Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve
Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) is a multinational military coalition led by the United States. Its primary mission is to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as Daesh. Here are some key points about CJTF-OIR:
Formation and Purpose
- Formation: CJTF-OIR was established in October 2014 in response to the rapid territorial gains made by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, which posed a significant threat to regional stability and international security.
- Objective: The main goal of CJTF-OIR is to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS through coordinated military operations, support to local forces, and stabilization efforts in liberated areas.
Member Nations
- The coalition includes a broad range of nations from different regions, reflecting a global commitment to countering ISIS. As of recent updates, there are around 83 members, including NATO allies and other international partners.
Operations
- Military Campaigns: The coalition has conducted airstrikes, ground operations, and intelligence sharing to weaken ISIS's military capabilities and infrastructure.
- Support to Local Forces: CJTF-OIR provides training, equipment, and advisory support to local forces such as the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), Kurdish Peshmerga, and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This capacity-building effort aims to empower these local entities to secure and stabilize their own territories.
- Humanitarian and Stabilization Efforts: Beyond military operations, the coalition also focuses on humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring essential services in areas reclaimed from ISIS to ensure long-term stability.
Achievements
- Territorial Gains: Since its inception, CJTF-OIR has significantly reduced ISIS-controlled territories. Major urban centers like Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria have been liberated.
- Degradation of ISIS: The coalition has succeeded in killing numerous ISIS leaders, disrupting their financial networks, and destroying key facilities used for propaganda and recruitment.
Challenges
- Remaining Threats: Despite these successes, ISIS remains a threat through its insurgency tactics, sleeper cells, and influence in various regions.
- Regional Stability: The situation in Iraq and Syria remains complex, with ongoing conflicts and political instability posing challenges to long-term peace and reconstruction.
Current Status
- As of recent updates, CJTF-OIR continues its mission, adapting to the evolving threat posed by ISIS and its affiliates. The coalition remains committed to supporting local forces and ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS.
CJTF-OIR exemplifies international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, combining military action with stabilization and support for local governance to address both the symptoms and root causes of extremism in the region.
Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve Media
Brig. Gen. Richard Bell, deputy commander of CJTF-OIR, visiting coalition personnel at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq on 24 July 2021
CJTF-OIR commander Major General John W. Brennan, Jr. holds a meeting with coalition personnel at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, 28 January 2022