US-led Coalition and Local Forces Conduct 38 Operations Against ISIS in Iraq and Syria
On Tuesday evening, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the United States-led coalition and local forces executed 38 operations against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria during the month of May. These operations resulted in the deaths of eight militants and the detention of over 30 others.
In its monthly review of anti-ISIS operations, CENTCOM reported that the joint efforts of the coalition and their Iraqi and Syrian partners led to the killing of eight militants and the capture of 31 individuals. Major General Matt McFarlane, commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, praised the competency and effectiveness of the coalition's partner forces, highlighting their role in sustaining the ongoing defeat of ISIS.
CENTCOM Month in Review: The Fight Against ISIS in Iraq and Syriahttps://t.co/JFEaUEFIpm pic.twitter.com/3dtwMG5Ak7
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 6, 2023
Major General McFarlane stated, "Our partner forces continue to demonstrate the capability, capacity, and competence to maintain the enduring defeat of ISIS. The Coalition continues to Advise, Assist, and Enable our partners to keep pressure on ISIS and prevent them from re-establishing any type of network or effective military effort."
In Iraq, a total of 21 joint operations were carried out, leading to the arrest of 11 ISIS members and the elimination of six others. Meanwhile, in Syria, 17 operations resulted in the deaths of two militants and the detention of 20 individuals.
Despite the degraded capability of ISIS, General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, issued a warning that the group remains a significant threat in the region. He reaffirmed CENTCOM's commitment, along with its partners, to the enduring defeat of ISIS.
The coalition provides advisory support and aerial assistance to Peshmerga forces, the Iraqi army, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their fight against ISIS. The SDF has been conducting a series of raids on ISIS in northeast Syria (Rojava) in coordination with the global coalition.
During a press briefing, Vedant Patel, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, emphasized that Iraqi security forces are leading the fight against ISIS, with the United States and the global coalition providing support. Patel highlighted the significant progress made in freeing millions of Iraqis from ISIS's campaign through collaborative efforts.
Although ISIS lost its territorial control in 2019, having seized vast regions of Syria and Iraq in 2014, the group continues to pose security risks through activities such as kidnappings, hit-and-run attacks, and bombings in both countries. The ongoing operations by the US-led coalition and local forces aim to counter these threats and ensure the sustained defeat of ISIS.
