Feb. 21, 2017

Iraqi Security Forces Move in to Liberate West Mosul, Official Says

WASHINGTON — Since operations began over the weekend to retake West Mosul from two years of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria control, Iraqi security forces have already retaken more than 48 square miles of ISIS-held territory near the city, a Pentagon spokesman said.

Feb. 20, 2017

Mattis Meets With Middle Eastern Leaders

WASHINGTON — On his first trans-Atlantic trip in his current post, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met with leaders from three U.S. allies in the Middle East, according to a news release issued by the Defense Department.

Feb. 20, 2017

Mattis Praises Resilient Iraqi Army During Baghdad Visit

WASHINGTON — During his first trip to Baghdad as defense secretary, Jim Mattis praised the Iraqi army and noted those forces are now focused on liberating west Mosul.

Feb. 19, 2017

Iraqi Security Forces Begin Operations to Liberate West Mosul

SOUTHWEST ASIA — The government of Iraq and Iraqi security forces announced the commencement of operations to liberate western Mosul from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported.

Feb. 1, 2017

Iraqi Forces Liberate 60 Percent of Mosul From ISIL Fighters

WASHINGTON — The U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has liberated about 60 percent of ISIL-held territory in Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, an Inherent Resolve spokesman told reporters.

Jan. 25, 2017

Iraqi Forces Free Eastern Mosul From ISIL, OIR Commander Says

WASHINGTON — Iraqi security forces liberated eastern Mosul from more than two years of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s control, the commanding general of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Operation Inherent Resolve said.

Jan. 19, 2017

U.S. Airstrikes Kill 80 ISIL Fighters in Libya, Carter Says

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Ash Carter said U.S. precision airstrikes on two Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant training camps near Sirte, Libya, are estimated to have killed more than 80 enemy fighters.

Jan. 17, 2017

Iraqi Forces Liberate Mosul University from a Deeply Entrenched ISIL

WASHINGTON — Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Air Force Col. John Dorrian said Iraqi security forces this week have continued steady progress against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, including the liberation of Mosul University, a sprawling complex on the northeast side of Iraq’s second-largest city where the enemy was deeply entrenched.

Jan. 13, 2017

DoD Officials Hail Iraqi Forces’ Progress in Eastern Mosul

WASHINGTON — Iraqi forces reached the Nineveh governorate and counsel buildings in eastern Mosul and raised the Iraqi flag there, according to Elissa Slotkin, the acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.

Jan. 5, 2017

DoD Spokesman: U.S. Airstrikes Weaken Al-Qaida, ISIL Terrorists

WASHINGTON — A series of precision U.S. airstrikes against al-Qaida operatives this week in northwestern Syria’s Idlib province killed more than 20 militants and destroyed eight vehicles and nine structures, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.