The US Central Command announced on Saturday that it carried out 94 operations against the ISIS terrorist organization in Iraq and Syria from January to March, resulting in the death of 18 ISIS members and the arrest of 63 others. According to a statement released on the X platform, 66 of these operations were conducted in Iraq in collaboration with the Iraqi security forces, leading to 11 deaths and 36 arrests among ISIS ranks. Meanwhile, 28 operations took place in Syria in partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), resulting in seven deaths and 27 arrests.
The statement highlighted the ongoing pursuit of approximately 2,500 fleeing ISIS members across Iraq and Syria as a crucial component of the continuing defeat of ISIS. Equally vital are the international efforts to resettle more than 9,000 ISIS detainees currently held in facilities in Syria, along with the resettlement, rehabilitation, and integration of over 45,000 individuals and families from the al-Hol and Roj camps.
The current situation in Iraq shows a complex security environment, significantly influenced by the ongoing presence and operations against ISIS. Despite the formal defeat of ISIS’s territorial control, the group remains a persistent threat in Iraq, necessitating continued counterterrorism efforts by Iraqi security forces with support from the U.S. and coalition partners. The U.S. Department of Defense highlights the evolution of the U.S.-Iraq relationship, emphasizing a decade-long partnership aimed at defeating ISIS. This relationship is undergoing discussions to adapt to the current security needs and capabilities of Iraqi forces, with a focus on ensuring ISIS cannot resurge.
The presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, as part of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, remains critical in advising, assisting, and enabling Iraqi and Kurdish security forces. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to maintain pressure on ISIS remnants and prevent their resurgence.
In terms of future U.S. military presence, discussions between the U.S. and Iraq are ongoing, focusing on transitioning to a bilateral security partnership that builds on the success of the anti-ISIS campaign. This transition is being deliberated with an emphasis on Iraq’s sovereignty and security, aiming to formulate a clear timetable for the adjustment of international coalition advisors’ presence in Iraq.
