Situation
After months of relative stability in northern Syria, a splinter faction of the Syrian Arab Army—calling itself the Qalat Brigade—has seized control of key terrain west of Al Tabqah. Supported by heavy weapons smuggled from an unknown benefactor, the faction has begun harassing coalition logistics convoys along MSR Gold and threatening local civilian settlements.
Satellite imagery over the past 48 hours indicates the Qalat Brigade is attempting to establish a fortified zone around several captured infrastructure sites, including a dam substation, abandoned industrial facilities, and a former government outpost. Their intent appears to be creating a defensible pocket from which to disrupt coalition operations.
CENTCOM has ordered a precision strike to degrade their capabilities before they become deeply entrenched.
