Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), on February 10, conducted precision airstrikes in the Kirkuk region of Iraq and killed two ISIS operators. The operation was supported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Similarly, on January 31, 2025, ISF strikes in Kirkuk killed five ISIS operators.
ISF has carried out several raids against ISIS in the last two years, mostly in coordination with CENTCOM.
CENTCOM stated that between August 29, 2024, and November 4, 2024, there were 95 Defeat ISIS missions in Syria and Iraq where over 163 terrorists were killed and over 30 senior or mid-level leaders were detained.
CENTCOM and ISF collaboration has been central to the battle against ISIS. CENTCOM provides important intelligence and technical resources to enhance the effectiveness of ISF operations. It involves target identification and exploitation of sites following strikes.
In August 2024, A combined operation of U.S. troops and ISF in western Iraq killed 15 ISIS militants. Seven US soldiers were injured while executing the operation, which targeted senior militants with guns and explosive vests.
From January to May 2024, CENTCOM conducted 59 operations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), killing 14 ISIS extremists and detaining another. The operations demonstrate a wider regional campaign against ISIS. The Iraqi Army, too, began operations against ISIS in the Hamrin Mountains region. These are all part of regular campaigns aimed at ensuring that any comeback by terrorist groups is averted.
These operations are conducted within a sophisticated security landscape where multiple actors become involved.
The synergy between ISF and CENTCOM plays a vital role in bringing about regional stability through the fragmentation of terrorist networks. Despite defeats, ISIS remains attempting to regroup by exploiting instability such as that engendered by Iran-aligned militias’ battles against U.S. troops.
These joint efforts have been vital in keeping pressure on ISIS networks, stopping their reemergence by going after influential leaders and disrupting attack planning functions. In spite of pressures from regional instability, these combined operations continue to be essential for regional security.
