Small Wars Journal

U.S.-led Coalition Fight Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq 'Far From Over'

Wed, 08/15/2018 - 12:39am

U.S.-led Coalition Fight Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq 'Far From Over' by Dianna Cahn - Stars & Stripes

WASHINGTON - The Islamic State problem in Iraq and Syria is “far from over” and U.S. and coalition forces are not letting up on efforts to neutralize ISIS fighters from cities where they still have strongholds, military officials said Tuesday.

“There is still a lot of work to be done both militarily and on civilian stabilization efforts in both countries,” said Col. Sean Ryan, a spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition fight against ISIS. “Make no mistake - the coalition is not talking victory or taking our foot off the gas in working with our partners.”

Ryan spoke to defense reporters via videostream, giving a prepared statement before Maj. Gen. Felix Gedney, British deputy commander for strategy and support of OIR - who traveled the region last week - took the podium to answer questions.

Ryan said that partner forces are working to stabilize areas in Iraq and Syria where ISIS has been driven out, including rebuilding detention centers and training new guards. In some areas like Manbij in northern Syria, electricity is being restored and some children are going to school for the first time in five years, he said.

In other areas, the fighting continues. In eastern Syria, the coalition-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are preparing for an assault on the ISIS stronghold of Hajin, a Euphrates River Valley town…

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