Moscow Shakes Up Command of Its Forces in Ukraine (Again)
Moscow’s latest command shake-up likely reflects internal power politics and bodes poorly for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Tag Archives: russia
Estimating Russia’s Kh-101 Production Capacity
Data from downed Kh-101 cruise missiles suggests that despite sanctions, Russian production of these (and perhaps other) missiles not only persists but may be greater than some previously thought.
Iranian Shahed-136 Drones Increase Russian Strike Capacity and Lethality in Ukraine
While it will not change the conflict’s overall direction, the Shahed-136 has bolstered Russia’s long-range precision strike capacity while providing some additional capability against front-line targets.
Generation Jihad Ep. 81 — An update on Russia’s war in Ukraine
Host Bill Roggio is again joined by John Hardie, deputy director of FDD’s Russia Program, to discuss the latest from Russia’s war in Ukraine, including Putin’s announcements on mobilization and additional annexations as well as other developments from the battlefield.
In an About-Face, Russia Announces Mobilization and ‘Referendums’ in Occupied Ukrainian Territories
In a televised address on Wednesday morning, President Vladimir Putin promised to ensure the security of upcoming “referendums” in occupied Ukrainian territories and declared Russia would conduct a “partial mobilization.” These announcements represent an about-face from the Kremlin’s position on these issues mere days ago, likely reflecting Putin’s realization that drastic measures are necessary to […]
Ukraine’s Counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson and the Road Ahead
Ukraine’s stunning victory in Kharkiv Oblast has reshaped the battlefield and dealt a powerful blow to Vladimir Putin’s ambitions in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to wage a more gradual but no less important counteroffensive in southern Ukraine. This analysis will unpack them both and highlight some factors that will shape the road ahead. Kharkiv […]
Generation Jihad Ep. 65 — CDR Salamander on the Ukraine War
Host Bill Roggio is joined by Commander Salamander, a retired U.S. Navy Commander. Since 2003, like Bill, Sal has been closely tracking and analyzing military issues on his “Commander Salamander” blog and is widely seen as a trailblazer in the arena. The two discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine following Putin’s invasion.
Generation Jihad Ep. 64 — Minority Report: Ukraine
Bill Roggio provides an update on the current situation in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, including a clear-eyed and sober analysis of what’s actually happening on the ground. Bill reminds listeners that the West must understand the enemy and how — if we want to help Ukraine — we must be honest about its predicament.
Generation Jihad Ep. 18 – What We Don’t Know About Russian Bounties
Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio discuss reports saying that Russia offered bounties to Taliban fighters to attack Americans.
Russian air defense systems outmatched by Turkish drones in Syria and Libya
After many years of conflict in Syria and Libya, the involvement of Turkey, Russia and other powers is leading to increasingly sophisticated clashes between the latest UAV and air defense technology. The use of new technology has ramifications for future conflicts in the Middle East and provides an emerging model for how regional powers are fighting proxy wars to redraw the balance of power in the region.
Turkey’s Operation “Spring Shield” delivers blow to Hezbollah
Recently, Hezbollah has suffered losses it has not seen in years of fighting in Syria.
Russian special forces train Palestinian militia in Syria
Russian special forces are reported to have held a training event for the pro-regime Palestinian militia, Liwa al Quds.
Russia says gas leak likely caused apartment explosion claimed by Islamic State
The Russian government says that a gas leak was most likely responsible for an explosion at an apartment building in Magnitogorsk on Dec. 31. On Jan. 17, the Islamic State claimed that the incident was really an “operation” conducted by the Islamic State’s Caucasus province.
Analysis: Jihadists in Syria react to Sochi agreement
Hay’at Tahrir al Sham (HTS), the most powerful jihadist organization in Idlib province, has finally issued a statement addressing the agreement reached between Turkey and Russia last month. HTS vows to continue waging jihad, and warns that it doesn’t trust Russia’s “intentions,” but does not directly repudiate the Sochi accord.
Islamic State claims church shooting in Dagestan
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a shooting at a church in Kizlyar, a town in Dagestan, earlier today. Russian officials have confirmed that at least five people were killed and four more wounded.
Russia and Iran help capture Syria’s al Mayadin from Islamic State
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Russia have spearheaded the operation to capture the Islamic State-held city of al Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor province, eastern Syria.
Russia struck Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria, US says
The US says that Russian forces struck and wounded several fighters belonging to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The incident highlights the fact that despite “de-confliction,” the US and Russia are often not on the same page in Syria.
Hezbollah and allies parade in Deir Ezzor, Syria
Hezbollah forces and its militia allies can be seen parading in the streets of Deir Ezzor after lifting the siege of the city. Syrian regime soldiers, who had been under the siege since 2014, praise Hezbollah and Hassan Nasrallah for their role in the operation.
Israeli airstrikes target suspected chemical weapons facility in Syria
Israel struck a suspected chemical weapons facility near Masyaf, Syria earlier today. The facility may have been run by the Syrian regime’s Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), which has been sanctioned by the US government for its role in producing chemical weapons and the means to deploy them.
Pakistan suffers diplomatic defeat as BRICS names regional terrorist groups
The blow comes just two weeks after President Trump called out Pakistan for providing “safe haven” for terrorist groups operating in the region and advocated for closer ties with India.
Russian terrorist swore allegiance to Baghdadi before stabbing assault
An Islamic State production featuring the young man responsible for stabbing rampage in the Russian city of Surgat is similar to past videos released by the group. The jihadist swore allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi before his day of terror. The video also contains a clip of a young Russian child beheading a captive.
Sending more troops to Afghanistan is a good start
A complete US withdrawal from Afghanistan would have been disastrous. The US government needs to drastically reassess America’s jihadist enemies and avoid the policy pitfalls of the past.
Analysis: The Syrian regime’s offensive towards Deir Ezzor
Bashar al Assad’s forces and allies are advancing on the Islamic State’s stronghold in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor. The two sides have fought in Deir Ezzor for years and the Assad regime is hoping to turn the tide of battle with the help of Russian airpower.
Russian government blames neo-Nazi group for attack claimed by Islamic State
The Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency quickly claimed credit yesterday for a shooting in the Russian city of Khabarovsk that left at least one FSB officer dead. However, the Russian government claims that “information” about the gunman “points to his being a member of a neo-Nazi group.”
Islamic State faces multiple adversaries in Al Bab, Syria
The Islamic State has been battling Turkey and allied groups north of Al Bab, Syria since Nov. 2016. The US was reluctant, at first, to support Turkey’s ground operations near the town. But that changed after Turkey turned to Russia for aerial support. The Syrian regime and its allies also launched an offensive south of Al Bab earlier this month.
Islamic State offensive against Assad regime cuts city of Deir Ezzor in two
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a new offensive by the Islamic State has effectively cut the city of Deir Ezzor in two. The Islamic State has battled forces loyal to the Assad regime in and around Deir Ezzor since mid-2014. The jihadis’ latest assault has exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the city.
Russia’s new favorite jihadis: The Taliban
Russia is openly advocating on behalf of the Taliban, arguing that the jihadist group should be considered a bulwark against the Islamic State’s branch in Afghanistan. But the Taliban is a bigger threat to Afghan security than Abu Bakr al Baghdadi’s men, the organization remains closely allied with al Qaeda and its own extremism should not be downplayed.
Jihadis celebrate capture of Russian base in Palmyra, Syria
The Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency claims that 352 men from the Syrian Army and allied Shiite militias were killed during four days of fighting in and around Palmyra. In addition, the group claims to have recovered a significant amount of “spoils,” namely tanks and various weapons. A video recorded inside a base formerly used by Russians documents some of this war booty.
Islamic State claims full control of Palmyra, Syria
The Islamic State claims to have taken complete control over the city of Palmyra. Various reports indicated earlier in the day that the jihadists had been forced to withdraw from the city after heavy Russian airstrikes. Update: Amaq News Agency released a video of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi’s men inside Palmyra.
US bombs oil tanker trucks as Islamic State battles Syrian regime near Palmyra
The Islamic State launched an offensive near the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs province on Dec. 8. The US-led coalition “destroyed a fleet” of 168 oil tanker trucks owned by the jihadists that same day. The Islamic State and the Syrian regime have repeatedly clashed in Homs province, especially at gas and oil fields that both sides seek to control.