Operation Inherent Resolve

Definition

Operation Inherent Resolve is the name given to the military campaign initiated by the United States and its coalition partners against ISIS, aimed at degrading and ultimately defeating the group. Launched in 2014, this operation involved airstrikes, training local forces, and supporting ground operations in both Iraq and Syria to counter the rapid expansion of ISIS and its territorial gains.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Operation Inherent Resolve was officially launched on August 8, 2014, in response to ISIS's rapid territorial conquests in Iraq and Syria.
2. The operation includes a combination of airstrikes, intelligence sharing, and support for local forces fighting ISIS on the ground.
3. The coalition initially consisted of over 60 countries committed to defeating ISIS and stabilizing the region.
4. One of the key strategies of Operation Inherent Resolve was to cut off ISIS's funding sources, such as oil sales and taxation of local populations.
5. By late 2017, the coalition had declared significant territorial losses for ISIS, which had lost control over large swaths of territory it once held.

Review Questions

• How did Operation Inherent Resolve evolve in response to the changing dynamics of the conflict with ISIS?
  • Operation Inherent Resolve began primarily with airstrikes targeting ISIS positions but evolved to include ground support for local forces and efforts to stabilize liberated areas. As ISIS adapted its tactics, the coalition shifted strategies to include more comprehensive support for partners on the ground, such as the Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces. This evolution highlights the need for a multifaceted approach in combating a dynamic adversary like ISIS.
• Assess the impact of international collaboration on the effectiveness of Operation Inherent Resolve in combating ISIS.
  • The effectiveness of Operation Inherent Resolve can largely be attributed to the broad coalition formed against ISIS, which allowed for resource sharing, intelligence cooperation, and coordinated military actions. Countries contributed not only military assets but also humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts for liberated areas. This collaborative approach strengthened local forces' capabilities while creating a unified front against a common threat, significantly impacting ISIS's ability to maintain control over territory.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Operation Inherent Resolve on regional stability in the Middle East following the defeat of ISIS.
  • The long-term implications of Operation Inherent Resolve on regional stability are complex. While the operation successfully degraded ISIS's territorial control, it did not address the underlying issues that contributed to the group's rise, such as sectarian tensions and political instability in Iraq and Syria. The vacuum left by ISIS's defeat has led to concerns about resurgent extremist groups and ongoing conflict among various factions in the region. Thus, while the operation achieved tactical success against ISIS, sustaining peace and stability requires addressing broader socio-political challenges.

Related terms

ISIS: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a militant group that emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq, known for its extreme interpretations of Islam and brutal tactics in establishing a caliphate.

Coalition Forces: A group of countries, including the United States, that collaborated militarily to combat ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve.

Counterterrorism: Actions taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist activities and groups, which includes military, intelligence, and law enforcement efforts.