Analysis: DIA head warns al Qaeda in Syria may gain ground in 2015

2015-02-04T12:31:17-05:00

he DIA expects Al Nusrah "will try to expand its territory in 2015 beyond its Syrian operating areas and enhance its operational capabilities in Lebanon, where it already conducts operations."

"As part of the larger al Qaeda network," Stewart writes, "we are concerned about the support Al Nusrah Front provides to transnational terrorist attack plotting against US and Western interests." In particular, he highlighted the threat posed by the so-called Khorasan Group, "a cadre of experienced al Qaeda operatives that works closely with and relies upon al Nusrah Front to provide personnel and space for training facilities in northwestern Syria." The Khorasan Group "is primarily focused on transnational terrorist attack plotting."

In the past, US officials have tried to draw a line between the Khorasan Group and Al Nusrah, as if the two were almost distinct entities. [See LWJ report, Analysis: CENTCOM draws misleading line between Al Nusrah Front and Khorasan Group.] In reality, both are simply al Qaeda. And Stewart's testimony makes it clear that the Khorasan Group's operatives are deeply embedded within Al Nusrah.

Air campaign damaging, not defeating Islamic State

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/02/dia_head_warns_al_qa.php#ixzz3QnZEknK3

Analysis: DIA head warns al Qaeda in Syria may gain ground in 2015 | The Long War Journal

The director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Lieutenant General Vincent R. Stewart, warned during congressional testimony yesterday that the "security challenges" the US faces are "more diverse and complex than those we have experienced in our lifetimes." Stewart delivered his remarks to the House Armed Services Committee during a hearing devoted to assessing worldwide threats. While Stewart addressed diverse national security...

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-02-04T12:41:30-05:00

No offense to the wonderful folks at the DIA, but remind me again about how good they are at predicting anything in this region?