SOUTHWEST ASIA – Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve continued supporting Coalition partner forces with precision air strikes and coordinated fires to degrade ISIS capabilities in the fight against ISIS in the Middle Euphrates River Valley, Syria, and the Anbar province, Iraq, between Dec. 30, 2018, - Jan. 6, 2019.
In Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces liberated the town of al-Kashmah; defeating ISIS despite their use of complex attacks, improvised-explosive devices and booby-trapped buildings. Throughout the fight, the SDF rescued civilians as they fled from ISIS, which attempted to hide in residential areas and public facilities to protect themselves.
“Since their offensive operations began in the MERV, our partners have made steady progress in their fight against ISIS,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, Special Operation Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve commander. “They have proven themselves as reliable, effective combat soldiers, and with their continued cooperation we will continue to support them as they free northeast Syria from the grip of ISIS.”
In Iraq, CJTF-OIR and partner forces destroyed more than 600 IEDs throughout the Anbar province. Coordinated airstrikes across Iraq destroyed approximately nine ISIS weapon caches and removed an estimated ten ISIS terrorists from the battlefield. Additionally, these strikes further degraded ISIS capabilities by preventing them from consolidating resources and conducting future activities in Iraq.
On Jan. 4, staff Lt. Gen. Jalil al-Rubaie, the commander of the Baghdad Operations Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Austin Renforth, Joint Operations Command – Iraq commander, visited al Mutanabbi Street and al-Qishla Square in Baghdad. Together, the generals surveyed the area and discussed current successes and future challenges in regard to the security situation in Baghdad. Since 2014, the Baghdad Operations Command has contributed to the improvement of security across Baghdad; demonstrated by the growth of business in markets and restaurants, the opening of roads and bridges which were originally closed more than 10 years prior, and the opening of the International Zone to local traffic. Iraqi Security Forces continue pursuing any ISIS fighters that attempt to conduct operations or consolidate resources in and around the Baghdad area.
On Jan. 6, the ISF, along with citizens and civilian leaders of Iraq, celebrated the 98th anniversary of the Iraqi Army, which was activated on Jan. 6, 1921.
United international efforts against ISIS will prevent its ability to recruit, train, equip, finance, plan, inspire and conduct violent extremist acts, regionally and globally. Coalition Forces, comprised of 74 partner nations and five international organizations, are deployed in support of CJTF-OIR, working by, with and through partner force to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS.
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