Last week, the United States Air Force (USAF) conducted a series of airstrikes using F-15 and F-16 fighters and A-10 attack aircraft against ISIS terrorist group positions in Iraq. A statement from U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) noted that U.S. forces were supported by Iraqi military forces as part of a multinational coalition established to defeat the terrorist group.
Regarding the operation, the strikes targeted the Hamrin Mountains, where ISIS fighters were stationed. While it was confirmed that there were no U.S. casualties, USCENTCOM reported that one coalition member was killed, and two others were injured. “Partnered operations like these are critical to maintaining pressure on ISIS and preventing the terrorist group from exploiting the rapidly evolving security environment in the region,” said U.S. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, in a statement.
It is worth noting that the operations being conducted in both Iraq and Syria against ISIS are part of Operation Inherent Resolve, a multinational coalition involving approximately 80 countries. This coalition was created following the expansion of the self-proclaimed ISIS in these countries, prompting the United States to form a Coalition of the Willing (COW) with the objective of providing operational support to Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), defeating the terrorist organization, securing borders, and restoring state sovereignty, among other goals. The operation is scheduled to conclude in September 2025.
Additionally, missions were carried out in Syria in early January in cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led group, targeting the leader of an ISIS attack cell. “ISIS retains capabilities, as we’ve seen in Iraq and Syria, which is why we maintain our forces in these two countries to ensure that ISIS can never reconstitute, resurge, or rise again to what it was just a decade ago,” said Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
You may also like: Iraq unveils the first of its new locally produced 6×6 Norinco VN22 armored combat vehicles (VCBR) of Chinese origin
