U.S. expands potential targets in Syria

President Obama’s authorization to use air power to defend a new
U.S.-backed fighting force in Syria, raises the risk of the U.S. military
coming into direct conflict with forces of the Assad regime
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Azaz, Jul 31: U.S. launches first airstrikes against Al Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra fighters in response to attack on Pentagon-trained members of New Syria Force

MQ-1 Predator

Incirlik, Aug 1-2: U.S. armed drones launched for first time

Airbases opened to U.S.

Mediterranean Sea

Afrin Nubl Idlib Safira Aleppo

New Syria Force (NSF): 54-strong unit acting as spotters for U.S. air strikes against Islamic State (IS). NSF inserted into Division 30 – force of around 1,200 fighters commanded by Syrian Army defector Nadeem Hassan

Division 30 expected to play key role in ambitious new joint push by U.S. and Turkey to help moderate rebels seize territory from IS

TURKEY
Jarabulus Kobane Tal Abyad

SYRIA
Manbij Al Bab Ain Issa Raqqa

40km
25 miles
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AREAS OF CONTROL (*As of Jul 24)

Kurdish (YPG) Syrian regime Islamic State Other rebel groups including Al Nusra,
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Source: Institute for the Study of War 

Contested
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