U.S. support for YPG fighters frustrates Turkey, who calls them terrorists

The American campaign to remove the Islamic State from northern Syria continues to be complicated by the various armed groups and allegiances on the ground. Turkey, a critical ally for the United States in counter-terrorism operations in the region, has expressed great concern over American support for the Kurdish YPG, an armed group fighting against […]

Welcome to Raqqa, a photo-essay from the frontlines

Today I want to introduce my friend Joey L. to SOFREP readers.  Joey is an accomplished professional photographer who I traveled to Damascus, Syria with last year.  He has also made several trips to Iraq and Kurdish held northern Syria.  This report details his last trip to Syria a few months ago and helps set […]

The 75th Ranger Regiment hits the ground in Syria for Raqqa offensive

After months of planning and deliberations, the 75th Ranger Regiment has been deployed to Syria to participate in the war against ISIS as the coalition closes in on the so-called caliphate’s capital city of Raqqa.  Yesterday, the first images emerged of Stryker armored vehicles on their way to Manbij.  This comes weeks after Rangers deployed […]

Russia and the Syrian regime bombed U.S.-backed fighters in Syria, U.S. general says

Russian and Syrian regime forces bombed U.S.-backed fighters Tuesday in villages near the Syrian city of al-Bab, a U.S. general said Wednesday, characterizing the incident as a likely mistake. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, who leads the fight against the Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria, told reporters Wednesday that he believes the pilots […]

Plan to defeat Islamic State will potentially increase military commitment in Syria

The Department of Defense’s plan to defeat the Islamic State, as directed by President Trump to Secretary of Defense James Mattis to prepare over a month ago, is complete and ready for the President. The plan reportedly reflects the rapidly changing conditions on the ground in Iraq and Syria against ISIS, where the terrorist group’s […]

ISIS car bomb in Syria kills at least 50

A car bomb claimed by ISIS detonated in a rebel held Syrian village on Friday, killing more than fifty people, 30 of whom were civilians.  The Aleppo Media Center and the UK-based Syrian Observatory both report that the death toll could exceed 60, but their accounts have yet to be confirmed. According to Turkey’s state-run […]

Trial begins for 40 Turkish soldiers charged with presidential ‘assassination plot’

On Monday, Turkish prosecutors charged 47 suspects, most of whom were soldiers, with a range of crimes relating to a failed coup attempt last July.  Among the charges levied were attempting to assassinate the president, breaching the constitution and belonging to an armed terrorist organization.  Prosecutors have requested life in prison for 40 of the […]

Munich Security Conference: Growing world concern over new administration

In Munich this weekend, the world’s top international security experts were attending the 53rd Munich Security Conference with more than 500 leaders debating the world’s international crisis’ and shaping the policy decisions which will affect the future of global civilization. On Friday, Senator John McCain addressed the conference and delivered some sobering warnings, stating, “My […]

Cease-fire frays in Syria’s south as rebels launch new offensive

BEIRUT — A cease-fire brokered by Turkey and Russia two months ago is fraying along Syria’s southern border as rebel forces launch their largest offensive in the area in more than a year. Monitors, activists and an aid group said fighting between opposition and pro-government forces raged for a fourth day Wednesday in the southern […]

Jihadist clashes in Syria signal deteriorating situation for opposition

Fighting occurred between jihadist opposition groups in northwest Syria on Monday, highlighting the fractious differences that remain among rebel forces in Syria. Following the seizure of Aleppo in December 2016 by Assad government forces, armed opposition groups in northwest Syria have begun to battle over remaining territory and resources. As Assad regime troops re-consolidate following […]

Coalition spokesman on ISIS in West Mosul: “Surrender or die”

Air Force Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve tasked with engaging ISIS, briefed the Pentagon on Wednesday about continuing operations against ISIS around the globe. Colonel Dorrian did not mince words, stating plainly that the ISIS fighters holding out in pockets of Iraq’s second largest city have “only two […]

Russian airstrike accidentally kills 3 Turkish soldiers in Syria

Three Turkish soldiers were killed and eleven others were injured when a Russian air strike accidentally hit a building occupied by the Turkish military in Syria on Thursday. “During an operation by a Russia Federation warplane against Islamic State targets in the region of the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria, a bomb accidentally hit a […]