FOB Sykes

Forward Operating Base Sykes is one of the major military bases established, run and operated by the United States of America in Iraq. Just like any other forward operating bases run by the Americans, this one is not entirely on its own either. The principle of such a base is to support the tactical actions. Other facilities – such as an airport or a hospital – are optional and not mandatory. A forward operating base is also supposed to work in a tight collaboration with the larger base it supports, which should be located in its immediate proximity. FOB Sykes is only a few kilometers away from Tall’Afar. It was established in the Ninewah province, in the northern part of Iraq. It is about 60 km away from the borders with Syria. It has a very strategical location, especially if you consider the latest conflict suspicions. According to most expectations, the United States of America have already promised that the Syrian regime will soon reach to an end. It is an indirect way to claim a new war whose reasons are not clear enough yet.

Judging by most studies, reports and research operations, FOB Sykes is an extremely useful dot on the world map for the United States of America. Aside from the obvious connections with the Middle East, it is also in a very inaccessible place. The Tall’Afar surroundings are among the harshest areas in Iraq. They are dry, empty and extremely dangerous. Orientating yourself in the area is an almost impossible task. However, this aspect doesn’t make the area too safe. In fact, it is one of the most problematic areas of Iraq.

Tall’Afar is mostly inhabited by Turkmen, which are in an old and never ending conflict with the Islamic nationalists. The insurgents have constantly tried to eliminate the Turkmen from the area, but especially through a wide variety of suicidal attacks with bombs. The fights are extremely severe in this region. Eliminating the Turkmen from this region equals with taking down a small part of the new regime that was installed by the United States of America.

The most important operation FOB Sykes was part of is the Iraq invasion. Although its importance and serious establishment became reality as the United States of America were slowly taking over Iraq, the place was known to be a strategical and military location for many decades. 2004 was the year with the toughest fights. In order to eliminate the insurgents and successfully deal with the peacekeeping operations, the troops at FOB Sykes went through plenty of severe battles. Soon after Saddam Hussein’s execution, the insurgent activity lost some of its intensity. Therefore, the area is safe now and relatively stable.

FOB Sykes has never been a very common or important name in the area among the troops. However, for the war specialists and military professionals, its location recommend it as one of the best. The place is small and doesn’t benefit from too many facilities. With all this, it is livable at.