The 16th Lead Inspector General for Operation Inherent Resolve's report to the US Congress blows away political aspirations with cold on the ground facts.Based on a Pentagon official's inquiries to US CENTCOM and Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve officials, the report notes that:
The effort to defeat ISIS (another name for Islamic State) continues as ISIS remains a potent force of battle-hardened and well-disciplined fighters that 'could likely resurge in Syria' absent continued counterterrorism pressure.
US CENTCOM officials believe that:
ISIS is regenerating key functions and capabilities more quickly in Iraq than in Syria, and "absent sustained pressure,ISIS could likely resurge in Syria within six to twelve months and regain limited territory."*
What is more:
ISIS remains active in rural Iraq and continues to conduct attacks, assassinations,and to resort to robbery and money laundering to raise funds.
*
The IG's report covers the period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018.According to the report:
ISIS is still able to coordinate offensives and counter-offensives,as well as operate as a decentralized insurgency.
In Iraq, the Iraqi Security Forces are still reliant on the United States and Coalition support.*
As for the Syrian Democratic Forces,CJTF-OIR said Coalition support is 'vital to the SDF's ability to defeat ISIS in the Middle Euphrates River Valley.'
Iraq's problems include lack of a tasking system for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets and vetting procedures for HUMINT.Even trained ISF units have shortfalls in command and control; leadership; physical resilience; and ability to execute basic minor infantry tactics, the IG's report indicates.
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