1 US Bombs ISIS Island Haven
American F-15 and F-35 fighters bombed an ISIS safe haven earlier this week. Over 80,000 pounds of explosives were dropped by laser-guidance systems on Qanus Island. Below is footage of the decisive strike against terrorist forces.
US BOMBS ISIS: More than 80,000 pounds of laser-guided bombs were dropped today on an ISIS-“infested island” in northern Iraq, new video shows. MORE: https://t.co/UmFCdx8cpa pic.twitter.com/1YAY5YGtlj
— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) September 10, 2019
While this attack won’t end ISIS on its own, it’s part of an overarching strategy to limit its influence over the Middle East. The bombing is a disruption of their attempts to set up logistical infrastructure. Maj. Gen. Eric Hill, commander of a coalition against ISIS, describes the campaign this way.
We’re denying Daesh the ability to hide on Qanus Island. We’re setting the conditions for our partner forces to continue bringing stability to the region.”
-Maj. Gen. Eric Hill
2 New Missile Deployed to Secure Pacific
Somewhere, at an undisclosed location in the Pacific Ocean, is a US warship carrying new missile systems to improve our tactical presence. Regions like the South China Sea may be one possible area affected by this cache of new munitions. The USS Gabrielle Giffords is responsible for transporting the new weapons to our Pacific arsenal.
The so-called Naval Strike Missile is a low-flying projectile that’s difficult to spot on radar. It’s guided by an MQ-8B Fire Scout helicopter drone that searches for targets to strike.
The Naval Strike Missile is a sea-skimming cruise missile that is difficult to spot on radar, and can maneuver to avoid enemy defenses, according to Raytheon, the main US contractor for the weapon. https://t.co/cEAllCcGVN
— CNN International (@cnni) September 11, 2019
The South China Sea is a key region for commerce, which makes it a coveted location for many countries. Recent tensions between China and Taiwan, a key US ally, are partially responsible for the increased militarization of the zone. These new missiles should tip the balance in America’s favor.
3 Putin’s “Symmetrical” Response to US Activities
Russia and America both withdrew from a Cold War-era treaty that prohibited the use of certain missiles this summer. Russia had already breached this treaty over a year ago. Last month, the US tested a previously banned cruise missile off of the west coast.
In response to this test, Putin ordered his military to provide a “symmetrical response” to what they perceive as a potential threat. What that precisely means is anyone’s guess. However, as this Russian media analyst points out, history shows us that Russia doesn’t abide by any rules about “symmetry.”
While Putin publicly vows a symmetrical "quid pro quo" response to the U.S. missile test, military expert Vladimir Evseev suggests that—unlike China—Russia will most likely resort to asymmetrical measures against the United States. #INFTreaty #Russia pic.twitter.com/FweiqknCpX
— Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) August 23, 2019
We’ve never been able to count on Russia keeping to their word, so why start now?
Copyright 2019, UnitedVoice.com
