It is now being reported that the Islamic State has overrun a large part of the last Syrian regime stronghold in Raqqa, effectively putting them in control of the entire governorate.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights is reporting that the Islamic State has lost around 100 fighters in this operation; but nevertheless, the Islamic State still overran the base. IS has been showing technical capabilities in the field of ISR (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) gathering with their recent release of a video which detailed their overrunning of Base 93 in Raqqa. In the video, among more depictions of various war crimes and footage of them gunning down fleeing Assad soldiers, there is a snippet showcasing what appears to be a remote controlled aircraft with attached video camera(s). As Tom noted yesterday: "Such sophisticated surveillance and reconissance capabilities is worrisome, as they will supplement the ability of IS forces to conduct combat operations in Iraq and Syria to great effect. Good intelligence will oftentimes make or break an offensive. Furthermore, if the drone is armed, it enables IS to utilize air power against its enemies".
What is also worrying is that the IS has taken over MiG 21's, SA-16 MANPADS, and apparently AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
IS fighters have captured SA-16 MANPADS, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles & MiG-21B jets in #Tabaqa Airbase, #Raqqa. #Syria pic.twitter.com/c33TB56XdL
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) August 24, 2014
I doubt the IS knows how to operate MiG's, but the fact that they have obtained even more MANPADS is rather worrying--even though hundreds (if not more) are already in the hands of such groups.
-- Caleb