LIVE: MI6 chief speaks at the British embassy in Paris - YouTube - 3O NOV 2024 - Reuters

USCENTCOM and SOHR Find ISIL Militants Are Still a Threat in Syria

U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a series of strikes against several camps of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on 28 OCT 2024 in the early evening.This killed up to 35 militants.*The strikes targeted multiple ISIL locations in the Syrian desert,targeting multiple ISIL senior leaders.There are no indications of civilian casualties.*These airstrikes will disrupt the ability of ISIL to plan,organise and conduct attacks against civilians,as well as the U.S. and its Allies and Partners throughout the region and beyond,USCENTCOM said.USCENTCOM,alongside Allies and Partners in the region will continue to agressively degrade ISIL operational capabilities to ensure its lasting defeat under Operation Inherent Resolve.*Meanwhile,the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR),an impartial UK-based monitoring organisation,found the following:SOHR has documented 235 operations carried out by ISIL,including armed attacks,executions and explosions targeting military and security forces in areas under control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria since early 2024.According to SOHR statistics,these operations left 101 fatalities:64 members of U.S. Ally Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF),the official military force of the Autonomous Administration;the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and other military formations operating in areas under control of the Autonomous Administrationl;12 ISIL members;25 civilians,including a child,two women and four guards of civil institutions.*The Autonomous Adminstration of North and East Syria (AANES) is a de facto autonomous region in Northeastern Syria,on the border with Iraq.It consists of self-governing sub-regions in the araeas of Afrin,Jazira,Euphrates,Raqqa,Tabqa,Marbij and Deir Ez-Zor.The AANES has widespread support for its universal democratic,equal and feminist policies in dialogue with other parties and organisations.Northeast Syria is multi-ethnic and home to sizeable Kurdish,Arab and Assyrian populations.It is a secular administration promoting decentralisation,gender equality,religious pluralism and cultural diversity.These values are mirrored in its Constitution,society and politics.The AANES has been described by non-partisan sources as the most democratic system in Syria,with direct,open elections;univerasl equlity;respecting human rights within the region as well as support of minority and religious freedom.Its population was an estimated 2 miilion as of 2018.*About 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria in support of counter-ISIL operations,with 2500 in Northern Iraq transitioning to an advisory role under Operation Inherent Resolve.The U.S. and its Allies have reportedly detained about 5,000 ISIL fighters and 50,000 indoctrinated family members.If they were freed,ISIL could reconstitute and grow,according to The Conversation,a group with funding from The Ohio State University.

Al Jazeera:U.S. Armed Forces Conducted Airstrikes Against ISIL and al-Qaida Affiliate in Syria

According to the Al Jazeera news outlet,U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) said that a large-scale airstrike on a remote Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) camp in Central Syria on 16 SEPT 2024 killed nine militants of the Hurras al-Din al-Qaida affiliate,including:'Marwan Bassam' Abd-al-Ra uf,a senior Hurras-al-Din leader responsible for overseeing military operations in Syria.*It was the second such attack in as many months.In August,USCENTCOM announced the death of Aba-Abd al-Rahman al-Makki in an attack in Northwestern Syria.Hurras al-Din emerged in Syria in 2018.At present,there are about 900 U.S. troops in Syria,plus an undisclosed number of military contractors.The U.S. Armed Forces are on a mission to advise and assist local Allies and Partners to prevent the resurgance of ISIL under Operation Inherent Resolve.In 2014,ISIL terrorised parts of Syria and Iraq.The Assad regime in Syria objects to the presence of U.S. Armed Forces.The ground element in Syria is U.S. Army Soldiers.

IS Leader Kills Himself During Raid by US Troops in Syria

On Wednesday 7 December 2022,US Special Operations Forces conducted a night raid in Idlib,Northwest Syria,resulting in the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi,US President Joseph R. Biden announced Thursday morning.Mr.Biden said: Thanks to the bravery of our troops,this horrible terrorist leader is no more.Knowing that terrorist had chosen to surround himself with families,including children,we made a choice to pursue a Special Forces raid at a much greater risk to our own people rather than targeting him with an airstrike.* Such missions are in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR),which seeks the lasting defeat of IS.Al-Qurayshi took control of IS when US troops neutralised former IS mastermind Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.* In the course of the approximately two-hour combat operation,up to thirteen people were killed,including civilians as well as militants,according to a Syrian Civil Defence group.The Pentagon is conducting an after-action review of the raid.* Al-Qurayshi blew himself and his family up with an explosive device when the US SOFs announced their presence outside the multi-family residence.The suicide blast caused the residence's partial destruction.Al-Qurayhsi's deputy and the deputy's wife were on the first floor and were killed by the SOFs when he engaged them in a firefight.No US troops were harmed during the raid.It is believed a few other militants were killed by attack helicopters as the militants approached the compound and were deemed hostile.* According to the monitoring organisation the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR),since early December,IS has stepped up its activity in areas held by US Ally the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).These activities include the assassination of,and attacks on,SDF members and members of the Autonomous Administration.At least eight IS operations were documented by SOHR activists against SDF members in the Deir Ezzor and al-Hasakah areas that killed three SDF members and wounded six others,including a civilian.There were also clashes in the Deir Ezzor countryside between the SDF and IS cells.The IS cells threaten everyone in the area,SOHR said.* There are about 900 US troops in Syria,and 2500 in Iraq,serving in support of OIR.Through August 2022,US troops in Iraq and Syria combined had come under 30 indirect-fire attacks-mainly rocket attacks,according to OIR.Several attacks were launched against US troops by Iran-backed militants.* IS no longer controls territory in Iraq or Syria.It just conducts sporadic attacks with its militant cells.*

CENTCOM forces respond to attempted coordinated rocket attacks at Conoco, Green Village bases

CENTCOM forces respond to attempted coordinated rocket attacks at Conoco, Green Village ba: TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. forces responded today to rocket attacks at two sites in Syria, destroying three vehicles and equipment used to launch some of the rockets. Initial assessments indicate that two or

Coalition: Iran-backed militia attacks a dangerous distraction from mission

Coalition: Iran-backed militia attacks a dangerous distraction from mission: Coalition forces were targeted this morning by eight rounds of indirect fire at Green Village, a Syrian Democratic Forces base with a small Coalition advisory presence, in northeast Syria. According

US Continues Combat Air Role in Afghanistan - plus the future of the Iraq Mission

According to GEN Kenneth McKenzie,US Marine Corps,Commander,US Central Command: We have increased airstrikes against the Taliban in support of Afghan forces over the past several days,and we are prepared to continue this heightened support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks.Taliban victory is not inevitable.* In addition,the US will continue giving the Afghan Air Force logistical support following the withdrawal of all US and foreign forces as of 31 August 2021.* Meanwhile,about 900 US troops,including some in Infantry Figthing Vehicles, continue to support Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State militants in Syria.With regard to Iraq,US President Joseph R. Biden received Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at the White House yesterday.The two leaders discussed the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two countries,which includes health care;climate change;energy;strengthening Iraqi democracy;and security cooperation-especially our shared fight against ISIS (another word for Islamic State) and our counterterrorism effort.* President Biden noted that: Today our relations are stronger than ever.I think things are going well.Our troops will continue to train,to assist,to help,and to deal with ISIS as it arises.* Mr.Biden announced that the 2500 US troops in Iraq will no longer be in a combat role after the end of 2021,however.Indeed,it has been some time since they exercised such a function.NATO has a separate training mission in Iraq as well.* The Iraqi Security Forces still need more training.What is more,they need the intelligence support that the US troops provide through their presence in Iraq,observed CNN correspondent Arwa Damon.*

Operation Inherent Resolve:RAF Pounds IS in Iraq as Green Berets Patrol Northern Syria

The war on Islamic State continues unabated in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere, despite the global pandemic coalition forces are also dealing with.This has been made clear as Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) conducted various operations in recent days.
On 28 April 2020,two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, flying out of RAF Arotiri, Cyprus,staged a night raid on an IS stronghold in the Hamrin Mountains​ of Northern Iraq.They acted when military intelligence revealed the militants were hiding in the warren of caves and tunnels they maintain in the rugged mountainous terrain Northeast of Bayji,Iraq.The Typhoons successfully delivered their Pavehawk IV guided munitions on their​ targets, the British Ministry of Defence announced.Defence Minister Ben Wallace noted that:
The Daesh (another name for IS) threat is relentless and so will we be.*
Also participating in the raid were a Voyager refueling tanker plane and other unidentified OIR aircraft. The Hamrin Mountains are used by IS to smuggle weapons; facilitate senior leader movements; and plot terrorist attacks in the region,CJTF-OIR stated.Daesh senior leaders and their operatives have used the mountains​ as one of their last operating areas in Iraq.*
Following the raid,Iraqi Security Forces found IS documents; electronic devices; and fragments of weapons and other gear in the caves, some of which were rendered inaccessible.Initial estimates show that 5-10 militants were killed.Follow on searches continue.*
The next day,29 April 2020, the MaT partner forces and US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) conducted a joint patrol in the At Tanf,Syria area to continue the mission to defeat remaining elements of Daesh and set conditions for their lasting defeat, the Global Coalition said, adding that:
While the terrorist group no longer occupies territory in Iraq and Syria,it remains a threat there and elsewhere.
The Global Coalition will continue its comprehensive efforts in Iraq and Syria, and globally, to deny ISIS's (another name for IS) ambitions and the activities of its branches and networks, until the job is done.*
On 16 April, the Political Directors of the Global Coalition Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group had met, agreeing to maintain maximum pressure on Daesh/ISIS despite the several and multifaceted challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.*

Iraq:British Soldier Killed in Action Identified

The British Soldier killed  during an Iran-backed militia attack on Camp Taji,Iraq has been identified by the Ministry of Defence as LCPL Brodie Gillon.She was a reservist member of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry.*
In civilian life,LCPL Gillon was a self-employed sports physiotherapist.She had joined the regiment in 2015 as a Combat Medical Technician (CMT),and qualified as a Class I CMT in 2018.*
LCPL Gillon had volunteered to serve in Iraq.She was highly regarded both within the Regiment and beyond.*

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Answers Call of OIR

On 22 November 2019, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG 12) began supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, which seeks the lasting defeat of Islamic State.Air assets of Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7) provided close air support and defensive counter air support operations in the context of broader US CENTCOM counter-terror operations in the region, CENTCOM said.According to US Navy CAPT William R. Reed,Commander,CVW 7:
Today's operations are a testament to how carrier air power can project well beyond the shore.It has tremendous reach.The Carrier Strike Group as a whole provides a robust military capability in the region, and CVW 7 remains ready to deliver that capability at any time if called upon.*
Said USN CAPT Walt Slaughter, Commanding Officer​ of USS Abraham Lincoln:
As we navigate throughout the theatre,we will exercise our vast capabilities and interoperability with international​ partners,as a mobile and lethal force.We are the tip of the spear, and we will continue to work with our coalition allies to ensure regional security.*
The Abraham Lincoln is flagship of the deployed Strike Group assets, including the Sailors, Marines, ships and aircraft of CSG 12, Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2),guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and CVW 7.The CSG was deployed to the Middle East on 5 May 2019.*

Operation Inherent Resolve: Coalition and Partners Conduct Big Sweep Against IS in Syria - updated

On 22 November 2019,OIR Coalition Forces and Partner Forces conducted a large clearance mission in Deir-ez-Zor Province of Northeast Syria, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve said in a press release.Several Islamic State militants were killed and wounded as the Coalition and Partners cleared multiple IS compounds, capturing more than 12 IS militants.
According to SOJTF-OIR:
Terrorist sleeper cells remain a persistent threat in Northeast Syria.Local security forces, with Coalition assistance, are continuing to conduct counter-terrorism operations.
Said US Air Force MG Eric T. Hill, SOJTF-OIR commamder:
SOJTF-OIR remains committed to our relentless pursuit of Daesh (another name for IS).As Daesh presents a threat, we must stay vigilant to prevent it, for the sake of the region and our homelands.*
The mission was a reaction to increasing threats of IS attacks.It was conducted after days of joint planning and preparation.Once the IS compounds had been cleared,a significant amount of small arms,IEDs and ammunition were removed.*
The monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights notes that those involved in the raids included US troops and the Syrian Democratic Forces (Kurds). Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on 23 November, just after the Northeast Syria operation,US Marine Corps GEN Kenneth McKenzie,Jr., Commander,US Central Command,had promised that:
Over the next days and weeks, the pace will pick back up against remnants of ISIS (another word for IS). What we're talking about are the pockets of people who represent the wreckage that followed on the wake of the caliphate.They still have the power to injure, still have the power to cause violence.We don't have an end date.*

Operation Inherent Resolve:US Troops Continue to Pursue IS in Syria

GEN Mark Milley, US Army,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says 500-600 US troops will stay in Syria in a counterterrorism capacity.They will ensure that Islamic State militants do not regroup and take advantage of the chaotic, war-torn environment in much of Syria.
Although President Donald Trump wanted to withdraw completely from Syria, pushback from the Pentagon and Republicans in Congress persuaded him to partially reverse course.GEN Milley said:
There are still ISIS (another name for IS) fighters in the region and unless pressure is maintained...then there is a very real possibility that conditions could be set for a reemergence of ISIS.The footprint will be small, but the objective will remain the same-the enduring defeat of ISIS.*
Another 150 US troops remain in Southern Syria on the border with Jordan.*
A senior OIR Commander,US Air Force MGEN Eric Hill told the Associated Press:
The mission still continues.And Daesh (another name for IS) is trying to resurge wherever they can.We've destroyed many and war remnants, and we continue to do so as we find them.*
Indeed,a newly arrived US Army mechanised infantry unit has been deployed to a remote base in Syria to do just that in their Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles.*

Operation Inherent Resolve:US Marine Corps SOF Member Killed in Action in Iraq

On 10 August 2019,GYSGT Scott A. Koppenhafer,35,of Mancos,Colorado was killed in action in Iraq when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire,the Pentagon said.The battle is being investigated.
GYSGT Koppenhafer was a member of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion,MARSOC,out of Camp Lejeune,North Carolina.He had pulled four tours in his MARSOC career,including one in Afghanistan,where he was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant,as well as Iraq.*
According to US CENTCOM,Gunny Koppenhafer was killed while on a joint mission with the Iraqi Security Forces in Nineveh Province,Northern Iraq.He was serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces as they attempt to dislodge remnants of the Islamic State in Northern Iraq.
GYSGT Koppenhafer had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2);and the Combat Action Ribbon (2).*
The revered special operator was the third US service member to be killed in action in Operation Inherent Resolve this year.About 5,000 US troops are currently deployed to Iraq with OIR in a train,advise and assist mission.In 2018,Gunny Koppenhafer was named the 2018 Marine Special Operator of the Year for his masterful leadership that directly contributed to the defeat of Islamic State forces in Northern Iraq.He is survived by his wife and two children.*
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee:thou hast holden me by my right hand.
 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,and afterword receive me to glory."
-Psalm 73:23-24

Marine Expeditionary Unit Key in Recent Combat vs. IS

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit played  a major role in recent strikes against Islamic State targets​ in Iraq and Syria.Particularly impressive was the air combat element provided by the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFMA) 211, the Avengers. Their effort was characterised by 13th MEU Commander COL Candler Nelms as being:
A considerable portion of the ordnance that was dropped in theatre... They were active and did very well... But there's no breaking point with these guys;they just crushed it.*
The Avengers were flying off the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The ARG's deployment has taken it to the Indo-Pacific and into the Middle East, with the Avengers flying their first combat missions in close air support in Afghanistan in September 2018.
They then moved on to missions in Syria and Iraq, providing close air support and defensive counter air as a precaution, what with Russian aircraft being active in Syria.There were no incidents with the Russians.
The Avengers flew twice the amount of flight hours a Harrier squadron could have, according to COL Nelms.*
Other MEU assets used included the CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter for airlift in Iraq, and a battery of M777 howitzers deployed to Syria.*
COL Nelms explained that:
When combined with inherent capabilities of the 13th MEU and Essex ARG, the F-35B strengthens the amphibious force through new and increased multi-mission capabilities, making our team a more lethal and survivable crisis response force.*
The ARG, for its part,consists of:
Amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23);
And Amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47);
in addition, the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21;
Detachments from Assault Craft Unit 5;
Naval Beach Group 1;
Beachmaster Unit 1;
Fleet Surgical Team 3;
Tactical Air Control Squadron 11 and other assets.*
Within the MEU are the command element; aviation combat element; ground combat element; and logistics combat element.*
Operation Inherent Resolve continues as the Syrian Democratic Forces destroy the last IS urban stronghold in Baghouz, Syria, backed by Coalition partners.

New Pentagon Report Paints Stark Picture of Islamic State Reality

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.

Operation Inherent Resolve:Two US Troops Killed in Syria Action - revised

On 16 January 2019,two US troops,along with an American contractor who was a translator,and another US civilian,an intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency, were killed in the town of Manbij in Northern Syria, when a militant wearing a bomb vest blew himself up as he approached them while they were meeting with local military officers of the Syrian Democratic Forces.Islamic State claimed responsibility for the explosion.Three other US service members were wounded and medivaced to safety.*
The attack took place at the Qasr-al-Umara restaurant,IS said, where US troops sometimes stopped for a meal while on patrol.The monitoring group The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the total death toll at 15.US Soldiers conduct frequent patrols in the strategic Manbij area from their numerous bases.*                           President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw US forces from Syria has been slowed down since commanders on the ground there informed him that IS was still a threat.Only some equipment has been moved to Iraq from Syria.

Operation Inherent Resolve:Combat Against Islamic State Continues in Both Syria and Iraq

Many members of the public may believe the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is over;but that is far from the case,recent press releases from Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve make plain.For example,on 24 October 2018,US Army Soldiers fired an M777 A2 howitzer from Firebase Saham,Iraq.They were acting in support of Operation Roundup,a military offensive to eliminate ISIL from the Middle Euphrates River Valley and the Syria-Iraq border region.
The Soldiers at Firebase Saham are members of Bravo Battery,Field Artillery Squadron,3rd Cavalry Regiment.It is a physically demanding team effort to load and fire the howitzers.Providing indirect fires along with French artillery in Iraq,the US troops are part of the overall Coalition effort against Islamic State,Operation Inherent Resolve,which also includes training missions and air strikes in support of Iraqi Security Forces on the ground in Iraq and Syrian Democratic Forces in neighbouring Syria.*
NATO has begun a training mission in Iraq as well.*
ISIL is reportedly going underground and operating at night,while trying to blend with the civilian population during the day.The Islamist extremist militants have a remarkable ability to transform and regenerate themselves.*
More recently,on 30 October,ISF and Iraqi Counter Terrorism Services,with Coalition support,conducted multiple strikes against Daesh (an Arab word for ISIL) on Khanukah Mountain in Salah ad Din Province,Iraq.Killed in the raids were five senior Daesh leaders and over 30 other Daesh militants.The leaders had oversight responsibility for Daesh operations in Salah ad Din,Kirkuk,Nineveh and Northern Anbar Provinces.The other militants helped coordinate VBIED attacks in Sharqat and Qayarrah that injured civilians;as well as several attacks against ISF,Iraqi civilians and infrastructure in Salah ad Din and Kirkuk Provinces.

Iraq and Syria:Operation Inherent Resolve Intensifies Effort to Disrupt Militant Plans - lines of communication

While their countrymen lay asleep,from 16-22 July 2018,Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve redoubled its campaign against Islamic State in Iraq,Syria and the Levant extremists.The international partners pulverised the takfiri terrorists with 24 strikes spread out over 40 engagements in Iraq and Syria.
Among the strikes in Syria were:
on 21 July,the Task Force engaged an ISIL tactical unit near Abu Kamal,destroying 3 vehicles and a line of communication;
on 19 July,there were 4 strikes near Abu Kamal,engaging an ISIL tactical unit and leveling 2 logistics hubs and 2 lines of communication;
On 18 July,there were again 4 strikes near Abu Kamal,engaging an ISIL tactical unit,destroying 2 vehicles and 3 lines of communication;
on 17 July,near Soor,a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit,destroying 2 motorcycles.
In Iraq:
on 20 July,the Task Force struck targets near Sulayman Bek,engaging a tactical unit and destroying 2 vehicles and a cave;
on 17 July,again near Sulaymen Bek,the Task Force engaged an ISIL tactical unit,wiping out a VBIED and 2 fighting positions;
on 16 July,near Makhmour,9 strikes destroyed 14 ISIL caves;5 tunnels;and 4 buildings.*
The strikes were carried out by fighter;bomber;rotary-wing or remotely-piloted aircraft;rocket-propelled artillery;and ground-based tactical artillery.No further details were disclosed.*
Earlier,from 24 Apil to 26 June 2018,CJTFOIR neutralised 6 ISIL leaders and planners.This campaign of kinetic strikes stifled the Islamist extremist militants' attack planning,facilitation and operations conceived against Saudi Arabia;the US;and Sweden.Killed were:
on 24 April,Munnawar al-Mutayari,a Syria-based militant plotting external attacks on Saudi Arabia;
on 2 June,Soufiane Makouh of Belgium,plotting in Syria against the US and its interests;
on 12 June,Simak,who was plotting attacks in Sweden,and his associates Abu Awf;Abu Quddamah;and Sharif al-Ragub ( killed on 26 June).
The strikes were to disrupt ISIL's ability to plan,coordinate,and carry out attacks,CJTFOIR said.*
A line of communication is a route from a supply base to an operating base for supplies or reinforcements.A military operation cannot succeed without effective lines of communication.

Operation Inherent Resolve:Euphrates River Valley

By 8 May 2018,the Syrian Democratic Forces,assisted by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve,had resumed their offensive operations to clear the final Daesh territories in Eastern Syria,according to MGEN Felix Gedney,British Army,Deputy Commander of CJTF-OIR.This manifested as SDF moving to secure the Syrian-Iraqi border by eliminating Daesh resistance and establishing defensive posts in coordination with the Iraqi Security Forces,who are operating on the other side of the border.*
Daesh is the Arabic word for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.*
At the same time,from 4-10 May,CJTF-OIR conducted 53 strikes consisting of 63 engagements against Daesh.For example,in Syria:
On 10 May,a strike destroyed an ISIL artillery piece near Dayr Az Zawr;
on 9 May,near Shadaddi,a strike destroyed an ISIL VBIED factory;and,near Dayz Az Zawr,a strike destroyed an ISIL IED belt.
In Iraq:
On 7 May,near Kisik,coalition military forces conducted a strike destroying 3 ISIL tunnels and a weapons cache;
On 5 May,near Mosul,two strikes destroyed 7 ISIL tunnel systems;near Makhmur,a strike destroyed an ISIL cave.*
Strikes are conducted by fighter,attack,bomber,rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft;rocket-propelled artillery;and ground-based artillery.*
As of now,ground operations by the SDF,coupled with intelligence,surveillance and fire support provided by CJTF-OIR,are having a devastating effect as SDF continues to liberate lands held by Daesh terrorists.Fighter jets from France are providing precision fires to crush the last of Daesh's fake caliphate.As we have proven many,many times over the course of this campaign,CJTF-OIR will relentlessly pursue ISIS (another name for ISIL) wherever they are,until we have destroyed all of ISIS' geographic holdings,MGEN Gedney tweeted.

B-1 Bombers Arrive Back in CENTCOM AOR - plus more on MSGT Johnathan Dunbar

The B-1B Lancer bomber has arrived back at Al Udeid Air Base,Qatar,to resume strategic bombing missions after two years during which the B-52H Stratofortress had served in that role.The number of B-1s involved was not disclosed.
Airmen had been training intensely for several months for the CENTCOM precision strike missions at Ellsworth Air Force Base,South Dakota.They are rejoining Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria,and Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan.*
The US Soldier recently killed in action in Northern Syria,Master Sergeant Johnathan J. Dunbar of Austin,Texas,had served three tours in Iraq and three in Afghanistan.He was awarded three Bronze Star Medals,which are given for heroic or exceptionally meritorious service in a battle zone.The Bronze Star ranks just above the Purple Heart.*
He was described as being a member of Headquarters,US Army Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg,North Carolina-a designation which often implies being a member of the elite Delta Force.*
MSGT Dunbar had earned a Ranger Tab,which does not necessarily mean he actually served in the 75th Ranger Regiment.It does mean he graduated from Ranger School,signifying a high degree of expertise in small unit combat tactics.
He also had completed the Special Forces Sniper Course,and was awarded six Army Achievement Medals,as well as four Army Commendation Medals.
Certain US Airmen,Marines and Canadian Forces members have also earned the Ranger Tab.