Killing Da'ish Leadership

For John, BLUF:  Sometimes you do things you think are small potatoes and they turn out otherwise.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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I sometimes wonder if killing top Da'ish Commanders just clears out the deadwood and allows talented younger folks to move up.  It is a theory.  On the other hand, maybe it works to reduce the overall ranks of Da'ish members.  This article, from The Stars and Stripes, says that the targeted killing of Abu Hayjaa al-Tunsi resulted in 38 additional deaths, as Da'ish looked for the informants who gave away targeting information.

Islamic State kills dozens of its own in hunt for spies

I regret the loss of innocent life, but this works for us in two ways.  On the one hand, it sows dissension in the ranks of the Islamic State.  On the other hand it causes civilians in Da'ish occupied territory to be very careful and to not embrace the Islamic State.

Regards  —  Cliff