Bill Roggio
August 28, 2014
Islamic State documents takeover of Syrian airbase
The Islamic State released photographs that document its recent takeover of the Syrian Air Force’s base in Tabqa in Raqqah province.
The photographs, which were published yesterday on the Internet, show the aftermath of the Islamic State’s latest conquest against the Syrian military. Islamic State fighters overran the Tabqa airbase last weekend. [See LWJ report, Islamic State fighters assault last Syrian stronghold in Raqqah.]
Tabqa was the last bastion for Syrian military forces in Raqqah province, which is now fully under the control of the Islamic State.
The photographs from Tabqa show what appear to be the bodies of dozens of Syrian soldiers who were killed during the fighting. The Islamic State also provides images of several Syrian soldiers, including at least one pilot, who were captured during the assault.
One photograph shows seven captured soldiers kneeling on the ground as Islamic State fighters shoot them from behind. The Islamic State has previously released similar photographs of Iraqi soldiers who were executed by the jihadist group.
Additionally, the Islamic State published photographs of various weapons systems and munitions that were captured or destroyed during the takeover of the airbase. At least three MiG fighters, as well as anti-aircraft missiles and other weapons systems, tanks, and anti-aircraft guns, were seized or destroyed by the Islamic State.
Photographs from Tabqa
Islamic State fighters stand on top of a tank as the bodies of dead Syrian soldiers lie in the foreground:
An Islamic State fighter brandishes a knife in front of a group of captured Syrian soldiers:
Islamic State fighters execute captured Syrian soldiers:
An abandoned Syrian Airforce MiG fighter:
Two abandoned Syrian Airforce MiG fighters in a shelter:
Missiles seized by the Islamic State at Tabqa:
Crates of munitions now under the control of the Islamic State:
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