Inherent Resolve

Inherent Resolve. It is the operational name for the United States-led international military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria. The campaign was formally announced by the Pentagon in October 2014, following the rapid territorial gains of ISIL after its capture of Mosul and declaration of a caliphate. The strategy combined extensive airstrikes with the training, advising, and assisting of local partner forces, primarily the Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Background and origins

The campaign emerged directly from the collapse of stability in Iraq following the U.S. withdrawal and the intensification of the Syrian civil war. Exploiting this instability, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant launched a major offensive in early 2014, capturing the city of Mosul in June and declaring a cross-border caliphate. This stunning advance, which threatened the Government of Iraq in Baghdad and perpetrated widespread atrocities such as the Sinjar massacre, prompted an urgent international response. The United Nations Security Council adopted United Nations Security Council Resolution 2170, condemning ISIL, while key regional allies like Jordan and Saudi Arabia expressed grave concern, setting the stage for direct military action.

Military operations and strategy

The operational strategy was characterized by a "by, with, and through" approach, focusing on enabling local ground forces rather than deploying large conventional U.S. combat units. This involved relentless airstrikes targeting ISIL leadership, infrastructure, and revenue sources like oil fields, coordinated by the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve headquarters. Major ground campaigns were led by partner forces, including the Iraqi Army during the Second Battle of Tikrit and the Battle of Mosul (2016–2017), and the Syrian Democratic Forces during the Siege of Kobanî, the Battle of Raqqa, and the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani. Special operations forces from the United States Special Operations Command, such as the Delta Force and Joint Special Operations Command, conducted direct action raids and advisory missions.

Participating forces and coalition

The coalition grew to include over 80 nations, though with varying levels of contribution. The core military contributors included the United States, the United Kingdom (operating from RAF Akrotiri), France (conducting airstrikes as part of Opération Chammal), Australia (Operation Okra), and Canada (Operation Impact). Regional partners were critical, with the Iraqi Security Forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, and the Syrian Democratic Forces forming the primary ground components. Other significant support came from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Denmark, providing training, reconnaissance, and logistical support. Key non-state partners included the People's Protection Units (YPG) within the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Timeline of major events

The campaign commenced with the first U.S. airstrikes in Iraq in August 2014, expanding into Syria in September under the authorization of Barack Obama. A pivotal early turning point was the Siege of Kobanî (2014–2015), where coalition airpower helped the YPG break the siege. In 2015, the Iraqi Army recaptured Tikrit with coalition support. The monumental Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) lasted nine months, resulting in the city's liberation in July 2017. Concurrently, the Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by coalition advisors and airstrikes, captured the ISIL capital of Raqqa in October 2017. The territorial caliphate was declared defeated following the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani in March 2019, though sporadic operations against remnant cells continue.

Impact and aftermath

The campaign successfully dismantled the territorial caliphate of ISIL, liberating millions of people and killing key leaders including Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the 2019 Barisha raid. However, it resulted in massive urban destruction in cities like Mosul and Raqqa, a significant humanitarian crisis, and thousands of civilian casualties documented by groups like Airwars. The campaign also reshaped regional dynamics, strengthening the autonomy of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria. The enduring legacy includes a persistent, low-level insurgency by ISIL remnants, an ongoing U.S. and coalition troop presence for training and counter-terrorism, and complex challenges surrounding the detention of former fighters in camps like al-Hol camp.

Category:War in Iraq (2013–2017) Category:International military intervention against ISIL Category:Syrian civil war Category:2010s in Iraq Category:2010s in Syria