US-led coalition discusses challenges in Iraq and Syria - exclusive
Title : US-led coalition discusses challenges in Iraq and Syria - exclusive
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The US-led coalition that is continuing efforts against ISIS has faced new challenges in Iraq and Syria in recent months. Among these are continuing drone and rocket attacks likely carried out by pro-Iranian militias. In early July, the attacks were taking place several times a week and had expanded to include threats to US forces in Syria.
US-led coalition spokesperson Wayne Marotto discussed the challenges with The Jerusalem Post by correspondence. He emphasizes that the coalition – officially called the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve – is in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government.
“The mission of CJTF-OIR is to defeat Daesh [ISIS] in designated areas of Iraq and Syria in conjunction with our partner forces (the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces], Peshmerga and SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces]) and to set conditions for follow-on operations to increase regional stability,” Marotto said.
In 2020, the US and its partners consolidated the facilities they use in Iraq. This occurred as rocket fire increased. Facilities at Taji, Q-West south of Mosul and K-1 near Kirkuk were handed to Iraqi security forces; US forces are now located only in a few places, such as Asad base, Union III in Baghdad near the embassy and at Erbil International Airport. Beyond that, there are some contractors at Balad airbase.
“The relatively small number of US forces that remain in Iraq advise, equip and assist Iraqi forces, who now lead the fight against Daesh [ISIS],” Marotto points out. “The mission of the coalition remains – defeat Daesh and its remnants in designated portions of Iraq and Syria.
“A year ago, there were over 5,000 US troops in Iraq. Today there are 2,500,” he said. “The drawdown has not affected the mission, because the ISF has taken the lead in the fight against Daesh.”
IN RECENT months, rocket and drone attacks have increased.
“We remain concerned about the actions of outlaw militia groups – and the recent attacks are a significant distraction from the defeat-Daesh mission. All capabilities in theater remain flexible to support increased force protection of coalition troops as necessary, based on threat streams,” says Marotto. These groups are accused of training regional proxies to attack the US while it is working with the coalition to fight ISIS. READ MORE
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