Iraqi forces gathering around the ISIKL-held city of Ramadi have been struck by a series of car bombs. iISL is trying to throw off plans to take the city. Immense car bombs were what devastated the Iraqi forces defending the town last spring. The US counters by supplyi g the Iraqis with portable,antitank weapons to destroy approaching vehicles.
UAE builds Colombian mercenary force
The United Arab Emirates have deployed into Yemen a unit comprised of Colombian mercenaries, veterans of the long war against FARC. This is a clear sign that the UAE is unwilling to risk its own troops in battle. Whether this is due to concerns over public responses to casualties or fear of UAE units’ reliability is unclear. The armies of Gulf states are paper forces.
US opens all combat jobs to women
This was done despite the muted reservations by military people. It will weaken the cohesion and effectiveness of combat units.