Small SOF raid, big impact
The BBC amongst others report a long range raid into eastern Syria to get a Daesh logistician:
Quote:
The US says its special forces have killed a senior Islamic State (IS) member and captured his wife in a rare ground raid in eastern Syria.Abu Sayyaf helped direct oil, gas and financial operations for IS, as well as holding a military role...
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32764995
Clints Watts at FPRI writes that:
Quote:
This daring U.S. raid and its great success likely signal a turning point in the fight against ISIS.
Link:http://www.fpri.org/geopoliticus/201...e-game-changer
Yes there maybe an intelligence gain, it may disrupt funding via oil & gas production (IIRC mainly sold to the Syrian regime) and affect the confidence of Daesh supporters / fighters. I am doubtful from this armchair that it is 'game changer'.
'Game changer' as the 'posts' change?
The Soufan Group's e-briefing on the raid has several good points, including just who exactly is the target and ends with:
Quote:
As important as the killing of ‘Abu Sayyaf’ is, as long as the group’s foes remain incapable of defense and offense outside of their comfort zone, and the ground reality remains one of poor governance and persistent grievance, the group will remain a serious threat to the region and beyond.
Link:http://soufangroup.com/tsg-intelbrie...ship-in-syria/
This short ISW briefing is harsh and ends with:
Quote:
Partnership is also essential, because the U.S. is no longer a legitimate ally in the eyes of many populations in the regionPartnership is also essential, because the U.S. is no longer a legitimate ally in the eyes of many populations in the region.
Link:http://understandingwar.org/report/i...daptive-enemy?
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