SOUTHWEST ASIA – Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and partner forces repelled a coordinated attack by ISIS elements near Deir ez-Zor, Syria, located in the Middle Euphrates River Valley on Nov. 24.
CJTF-OIR forces are employing combined fires, including indirect fire and close air support in support of Syrian Democratic Force partners, in order to contain ISIS in the last remaining territory they currently hold. Additionally, units from the Iraqi Security Forces are coordinating their efforts by defending the shared border with Syria to prevent ISIS forces from escaping back into Iraq.
ISIS had taken advantage of inclement weather and navigated among civilian populations as cover in an attempt to breakout of their fighting positions within the MERV.
There are approximately 2,000 ISIS forces remaining and they currently operate out of less than one percent of the territory they once held near Deir ez-Zor, Syria, which is located in the MERV. “The presence of one ISIS terrorist anywhere is too many, but at this point in the operation, there are not enough ISIS to make any significant or lasting gains” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, Deputy Commanding General of CJTF-OIR. ISIS has lost most of the financial resources they once controlled to expand their influence and they rely on IEDs and cave complexes to retain their shrinking influence.
CJTF-OIR works by, with, and through partner forces to defeat ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria. Operation Roundup, which began in May 2018, seeks to enable forces to close in on the final remnants of ISIS. #DefeatISIS