the army has recaptured a number of towns in the provinces of atakia. retaking aleppo would be a major win for the president. but there could be a new obstacle. islamic state fighters which were driven out of aleppo in 2014 by islamist group, including the -- groups, including the al-nusra front, have recently begun taking control of villages surrounding the city. laura: 300 u.s. troops are to be deployed to cameroon to help the fight against the islamist group boko haram. the force will conduct airborne intelligence and surveillance in egion.it -- the r theip crowther has more on strategy. lip: 90 troops were sent on their way on monday of this we, a court -- week, according to barack obama and the white house. their mission will be airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. all of this contained in a letter that obama sent to the speaker, announcing this new military move either united states -- moved by the united states. a u.s. official has confirmed that it is, "to help counter boko haram." the united states is already pret