1. I think the US may be engaged in slight policy shift in #Syria re #SDF though I don't think the rules of engagement have changed, this statement today by #Coalition Spox is a big deal IMO:
"MC: I’d like to take a moment to describe some more of our relationship with the SDF.
"MC: I’d like to take a moment to describe some more of our relationship with the SDF.
2. We are… the Coalition, the US-led Coalition is on several bases in NE Syria. The bases we live on are Syrian Democratic Forces bases. Today, you came and you saw SDF soldiers and guards who let you into this base. We exist in full partnership with the SDF.
3. This partnership goes beyond the security of our bases. Outside the bases, we have joint patrols where SDF and Coalition troops provide regional security, search for outlaws and protect critical infrastructure. We also have training.
4. We train the SDF on basic infantry skills, but we have the very best special operations troops here partnered with the SDF commandos, the YAT and HAT. And sometimes, not every day but sometimes, we go on partner raids. Those raids might involve Coalition helicopters, drones to
5. collect intelligence, and occasionally, when the SDF request, and we are able, we will conduct an airstrike to defeat Daesh."
That's a statement I'd expect before we start shooting down aircraft and returning fire from jihadists. But that's just my analysis. #TwitterKurds
That's a statement I'd expect before we start shooting down aircraft and returning fire from jihadists. But that's just my analysis. #TwitterKurds
