HomeNewsSpecial ReportsInherent Resolve
Operation Inherent Resolve - Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

The president has authorized U.S. Central Command to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes of Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.

The commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve reported progress and success in both Iraq and Syria to bring a lasting defeat to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Centcom Commander Visits Area of Responsibility

Stories

Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, visiting the site of exercise Eager Lion 2016 in Zarqa, Jordan.

Eager Lion Exercise Highlights U.S.-Jordan Force Integration, Centcom Commander Says

Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Jordan to observe the Eager Lion 2016 exercise that's Centcom's largest military exercise in its area of responsibility. Story

Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, shaking the hands of Australian and New Zealand service members.

Centcom Commander Visits Iraq and Syria

Over the past two days, during Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel's latest trip to the Middle East, the U.S. Central Command chief met in Iraq and Syria with coalition members, other partners, senior commanders and military leaders to discuss operations and continued collaboration there. Story


About the Commander

Profile photo of Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel attended the U.S. Military Academy and was commissioned in 1980 as an infantry officer. His initial assignment was to the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, where he served as a rifle platoon leader, executive officer, battalion adjutant and rifle company commander. His career then took him around the world, including stops in Italy, New York, Iraq and Afghanistan. Before taking over as Centcom commander, Votel also commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment and U.S. Special Operations Command. Biography

Centcom SealU.S. Central Command

Strikes in Iraq and Syria

Interactive Map
Click on country name for the latest airstrike information.

Iraq

December 22, 2016 Update - Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. Near Al Qaim, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle. Near Bashir, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and a tunnel. Near Bayji, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building and a generator. Near Haditha, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building. Near Kisik, one strike destroyed an ISIL held building. Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three mortar systems, an ISIL headquarters, a tactical vehicle, a command and control node, a munitions production factory, and an IED factory; damaged seven ISIL supply routes; and suppressed five tactical units and three mortar teams.

Syria

December 22, 2016 Update - Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an oil well head. Near Al Shadaddi, one strike destroyed a decoy tactical vehicle. Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL mortar system and suppressed a tactical unit. Near Ayn Isa, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed three oil well heads, three oil tanker trucks, an excavator, and a crane. Near Palmyra, one strike destroyed two bunkers and an ISIL artillery system.

As of 6:45 a.m. EST Dec. 15, 2016, the U.S. and coalition have conducted a total of 16,806 strikes (10,678 Iraq / 6,128 Syria).

  • U.S. has conducted 13,058 strikes in Iraq and Syria (7,248 Iraq / 5,810 Syria)
  • Rest of Coalition has conducted 3,748 strikes in Iraq and Syria (3,430 Iraq / 318 Syria)

The countries that have participated in the strikes include:

  • In Iraq: (1) Australia, (2) Belgium, (3) Canada, (4) Denmark, (5) France, (6) Jordan, (7) The Netherlands, and (8) UK
  • In Syria: (1) Australia, (2) Bahrain, (3) Canada, (4) Denmark, (5) France, (6) Jordan, (7) The Netherlands, (8) Saudi Arabia, (9) Turkey (10) UAE and (11) UK

Between Aug. 8, 2014 and Nov. 28, 2016, U.S. and partner nation aircraft have flown an estimated 127,764 sorties in support of operations in Iraq and Syria.

Cost of Operations

As of October 15, 2016, the total cost of operations related to ISIL since kinetic operations started on August 8, 2014, is $10 billion and the average daily cost is $12.6 million for 800 days of operations. A further breakdown of cost associated with the operations is here.

Targets Damaged/Destroyed as of Sept. 26, 2016

Operation Inherent Resolve Targets Damaged/Destroyed: Tanks: 164; HMMWV's: 388; Staging Areas: 2,050; Buildings: 7,984; Fighting Positions: 8,638; Oil Infrastructure: 2,638;  Other Targets: 10,074; TOTAL: 31,900

Statements & News Releases

More

Videos

More Videos

More
Top News: Iraq, Syria Make Key Strides Against ISIL

Stories

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported. Story

U.S., Russian Officials Discuss Flight Safety in Syria

Defense Department officials held a video conference with Russian Defense Ministry counterparts to discuss flight safety in Syria, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement. Story

Coalition Targets ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported. Story

More Stories

More

Iraq and Syria: ISIL’s Areas of Influence, August 2014 Through April 2016

Click to Download

Video

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook speaking at a podium.

Pentagon Spokesman: Secretary Remains Committed to Lasting Defeat of ISIL

More Videos

More

Speeches & Transcripts

More

Photo Essay

More Photo Essays

More
Archived Stories