The Islamic State of Uzbekistan was driven from Uzbekistan about fifteen years ago, It then served with the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and it fled with al Qaeda to eastern A-stan and the tribal region of Pakistan. Their numbers are small, probably no more than a few dozen, but they have learned the crafts of war.
It remains to be seen if other militant groups operating near the IMU will also align with ISIL. Alternately, we may see those groups fighting each other. Watch for responses from Pakistani groups such as the TTP and LeT.
Eight Turkish soldiers are killed and seven wounded by an IED in the Kurdish region of southeastern Turkey. Incidents also taking place in the capital Ankara. This will continue for quite some time and likely worsen. The PKK is deemed a terrorist organization by the US. That was being reconsidered as they were fighting ISIL in Iraq and Syria. The US will not drop them from the terrorist list now.
Northern Syria ponders using the Turkish currency over its own
As their country breaks down, Syrian merchants look for economic stability, Shifting to the Turkish lira may be a first step toward making northern Syria a Turkish dependency of sorts.
UN calls for priority of defeating ISIL
Ousting Assad from power in Damascus was once the main priority. It’s now defeating ISIL. Good idea but there’s too much fragmentation and mistrust in Syria to allow a lasting concerted effort against ISIL.
Two women pass US ranger training
This does not mean they will serve in the elite army ranger units. That is still not authorized.. Look for political pressure to allow them to serve though. Rangers will not be pleased. They insist that despite claims to the contrary, the women were not held to the same standards the men were.