RSF Convoy Destroyed, Iraq Sends Forces To Syria

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — DEC 4 2024

Today’s email brings you news from Syria and Sudan.

1 - SYRIA

1 thing to know

Iraq is sending forces to support Syria.

The context 

Iraq is deploying hundreds of Iran-backed fighters to Syria to support the Assad regime. The Irawi Popular Mobilization Forces have announced they are sending military reinforcements to the western border with Syria. These fighters, primarily from the Badr and Nujabaa groups, crossed the border in small groups to avoid detection.

More from the region

The United States continues to maintain a force in eastern Syria, primarily to prevent a resurgence of ISIS. Recent US airstrikes have targeted militant camps to disrupt potential terrorist activities.

The Hezbollah terrorist group is currently staying out of the conflict, still recovering from its 14-month war with Israel. This is one reason that the Turkish-supported anti-Assad rebels have had so much success.

Russian ships were also reported leaving their Syrian base in Tartus. This indicates that Russia might be pulling resources from Syria as the situation worsens.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: THE BM-30 SMERCH

The Smerch (Russian for "tornado"), is a multiple rocket launcher in use since 1989. Designed in the Soviet Union, this 300mm rocket system is mounted on a massive 8x8 wheeled truck and can fire 12 rockets in just 38 seconds with a range of up to 75 miles.

It can fire an array of rocket types including cluster munitions, thermobaric warheads, and even precision-guided rockets. Its advanced automated fire control system and mobility allows crews to rapidly deploy, fire, and get moving again.

What it’s used for

The Smerch is used to soften up enemy positions before an infantry or armored assault, targeting concentration areas, artillery batteries, and critical infrastructure. The Smerch is used by Russia, Ukraine, India, and several Middle Eastern nations.

2 - SUDAN

1 thing to know

A joint Sudanese force destroyed an RSF military supply convoy from neighboring Chad.

The context 

The convoy consisted of military vehicles, soldiers, and at least nine drones capable of carrying up to four air-to-surface missiles. Likely funded by the UAE in coordination with the neighboring country of Chad to destabilize Sudan by aiding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the convoy is the second of such to be destroyed by the Sudanese army and other allied militias. In the attack, at least 30 RSF fighters were killed, 8 vehicles destroyed, and all of the drones captured.

More from the region

The Sudanese army continues to recapture territory from the RSF, most recently "liberating" the West Sennar Sugar factory, about 37 miles southwest of Wad Madani, and also removed the RSF from the surrounding villages, all of which the RSF has held for almost a year. Now that Wad Madani is under their control, the Sudanese army can move toward Khartoum along the Blue Nile.

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