The Islamic State and the Taliban are headed for a showdown in Afghanistan. Reports of a mutual declaration of jihad may have brought smiles to the faces of American service personnel and veterans of the war in Afghanistan, but the reverberations could be dramatically destabilizing for the country at its most pivotal moment. In many ways, this is like the two biggest bullies … [Read more...] about Thunderdome: ISIS VS. Taliban in Afghanistan, ANSF Takes the Fight to Both
Eric Jones Articles
Is War Coming to the Caucasus?
There are signs of intensifying and escalating conflict in the Caucasus. Recent statements by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov have spotlighted a potential fissure inside the Russian government that pits Kadyrov against Russian federal security elements in the North Caucasus. As the bellicosity is ratcheted upward, questions mount as to what exactly underpins the ongoing power … [Read more...] about Is War Coming to the Caucasus?
South Ossetia Signs Integration Treaty With Russia
On March 18, 2015, tensions between Russia and the South Caucasian country of Georgia were ratcheted upward with the signing of an integration treaty between the Georgian breakaway territory of South Ossetia and Russia. As examined in detail through numerous previous articles here at SOFREP and at Foreign Intrigue, South Ossetia represents strategic terrain in Russia's ongoing … [Read more...] about South Ossetia Signs Integration Treaty With Russia
Dagestan: Russians Target Islamic Terrorists
On March 21 in Dagestan, Russian police forces effectively sealed off an entire block in the capital city of Makhachkala sometime in the early morning hours and proceeded to carry out an intense mission to root out suspected Islamist militants in an apartment complex. While reports have varied somewhat and timelines differ from one source to the next, a gunfight eventually … [Read more...] about Dagestan: Russians Target Islamic Terrorists
Kadyrov Expands Role of Chechen Special Forces
In February, the head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, Ramzan Kadyrov, announced the creation of a “state-of-the-art Special Forces training center the size of a city” in Gudermes, Chechen Republic. Kadyrov stated that the construction of the training center would not take longer than a year and that the facility would provide services to a number of foreign … [Read more...] about Kadyrov Expands Role of Chechen Special Forces