Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners have increased offensive activity against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria targets throughout May, task force officials reported today.
On May 1, the Syrian Democratic Forces announced the resumption of major offensive operations in the middle Euphrates River valley, officials said. Since then, they added, the SDF has continued to gain ground through offensive operations, coupled with precision coalition strike support.
During the first 24 days of May, the coalition conducted 184 strikes with 231 engagements. This demonstrates a 147 percent increase over the 74 strikes conducted in March, officials said, and surpassed OIR’s strike tempo of 183 strikes recorded for all of April.
The combined joint task force and its partner forces continue to exert pressure on senior ISIS leaders and associates in order to degrade, disrupt and dismantle the terrorist group’s structures and remove terrorists from Iraq and Syria, officials said, adding that ISIS morale is sinking on the front lines as privileged leaders increasingly abandon their own fighters on the battlefield, taking resources with them as they flee.
Over the coming weeks, coalition officials said, Operation Roundup will continue to build momentum against ISIS remnants remaining in the Iraq-Syria border region and the middle Euphrates River valley.
Coalition military forces conducted 52 strikes May 18-24, consisting of 70 engagements in Iraq and Syria.
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