U.S. Air Strikes In Syria Are Being Done Based On Intelligence Gaps

US Cannot Tell How Effective Airstrikes Against ISIS Have Been Because Of Huge Gaps In Intelligence, Officials Claim -- Daily Mail

* President Obama has loosened the rule of engagement for bombing ISIS
* Air Force Major General Jeffrey L Harrigan said: 'They're a smart adversary'
* Human rights activists claim US airstrikes have already claimed civilian lives
* Pentagon officials admit they are hampered by the lack local intelligence
* US aircraft are relying on target information from drones and satellites
* Officials unsure whether ISIS buildings still occupied at the time of a mission

Pentagon officials are finding it difficult determining how effective US airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria are because of 'significant gaps in intelligence'.

Senior current and former US officials have told the Associated Press that American aircraft are running under less restrictive rules than those governing drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen.

Despite this, they are having difficulties determining the effectiveness of the bombing missions targeting Al-Qaeda and ISIS due the lack of intelligence assets on the ground. These assets identify targets before an airstrike and conduct an after action battle damage assessment.

Read more ....

Update #1: US Airstrikes In Syria Are Based On Startlingly Little Intelligence -- AP
Update #2: US airstrikes against ISIS reportedly suffer from intelligence gaps -- FOX News

My Comment: Even with this U.S. admission that their intelligence assets are lacking (if nto absent) .... the pentagon spokesman has no problem in stating the conclusion that ISIS is still a potent force .... Pentagon: After 310 Air Strikes, 'ISIL Remains a Very Potent Force' (CNS).