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All the various parts of SOCOM have been operating in Syria for about 6-8 months according to this tweet from CJTFOIR. I posted some pics of the ranger convoy the other day here. If you notice, they're big, scary and fly American flags. They were moving in a deliberate action to the city of Manbij to send a message to the Turkish Army (and Syrian government forces, but mostly the Turks) that "America's here, and we support the Kurds". Since then, CJTFOIR has said that the Turkish Army is acting as an occupation force and will not participate in the liberation of Raqqa. Reference this map 1. YPG (Kurdish) aligned Arab tribes. (also apparently some Marines and SOCOM) 2. Turkish Army 3. YPG 4. Syrian Government (with attached Russian SOF) Blue Arrow: Direction of US Army Rangers deliberate movement Red Arrows: Direction of Syrian Government w/ Russian SOF The Turkish Army made a deliberate move towards Aleppo (Operation: Euphrates Shield) to prevent Kurds and their allies from having a 300mi continuous border with Turkey. The Russians don't want the Kurds to take anymore, and don't want the Turks to get near Aleppo (where fighting between Syrian rebels and govt forces apparently is winding down). The Americans don't want the Turks interfering with YPG (one the US's only reliable allies on the ground). So, by all trying to assert control of Manbij, they might be able to force the other out of the area.

Yeah, it's a very rudimentary understanding of the situation for anyone who hasn't been paying attention. Don't let anyone tell you they're an expert on Syria because that shit is so confusing entire nations can't put it together

Cpl Cole: Shoot it all over my face. You might get me excited!

Trying something different with photo editing while I wait to actually be able to make videos at the end of the month with a new CPU. no combat shots, only had the one and it didn't turn out well