facts. From the very beginning the demonstrations weren't peaceful.




Q: What about barrel bombs, you don't deny that your forces use them?


A: I know about the army, they use bullets, missiles, and bombs. I haven't heard of the army using barrels, or maybe, cooking pots.




Q: Large barrels full of explosives and projectiles which are dropped from helicopters and explode with devastating effect. There's been a lot of testimony about these things.


A: They're called bombs. We have bombs, missiles and bullets... There is [are] no barrel bombs, we don't have barrels.




Q: On the fight against IS and al-Qaeda, the US and others have said you cannot be a partner in that fight. Would you like to be partner, would you like to join the coalition?


A: No, definitely we cannot and we don't have the will and we don't want, for one simple reason: because we cannot be [in] alliance with the country who support the terrorism... because we are fighting the terrorism.




Q: You've been very harsh in your criticism of the Saudis. Now the Saudis say they are against IS, they are frightened because IS do not want a royal family in Saudi Arabia. So isn't it logical that they want them out? Why would they support them?


A: First of all, the source of this Islamic State ideology, and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups are the Wahhabi that have been supported by the royal family in Saudi Arabia. So just to say that "we do" and "we don't", it doesn't matter. It's what you do - what the action that you are taking in order to prove that what you are saying is correct.




Q: Let's talk about American attitudes. Your departure from office is still the official American policy, but there are signs that they are softening... Do you believe that you are now being seen as part of the solution?


A: First of all, we don't breathe through the Americans, we only breathe through our citizens. That's how we breathe, this is first. So it's not a lifeline for us.




Q: Syria has been very isolated, you're under sanctions here, people can't use credit cards, you've been cut off from a lot of the commerce of the world. You must surely welcome a situation which might get you back into the family of nations in a way that you haven't been since 2011?


A: We're not against co-operation with any country, we will never be. We didn't start this conflict with the others. They started, they supported the terrorists, they gave them the umbrella.


It's not about isolating Syria now, it's about an embargo on the Syrian population, on the Syrian citizens. It's different from isolation, it's completely different.




Q: There's the American military in the air above Syria and the Syrian Air Force. But there haven't been any incidents between the two, no shots seem to have been traded, no planes have been shot down. That suggests to me surely that someone is talking to someone here?


A: That's correct, that's correct. But again there's no direct co-operation...


Through a third party - more than one party - Iraq and other countries. Sometimes they convey message, general message, but there's nothing tactical.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. March 6 and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Attack, fighter and bomber aircraft conducted 12 airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck three tactical units, destroyed two fighting positions and damaged one heavy machine-gun position.
-- Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.
-- Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL modular oil refinery and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 32 airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Mosul, six airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroyed two buildings, two check points, two ISIL vehicles and one mortar, damaged an anti-air defense artillery gun and a weapons cache, and neutralized an excavator.
-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed two anti-air defense guns.
-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck two tactical units and destroyed one fighting position and one sniper position.
-- Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck one tactical unit and destroyed one vehicle and one weapons cache.
-- Near Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed six ISIL excavators and an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL fighting position and destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Haditha, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL fighting positions.
-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL excavators.
-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL bomb factory and an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
-- Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL large tactical units, an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed nine ISIL vehicles, two ISIL buildings, two ISIL armored vehicles and an ISIL storage facility.
-- Near Haditha, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL bunker.
-- Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Separately, a U.S. bomber aircraft yesterday attacked a staging area used by the Khorasan group, a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives plotting external attacks against the United States and its allies, officials said. The airstrike near Aleppo, Syria, struck a large tactical unit and destroyed four buildings and three tents, they added.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 10, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted four airstrikes near Kobani, which struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted eight airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL large tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Kirkuk, four airstrikes struck three ISIL large tactical units, an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL buildings, three ISIL vehicles, three ISIL vehicle bombs, an ISIL culvert crossing and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Mosul, an airstrike suppressed an ISIL vehicle.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Russian Aggression Threatens European Security, Officials Say[/h]By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2015 – Russia is actively supporting violence in Ukraine, sending weapons and equipment to separatist forces and violating the “immediate and comprehensive cease-fire” called for in the Minsk agreement, officials told Congress today.
The cease-fire is holding in some areas of eastern Ukraine, and recovery and rebuilding efforts have begun, Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Brian P. McKeon told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In a joint written statement with Navy Vice Adm. Frank Pandolfe, the director of plans and policy for the Joint Staff, McKeon noted that this lull may be a stalling tactic as a precursor to more violence.
Across the region, the picture is very mixed, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Victoria Nuland said.
“Just yesterday, shelling continued in Shyrokyne -- a key village on the way to Mariupol -- and outside Donetsk on the weekend,” she said. “And just in the last few days, we can confirm new transfers of Russian tanks, armored vehicles, heavy artillery and rocket equipment over the border to the separatists in eastern Ukraine.”
In the joint statement, McKeon and Pandolfe called on Russia to stop “moving the goalposts,” to uphold the cease-fire and to allow Ukraine the freedom to choose its own path.
Multi-pronged Response
The United States has vigorously pursued a multi-pronged approach in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, McKeon said.
“We have raised the costs to Russia for its actions, re-assured allies of our unwavering support to their security, and provided tangible support to Ukraine to help it through the crisis,” he said.
The Defense Department halted its cooperation with Russia, McKeon said. “The administration has also prohibited exports of sensitive technologies that could be used in Russia’s military modernization and has imposed blocking sanctions on 18 Russian defense technology firms,” he added.
Expanded Reassurance Mission
The U.S. has maintained a military presence in the region as part of visible and concrete measures aimed at reassuring European allies and partners and deterring further Russian aggression, he said.
In addition, McKeon said, “We tripled the number of U.S. aircraft taking part in [NATO’s] Baltic Air Policing rotation, provided refueling aircraft for NATO Airborne Warning and Control System missions, deployed U.S. Navy ships to the Black and Baltic Seas 14 times, and increased training flights in Poland.”
These efforts will step up over the coming year, he noted.
In their joint statement, McKeon and Pandolfe said the ramped-up effort includes prepositioning a second battalion-sized set of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles in Europe, additional bilateral and multilateral exercises, infrastructure improvements at eight airfields and a squadron of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft will deploy to Europe for about six months.
In addition, they wrote, capacity-building efforts with close partners such as Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine will enhance their ability to work alongside U.S. and NATO forces and provide for their own defense.
Fulfilling Collective Defense Obligations
NATO has taken similar steps to reassure allies and deter Russia, McKeon said. “These measures are defensive, proportionate, and fully in line with the obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty to provide for collective defense of the alliance,” he added.
Improvements to NATO’s Readiness Action Plan will “ensure it is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to new security challenges,” McKeon said.
The newly created Very High Readiness Joint Task Force will be able to deploy at very short notice, he said.
“The task force consists of a land component of around 5,000 troops with an appropriate mix of air, maritime and special operations forces units,” McKeon said. “It aims to strengthen the alliance’s collective defense and ensure that NATO has the right forces in the right place at the right time.”
Economic, Security Crises
The U.S. is providing support as Ukraine -- a strong partner to the United States and NATO since its independence –- addresses simultaneous security and economic crises, he said.
“Unfortunately, the corruption of the Yanukovych regime starved Ukraine’s armed forces of resources,” McKeon said. “But the neglect of the armed forces by the regime did not strip the military of its professionalism or its determination to fight.”
The U.S. has committed $118 million in material and training assistance to Ukraine’s military, National Guard and border guard service, he said. Over the coming year it will send at least another $120 million, including $45 million for State Department security assistance programs, McKeon said.
“Our assistance has been consistent with identified Ukrainian needs and priorities, and is vetted by our country team in Kyiv and by a flag-level U.S.-Ukraine Joint Commission that continues to assess how to maximize the effect and impact of our security assistance,” he told the committee.
No Military Solution in Ukraine
The department does not believe there is a military solution to the conflict in Ukraine and is working actively to support diplomatic efforts, McKeon said. However, he added, “we are looking at all our options, including the possibility of lethal defensive weapons.”
Russian aggression in Ukraine is a threat to a free, whole and peaceful Europe, he said.
“The United States will continue to work closely with our Ukrainian and European partners to counter these actions and to provide reassurance and support to our partners and NATO allies,” McKeon said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Fighter aircraft conducted two airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL oil pump jacks.
-- Near Kobani, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Qaim, three airstrikes struck an ISIL artillery piece and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL artillery piece.
-- Near Fallujah, three airstrikes destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Mosul, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL outpost and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.
-- Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Peshmerga Fighters Take Key ISIL Ridgeline in Northern Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2015 – Peshmerga fighters, supported by Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes, seized a key ridgeline west of Kirkuk in northern Iraq, task force officials reported today.
The peshmerga forces overcame ISIL resistance in this section of Iraq and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area, officials said. The March 9 operation also pushed ISIL further away from the Kirkuk oilfields.
During the operation, peshmerga forces seized critical portions of Route 80 in Iraq, according to officials. In addition, the peshmerga forces pushed ISIL 2 to 3 miles back over a wide front, liberating about 30 square miles of terrain formerly held by ISIL.
Coalition Airstrikes in Support
Coalition forces conducted supporting airstrikes, resulting in the destruction of 10 enemy fighting positions, five tactical units and 10 ISIL weapons systems, officials said.
“This operation is another step on the path to ultimately defeating Daesh [the Arabic acronym for ISIL]. It clearly demonstrates the ability of peshmerga forces to degrade Daesh influence in Northern Iraq,” said Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve commander.
The Inherent Resolve coalition will continue to support efforts to attack and defeat ISIL, officials said. Peshmerga fighters now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the region, officials added

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 12, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. No airstrikes were conducted in Syria during the specified timeframe, officials added. Airstrikes in Iraq Fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq: -- Near Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles. -- Near Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area. -- Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Kirkuk, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL excavators, three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL vehicle bomb. -- Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL armored vehicles. -- Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position. -- Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Iraqi Security Forces Defeat ISIL Attack on Ramadi[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 13, 2015 – Iraqi security forces supported by Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve successfully defeated an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant attack on Ramadi in the Anbar region of Iraq March 11, task force officials reported today. The Iraqi forces were simultaneously attacked in several locations in Ramadi and the surrounding areas with small-arms fire, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and indirect fire, officials said. Iraqi air and ground security forces responded in force and successfully defeated the attacks, said officials, noting ISIL had gained no ground. “The successful defense of Ramadi by Iraqi security forces is another example of their increasing ability to defeat Daesh in multiple locations and prevent the terrorist group from gaining ground,” said Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, CJTF-OIR commander, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. “The ISF continues to hold terrain in some locations while making gains in others.” Iraqi security forces in Ramadi continue to hold all positions previously held by friendly forces before the attack, officials said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 13, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Fighter and bomber aircraft conducted five airstrikes near Kobani, which destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted six airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece.
-- Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.
-- Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
-- Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]DoD News, Defense Media Activity
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 14, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Fighter and bomber aircraft conducted two airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Kobani, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL fighting position.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted seight airstrikes in Iraq:
-- Near Kirkuk, four airstrikes struck one large ISIL unit and two ISIL tactical units and destroyed four buildings, three ISIL machine guns, and three ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck one tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL vehicles and one structure.
-- Near Fallujah, one airstrike neutralized an ISIL rocket tube.
-- Near Rawah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[vitterd]

Please put this thread out of its misery. This is awful.

 

[ScottL]

Please put this thread out of its misery. This is awful.

Do you walk across the street to ask your neighbor, "Why did you pick such an ugly dress out of your closet to wear today?"

You made a mean-spirited remark for no reason. As if the rest of this room is chock full of quality. At least in this thread there is news.