US special forces unit arrives in Iraq
The US has conducted at least two commando-style attacks on ISIL in the last year. Look for more of them. Such operations make ISIL rear areas anything bus safe and force it to take combat troops off the long frontlines in both Syria and Iraq. The US has also deployed over a thousand more trainers.
Meanwhile, in the ongoing battle for Haditha, an ISIL attack has been beaten back with signifiant losses. As noted here, there is a formula for fighting ISIL in major battles: indigenous ground troops and US airpower.
Jakarta hit by blasts and gunfire
Terrorists struck in the Indonesian capital, killing two. Five terrorists were killed, which in some respects makes the attack rather successful. Nonetheless, they struck a major city. ISIL has claimed responsibility and Indonesian authorities agree. The operation was more likely inspired by ISIL rather than directed by it.
Turkish security forces hit by car bomb
A powerful car bomb did extensive damage to a police station in the Kurdish region, killing 6 and wounding 39. Blame has naturally fallen on the PKK, which is an independence movement designated a terror group by the US but nonetheless deemed useful in the ISIL War.
Meanwhile, Turkish artillery pounded ISIL positions in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for the Istanbul bombing. The bomber evidently enter Turkey by calling to be a refugee.
South Korea forces at Northern drone
Shortly after the North detonated a powerful explosion, the US and S Korea sent a group of bombers and fighters on a high-profile patrol. N Korea is flying drones near the DMZ and one has allegedly crossed over into S Korean airspace, resulting in warning shots from the South. The gamesmanship on the Korean peninsula continues.
Tajikistan parliament considers granting greater power to president
The increasingly unstable Central Asian country, a former SSR and still under Russian guidance, is becoming increasingly authoritarian, despite civil unrest brought on by such moves. ISIL and related militant groups are on the rise and will take full advantage of faltering authority by carving out havens.