ERBIL, Iraq – An AH-64E Apache helicopter from the 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Saber, hovers prior to taking off to conduct a mission, July 11,2017, Erbil, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Stephen James)
On June 6, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that coalition forces and allies conducted 38 operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria last May.
In a statement, the command said that coalition and allies killed six ISIS operatives and detained eleven others during 21 partnered operations in Iraq. The coalition conducted 17 other partnered operations in Syria. As a result, two operatives of the terrorist group were killed and 20 others were detained.
“Our partner forces continue to demonstrate the capability, capacity, and competence to maintain the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said Major General Matthew McFarlane, Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve. “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, the coalition cooperates with the military and security forces under an agreement with the government. Despite this, many oppose its presence.
Meanwhile in Syria, the coalition occupies vast parts of the northern and eastern regions, including several oil and gas fields as well as strategic crossings with Iraq, without an authorization from the legitimate government and operates with a proxy, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
“Despite their degraded capability, ISIS remains a significant threat within the region,” CENTCOM commander, General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, said. “CENTCOM, along with our partners, is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
At the beginning of the year, CENTCOM announced that it will publish in the first week of each month an accounting of operations against ISIS from the previous month.
By publicizing its operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. is likely attempting to justify long-term military presence in both countries. Meanwhile, the terrorist group remains most active in areas where the coalition is present, especially in Syria.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
