Operation Inherent Resolve

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Flag of Jund al-Aqsa

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Seal of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve

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M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles in Northeast Syria 2020

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Seal of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve

A US Military Base in northeast Syria 2021

Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) is the U.S.-led military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS or Daesh, which began in June 2014. This operation represents a combined effort of multiple countries to counter the threat posed by ISIL in Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East. The operation encompasses a range of activities, including airstrikes, special operations, and training and support for local forces fighting ISIL.

Background

The rise of ISIL in 2014, marked by the capture of large territories in Iraq and Syria, posed a significant threat to regional and international security. The group's rapid expansion and extreme ideology prompted international concern, leading to the formation of a global coalition to defeat the militants. The United States, under the administration of President Barack Obama, initiated Operation Inherent Resolve in response to ISIL's aggression and atrocities.

Objectives

The primary objective of Operation Inherent Resolve is to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL. This goal is pursued through a combination of direct military action, such as airstrikes and raids, and indirect efforts, such as supporting local partner forces, including the Iraqi Security Forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The operation also aims to stabilize regions liberated from ISIL control, facilitating humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.

Coalition Forces

Operation Inherent Resolve involves a broad coalition of international partners. Over 60 countries have contributed in various capacities, including military support, humanitarian aid, and intelligence sharing. Key members of the coalition include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Canada, among others. The coalition operates with the consent of the governments of Iraq and Syria, although the legal and political complexities of operating in Syria have posed challenges.

Military Strategy

The military strategy of Operation Inherent Resolve includes a combination of airstrikes against ISIL targets, training and equipping local forces, and conducting special operations raids. Airstrikes have targeted ISIL's leadership, infrastructure, and revenue sources, including oil facilities. Training programs have aimed to enhance the capabilities of local forces, enabling them to launch ground offensives against ISIL. Special operations forces have conducted high-value target raids and intelligence-gathering missions.

Impact

Operation Inherent Resolve has significantly degraded ISIL's capabilities and territorial control. By 2019, ISIL had lost most of its territory in Iraq and Syria, including key cities such as Mosul and Raqqa. The operation has also facilitated the return of displaced persons and the commencement of reconstruction efforts in liberated areas. However, challenges remain, including the enduring threat of ISIL insurgency, the stabilization of liberated territories, and the political complexities of the region.

Criticism and Controversies

The operation has faced criticism and controversies, including concerns over civilian casualties from airstrikes, the legal basis for military action in Syria, and the long-term effectiveness of the strategy to defeat ISIL. The complex dynamics of the Syrian Civil War and the involvement of multiple actors, including Russia and Iran, have further complicated the operation.

Conclusion

Operation Inherent Resolve represents a significant international effort to combat ISIL and restore stability to affected regions in the Middle East. While it has achieved notable successes, the operation underscores the complexities of modern counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts, requiring a multifaceted approach that combines military action with diplomatic, humanitarian, and stabilization efforts.