Showing posts with label US CENTCOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US CENTCOM. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
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.*
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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.*
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.*
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
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.
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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