ISIS ON THE MOVE – AT 10:17 A.M. ET:  There is so much happening that it's hard to keep up.  But things aren't going our way, despite the brilliance of Field Marshal of the United States (including parts of New Jersey) Barack Obama.  From Fox: 

The Islamic State has reportedly seized al-Baghdadi, in Iraq’s Anbar Province, 5 miles from an air base staffed by Marines, as the terror group continues its push beyond its bases in Syria and Iraq in an attempt to establish militant affiliates in other countries.

Hundreds of Islamic State fighters reportedly captured most of al-Baghdadi, which is 55 miles from the capital Ramadi, on Thursday.

On Friday, Iraqi soldiers had retaken several government buildings, but early Saturday, the soldiers withdrew, handing the town back to the militants, The New York Times reported, citing local security officials.

One local Iraqi official told Reuters that, "Ninety percent of al-Baghdadi district has fallen under the control of the insurgents."

According to The Times, American intelligence officials estimate that the terror group’s fighters have reached as many as 31,000 in Syria and Iraq.

A Defense Department spokeswoman confirmed to Fox News that “heavy fighting” took place in that area on Thursday, but referred questions about the status of the town to the Iraq government.

“There was no direct attack on the Al Asad air base,” the spokeswoman assured, while acknowledging reports of “ineffective indirect fire in the vicinity of the base.”

COMMENT:  It is imperative that our Marines not be encircled.  That could lead to a siege, and a siege can have devastating effects, both on the troops involved and on the morale of the American people.

Has someone told Obama?  Does he care?

February 15, 2015