Several security personnel were killed when their compound in the country’s capital was attacked, probably by the Islamic Revival Party. Islamist ferment is underway in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The leader of Tajikistan’s elite security force is thought to have left the country to fight with ISIL in Syria. Ethnic Tajiks in Afghanistan constitute about 24% of the population and are the most resolute enemies of the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Syrian Druze leader killed in bombing
Sheikh Walid al-Balous has been killed, quite possibly by ISIL. The Druze are an Arab people with a distinct religion that is an offshoot of Shiism. Thus makes them the enemy of Sunni militants. As a religious minority, the Druze generally find the Assad regime preferable to the aggressive, intolerant Sunni movements in the country. Israel is trying to convince the Druze to break away from Syria and become a protectorate of sorts.
Sunni troops continue to take casualties in Yemen
The Saudi-led coalition serving in S Yemen continues to take casualties at levels that are probably unsettling if not shocking to the populations of the home countries. The UAE has upped its casualty toll from a missile strike, from 22 to 45. Bahrain reports 5 of its soldiers were killed int e same strike. Meanwhile, the Saudis are only flying air missions and acting as security forces in the southern city Aden.