Special operations troops say they should be doing more in the war against Daesh, or the ‘Islamic State‘, complaining of strict rules of engagement and White House limits on troop numbers in Iraq and Syria.
Two years after the U.S. went to war, American commandos in relatively small numbers are in at least five countries under Daesh assault: Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Yemen.
But their role is mostly to train, advise and assist — a limitation that keeps them at arm’s length when local allies go into battle. Overall, the number of deployed American special operations personnel is about a third less today than it was during the troop surges for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
Special operations troops say they should be doing more in the war against Daesh, or the ‘Islamic State‘, complaining of strict rules of engagement and White House limits on troop numbers in Iraq and Syria.
Two years after the U.S. went to war, American commandos in relatively small numbers are in at least five countries under Daesh assault: Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Yemen.
But their role is mostly to train, advise and assist — a limitation that keeps them at arm’s length when local allies go into battle. Overall, the number of deployed American special operations personnel is about a third less today than it was during the troop surges for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
The Washington Times interviewed a senior special operations officer who spoke about the frustration of not being able to conduct a series of direct raids on Daesh leaders.
“We have to say, ‘Mother may I?’ to the White House for any expansion of authorities,” said this war veteran, who asked not to be identified.
This officer indicated that targets are passed up if it is determined that the Daesh commander is operating and moving with civilians in tow.
Read More: Washington Times
Featured Image – SOFREP
US Army Overhauls 10th Mountain Division Units for Faster, Smarter Combat
Safeguarding U.S. Skies: Secretary Kendall’s Vision for a Modernized Air Force
F-35 Stealth Defeated by Unknown Russia/Iran Radar
Why the Flag on US Military Uniforms Seems to Be Reversed
‘Veterans on Patrol’ Claiming US Government Attempting to Kill Citizens With ‘Weather Weapons’
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.