ASSESSMENTS

The UAE Resumes Sorties Against the Islamic State

Feb 12, 2015 | 10:15 GMT

UAE Sorties Resume Against the Islamic State
This handout picture released by the official Jordanian news agency PETRA on Feb. 8 shows a squadron of F-16 fighters from the United Arab Emirates stationed in Jordan to support it in strikes against the Islamic State.

(PETRA via Getty Images)

Summary

UAE fighter aircraft carried out strikes against Islamic State targets Feb. 11, marking the first time the Emiratis have attacked the Islamic State since the country ceased operations for nearly a month. Reportedly, the Emiratis paused operations against the Islamic State because of concerns that U.S. combat search-and-rescue assets were too far away from the combat zone to respond quickly. This fear was realized when Islamic State militants captured Jordanian fighter pilot Lt. Muath Al-Kaseasbeh after his plane crashed. The United States has since moved the combat search-and-rescue assets closer to the front lines in northern Iraq.

Over the past week, the United Arab Emirates stationed squadron of its warplanes at Jordanian airfields. This move has enhanced the Emiratis' ability to carry out strikes against the Islamic State while highlighting the United Arab Emirates' support for Jordan in its retaliatory campaign against the extremists.

After halting operations for several weeks, the United Arab Emirates has rejoined the fight against the Islamic State and is lending Jordan political and material support. ...

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