Jeff SeldinVerified account

#ISIS in #Iraq: "ISIS maintains pockets of popular support throughout Iraq," per new @DoD_IG report, using robbery & money laundering to raise cash

"Treasury designations imposed in late November against an illicit #Russia-Iran oil transfer network in #Syria could have an effect on the Iranian regime’s funding of terrorist organizations, including #Hezbollah’s activity in Syria" per @DoD_IG

Some US sanctions having little impact on #Iran in #Syria Pentagon "stated that US sanctions re-imposed on Iran in August and November 2018 have had limited effect on Iran’s ability to operate in Syria" per @DoD_IG, tho DoD officials said new sanctions could help

.@CENTCOM has "no information on whether #Iran|ian or Iranian-backed forces operating in Syria had engaged #ISIS this quarter [Oct-Dec 2018]" per @DoD_IG

#Russia destabilizing #Syria, "supporting the Syrian regime, circulating #misinformation, and partnering with #Iran" Pentagon tells @DoD_IG

"The Kurdish #YPG represent the most experienced, well-armed, and most capable portion of the #SDF" @CJTFOIR tells the @DoD_IG "Their experience in fighting #ISIS...is paramount to stability” and to efforts to fight ISIS in the MERV"

Fate of ##ISIS #foreignfighters detained by #SDF "unclear" per @DoD_IG report US estimates SDF has 800 ISIS foreign fighters, plus 400-500 women & +1,000 children Total number of #ISIS fighters being held by SDF could be closer to 3,200

"#ISIS maintains a presence in opposition-held #Idlib province, areas south of #Damascus, and in the #Badiyah Desert near the #AtTanf garrison" per @DoD_IG report on @CJTFOIR

#ISIS has potent force beyond the reach of the US, coalition-backed allies, per @DoD_IG reports, while attracting new #foreignfighters - “most likely 50 per month"

At times, #ISIS fighters seem "unfazed by Coalition airstrikes," @CJTFOIR tells @DoD_IG

#ISIS remains "a battle-hardened and well-disciplined force... able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives" per new @DoD_IG report Morale among #ISIS fighters also "remains 'high'"though it is trending downward per report, quoting @CJTFOIR

Report also finds #SDF "has limited mortar and artillery assets" and "still relies heavily on Coalition air support both for protection and for enabling offensive operations against #ISIS"

#YPG's "experience in fighting ISIS, along with U.S. equipment and training to the #SDF over a number of years, is paramount to stability and efforts to defeat #ISIS in the MERV [Middle Euphrates River Valley]" @CJTFOIR tells @DoD_IG

Persistent concerns about ability of #SDF's Arab component, the Syrian Arab Coalition, or #SAC SAC “probably unable to conduct offensive operations against ISIS without the #YPG,” @CJTFOIR tells @DoD_IG

#ISIS also better positioned now in #Iraq, @CENTCOM tells @DoD_IG: "ISIS is regenerating key functions and capabilities more quickly in #Iraq than in #Syria"

MORE: If #Sunni grievances are not addressed,"it is very likely that #ISIS will have the opportunity to set conditions for future resurgence and territorial control" in #Syria & #Iraq, @CENTCOM tells DoD IG

JUST IN: "#ISIS could likely resurge in Syria within six to twelve months and regain limited territory" in #Syria @CENTCOM tells @DeptofDefense Inspector General in new report out today

"But you have to have everybody adhere to it. And you have a certain side that almost pretends it doesn’t exist—pretty much pretends it doesn’t exist" per @POTUS