Islamic State used US-made anti-tank missiles near Palmyra

Long War Journal ^ | 09 June 2015 | Caleb Weiss

[Lorianne]

In a new video released by the Islamic State, the jihadist group shows the capture of the ancient city of Palmyra, also known as Tadmur in Arabic. During the video, at least one US-made BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile is seen being used against Syrian regime troops near the city.

The Islamic State took full control of the city after a weeklong offensive two weeks ago. At least 462 civilians, 241 government troops, and 150 Islamic State fighters were killed in the fighting in and around Palmyra since May 13, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The jihadist group also took over several nearby towns and the Jazal oil field. [For more on this, see LWJ report, Islamic State seizes Syrian city of Palmyra.]

This is not the first time the Islamic State has shown with TOWs. Last December, the jihadist group also published photos showing its forces using TOW missiles against Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces in the Damascus countryside. The United States has supplied several FSA groups with TOW missiles, which have sometimes fallen into the hands of jihadist groups or have been used to assist jihadist groups. The TOW used in Palmyra was likely captured from battles with the FSA in other parts of Syria.

At least one TOW missile was used by the Al Nusrah Front, al Qaeda’s official branch in Syria, in that group’s offensive on Wadi al Daif in the northwestern province of Idlib. The al Qaeda branch also publicized the usage of TOWs during its capture of Idlib city. [For more on this, see LWJ reports Al Nusrah Front uses American-made anti-tank missile in Idlib, Al Nusrah Front video showcases more American-made TOW missiles, Al Qaeda and allies form coalition to battle Syrian regime in Idlib.]

[Lorianne]

It's OK, we can make more and send to them.

[IncPen]

at least one US-made BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile is seen being used against Syrian regime troops near the city

Thanks, Obama!

[PGalt]

BUMP! BUMP!

[Little Ray]

More likely, thanks to the worthless Iraqi Army.
But the idiot in the White House would back losers like the Iraqis over the Kurds.

[Jack Hydrazine]

And here’s the reason why!

US, allies created ISIL to make ‘perpetual war’ in Mideast: Analyst
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/06/07/414694/US-ISIL-militaryindustrial-complex

Newly-Declassified U.S. Government Documents: The West Supported the Creation of ISIS
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2015/05/newly-declassified-u-s-government-documents-the-west-supported-the-creation-of-isis.html

Ex-US Intelligence Officials Confirm: Secret Pentagon Report Proves US Complicity In Creation Of ISIS
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-06-08/ex-us-intelligence-officials-confirm-secret-pentagon-report-proves-us-complicity-cre

The Covert Origins of ISIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMjXbuj7BPI

SR375 - ISIS is Winning, Israel Prepares
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUhDoFxxhYE

[familyop]

There’s no population there to speak of. It’s only a wanna-be tourist trap.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmyra

...and a trap for any unfriendly guerrilla groups. They’re exposed to the air. Political folks should tell their politicians to push our forces to bomb the oil facility, or quit complaining.

Syria’s looking better all the time.

[justa-hairyape]

Obama’s homies laying some smack down. WoooHooo. Emperor Zero would be over there himself killing Christians, innocent civilians and government troops if he was not all tied up with this prezzy thing.

[patro]

Or thanks to McCain.

[castlebrew]

It’s just the JV team - a bunch of wannabees...what could go wrong?

[luvbach1]

But the idiot in the White House would back losers like the Iraqis over the Kurds.

Understandable because well-armed Kurds might actually defeat ISIS.