Counter-ISIL campaign

Counter-ISIL campaign. The international military and political effort to degrade and ultimately destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) began in earnest in 2014 following the group's rapid territorial expansion. This multifaceted campaign, involving numerous state and non-state actors, has been characterized by a complex mix of airstrikes, special forces operations, and support for local ground forces. The conflict has resulted in significant geopolitical shifts across the Middle East and profound humanitarian consequences.

Background and origins

The campaign's roots lie in the aftermath of the Iraq War and the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, which created a power vacuum exploited by ISIL. The group, an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq, capitalized on sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia communities, declaring a caliphate in June 2014 after capturing Mosul and vast swathes of territory in Nineveh and Anbar. Key events precipitating the international response included the Siege of Mount Sinjar, which threatened the Yazidi community with genocide, and the beheading of American journalist James Foley. The United Nations Security Council subsequently passed Resolution 2170, calling on member states to take action against the threat.

Military operations

Military operations have been conducted through distinct but overlapping frameworks, primarily the American-led Operation Inherent Resolve and the Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war. Major ground offensives were led by local forces including the Iraqi Security Forces, the Popular Mobilization Forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) dominated by the People's Protection Units (YPG), and the Syrian Arab Army. Decisive battles included the Second Battle of Tikrit, the Battle of Mosul, the Battle of Raqqa, and the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani. These campaigns were heavily supported by international coalition airstrikes, artillery support, and advisors from nations like the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Participants and coalitions

The campaign featured a vast array of participants with often conflicting objectives. The core international coalition was led by the United States and included key members like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada. Regionally, states such as Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia pursued their own strategic interests, with Iran notably supporting Hezbollah and Iraqi Shia militias. The Kurdistan Regional Government and its Peshmerga forces were critical partners, as was the SDF. Opposing these forces, ISIL drew foreign fighters from across the globe, while other jihadist groups like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and al-Nusra Front operated in the complex battlefield of Syria.

Impact and civilian casualties

The campaign caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Monitoring groups like the Airwars and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights have documented tens of thousands of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and ISIL's brutal tactics, which included mass executions at places like Camp Speicher and the destruction of cultural heritage sites in Palmyra. Major cities like Mosul, Raqqa, and Aleppo were left in ruins. The conflict also exacerbated regional tensions, particularly between Turkey and the SDF over the status of Rojava, and fueled a resurgence of insurgency in liberated areas.

Aftermath and legacy

Although ISIL lost its territorial caliphate by 2019, the group persists as a potent insurgency in both Iraq and Syria, launching frequent attacks from remote areas like the Hamrin Mountains. The campaign's legacy includes a reshaped regional order, with increased influence for Iran and Russia in Syria, and ongoing political disputes over the autonomy of the Kurdistan Region. The humanitarian fallout continues, with sprawling camps like Al-Hol camp housing displaced persons and suspected ISIL families. Internationally, the effort raised enduring questions about the laws of war, the use of private military contractors, and the long-term strategy for countering violent non-state actors.

Category:War on terror Category:21st-century conflicts Category:Military operations involving the United States