Can Operation Inherent Resolve Defeat ISIS?

By Rakesh Raman

While the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is now determined to extend its territory into Europe after conquering large areas of Iraq and Syria, the U.S. and partner-nation military forces have continued to attack the ISIS terrorists.

The Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials provided details Tuesday on airstrikes that occurred on Monday and Tuesday, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Fighter and bomber aircraft conducted 10 airstrikes in Syria near Kobani, eight airstrikes destroyed 13 ISIL (a.k.a. ISIS) fighting positions and an ISIL building and also damaged an ISIL building. While near Dawr az Zawr, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL bunker, near Raqqah, two ISIL tanks were destroyed, according to Operation Inherent Resolve.

It further said that remotely piloted and attack aircraft conducted two airstrikes in Iraq. Near Qaim, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL bunker while near Asad, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL vehicle and damaged an ISIL vehicle.

[ Also Read: How Islamic State Trains Its Fighters ]

However, ISIS says that it’s now ready to target Europe as part of its plan to establish a large Islamic State or the ‘Caliphate.’

Currently, ISIS holds a state which is at least equivalent to the geographical area of the U.K. But it has already planned to move beyond Iraq and Syria in order to expand its regime.

Of late, the terrorist outfit revealed its strategy and plan of action to a visiting German author Jürgen Todenhöfer, who visited the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria with its permission to know about the life in the ISIS-controlled areas.

[ Read: Undeterred by U.S. Offensive, ISIS Now Eying Europe ]

According to the U.S. Defense Department, the U.S.-led strikes on ISIS are being conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community.

Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

By Rakesh Raman, the managing editor of RMN Company

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