The offensive of the terrorist groups (now acting government) in Syria was brilliant and excellent example of modern warfare combining intelligence, social media and military actions. What needs to be noted is that with good intelligence and social media campaigns the use of military actions can be limited.

In less than 10-day these terrorist groups were able to overthrow the government with a multi-pronged strategy.

• The Terrorists: The terrorist groups lead by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) were reinvented from the former Islamic State (ISIS), Al Nusra, and Al Qaeda organizations. Many of these groups are made up of international jihadist (mercenaries) seeking wealth and the formation of an Islamic Caliphate. These groups had the backing of Western governments and Israel and in the last few years Turkey has openly been supporting HTS and Turkman groups within Syria. From a media operations perspective it should be noted that these terrorist groups have been rebranded into “Moderate Rebels” and “Opposition Forces” to make them more acceptable for the mainstream media. The leader of HTS “Abu Mohammed al-Golani” is a former Al Qaeda operative connected to atrocities in Iraq. The fact these various terrorist groups were able to operate in a coordinated fashion proves there was an external influence.
• Intelligence Operations: It is clear from the lack of opposition from the Syrian Arab Army (Assad’s Troops) to this offensive that the upper echelons of the Syrian defense forces were bought out. This may have been at an operational level of battalion / company commanders outside of the inner circles of the senior defense staff. Early in the offensive it was reported the Assad’s head of military intelligence had sold out and turned against Assad. No double specific political leaders had also been bought. The was an excellent example of an intelligence operation where soft targets were identified, corrupted and turned.
• Social Media: The terrorist groups made full use of social media in combination with their offensive ground operations. Social media platforms were bombarded with fake reports of troop movements, combat situation, and victories that enhanced the image of the terrorists. This also spread confusion and had a major negative effect on the moral of the Syrian defense forces. From a defensive perspective access to social media needs to be limited or cut during emergency / conflict situations as it can be weaponized and used for communications by terrorist groups.
• Sleeper Cells: The terrorist made good use of infiltrating sleeper cells within the Syrian defense forces and behind the lines into areas which the Assad’s forces controlled. These sleeper cells were providing intelligence and causing coordinated confusion during the offensive.
• Drones: It’s reported the terrorists had assistances from Ukrainians for their drone operations. Drones were used for reconnaissance, direct action attacks and in combination with ground forces to coordinate actions. The Syrian defense forces had no anti-drone training or equipment and little if any offensive drone capabilities.
• Mobile Warfare: The terrorist units were highly mobile with there advance units traveling on motorcycles. This made it difficult to track, locate and destroy them. The Syrian defense forces clearly lack plans and the capabilities to intercept, block and ambush the terrorist columns.
• Syrian Forces: There was little resistance offered by the Syrian defense forces. This can only be blamed on low morale and commanders being corrupted.
• Training & Equipment: While the terrorist groups have been actively training and equipping their forces the Syrian defense forces were doing little. Assad’s troops and commanders had become corrupted and complacent in the last few years of relative peace and were relying on Russia, Iran and Hezbollah to fight for them.
• Russia and Iran: With lack of response from the Syrian defense forces to the terrorist offensive the Russian and Iranian advisors were limited in how they could try to control the situation. This situation highlights the fact that even in these days of high-technology that infantry forces are required to hold and take ground. The maintenance of a high standard of training, equipping and moral of infantry, militia and combat arms troops is essential for defensive and offensive actions.
• Conclusion: I say again, the overthrow of the Assad government in Syria is a brilliant example of modern warfare. The Syrian defense forces and government became comfortable and arrogant, this led to their downfall. Bashar al-Assad believed the hostilities were all but over and he was being accepted back into the Arab world etc. While he was focused on peace others were focused on war. Sadly, the new rulers of Syria are expected to start a campaign terror against the Christan, Druze, Alawite and Shia communities. Reportedly the Kurdish forces in Northern Syria have mobilized and are expecting conflicts. With the rebranded Islamic extremists now in control of Syria and its weapons, including chemical weapons, the near future for the region and further afield is concerning.

Orlando “Andy” Wilson

Books on Amazon!
Counter Insurgency Operations For Government Agencies
A Tactical Guide For Low Intensity Warfare
With the opening of many countries borders, the de-funding of police and the indifference of criminal and court systems to imprisoning career criminals and gang members, there is the huge potential for the destabilization of states and cities by organized crime and terrorist groups.
Kindle @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D61H5RLK
Paper Back @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D63XZS1V
Hard Cover @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLWHL9R6