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A Decade of Battle Against ISIS
Ten years ago, a brutal terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seized control over vast regions of Syria and Northern Iraq. At its height, ISIS was dangerously close to Baghdad, Iraq’s capital. This period of terror saw countless atrocities. ISIS brutally oppressing those under its control. In response to this growing threat, the Iraqi government called for help. Countries worldwide joined forces to combat ISIS.
The U.S. led a coalition of more than 30 countries, forming the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). This military alliance succeeded in reclaiming the territories ISIS had taken.defeating the group in Iraq by 2017 and in Syria by 2019. While these were major victories, experts warn that ISIS is “down but not out,” meaning the group still poses a danger to the region and beyond.
The Two-Phase Transition Plan
The United States and Iraq have agreed on a plan to transition the operations of the CJTF-OIR over the next few years. This plan is divided into two phases:
Phase One: End of Military Missions in Iraq
In the first phase, the coalition’s military mission in Iraq will come to an end. This will involve coalition forces withdrawing from specific locations across Iraq, as agreed upon by both Iraq and coalition nations. The transition process starts now and will be completed by September 2025. This marks the end of the coalition’s military presence in Iraq in its current form.
This does not mean that the coalition is completely abandoning Iraq. In particular, the U.S. and other coalition countries will continue to advise and support Iraqi forces in their endeavours to keep ISIS from growing stronger.
Phase Two: Focus on Counter-ISIS Operations in Syria
While ISIS has been territorially defeated in Iraq, the situation in Syria is more complicated. ISIS remains a significant threat in Syria, and the coalition has pledged to continue its work to ensure the terror group cannot make a comeback.
In the second phase, Iraq will allow the coalition to continue supporting counter-ISIS operations in Syria from Iraqi soil. This support will last until at least September 2026, depending on the conditions on the ground and discussions between political leaders in Iraq and the U.S.
Continued Vigilance Against the ISIS Threat
Even though the CJTF-OIR’s role in Iraq is winding down, the coalition is still needed. Officials have stressed that ISIS continues to try to reestablish itself, not only in Iraq and Syria but also in places like Afghanistan and Africa. This means that while the immediate threat may be reduced, there is still a need for global vigilance and cooperation to prevent ISIS from resurging.
The United States, along with its allies, will stay closely connected to Iraq during and after this transition. They will continue to support Iraq’s efforts to fight terrorism, focusing on advising and assisting key security forces in Iraq. These forces include the Iraqi Counterterrorism Services, Joint Operations Command, the Iraqi Air Force, and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
A Decade of Success and Cooperation
This transition comes after ten years of successful international cooperation between coalition nations, Iraqi security forces, and the U.S. military. Together, these forces succeeded in territorially defeating ISIS in Iraq and the core regions of Syria. This victory did not come easily, and the fight against ISIS required strong partnerships and a shared commitment to ending the group’s brutal reign of terror.
However, while the territorial defeat of ISIS is a monumental achievement, the threat is not completely eliminated. The coalition must remain prepared to respond to any attempts by ISIS to reestablish itself, whether in the region or elsewhere in the world.
Moving Toward Long-Term Security
One of the key messages from officials is that this transition is not a withdrawal from Iraq. Instead, it represents a shift in the nature of the U.S.-Iraq relationship. The focus is moving from direct military involvement to a long-term security partnership similar to those the U.S. has with other allies worldwide.
Even after the formal end of the military mission, the U.S. and Iraq will continue to collaborate on security matters. This collaboration will likely focus on advising, assisting, and enabling Iraqi forces to conduct counterterrorism operations. This will also allow them to maintain security in the region.
The Road Ahead: Remaining Challenges
As the coalition’s military presence in Iraq decreases, there are still significant challenges ahead, particularly in Syria. The region remains unstable, and ISIS continues to pose a real threat. The coalition nations, alongside Iraq, have committed to staying vigilant in their efforts to prevent ISIS from returning to power.
The decision to allow the coalition to continue operating in Syria from Iraq shows a continued commitment to the fight against terrorism. This approach ensures that the coalition can continue to monitor and address any threats that arise from ISIS in Syria.
ISIS Remains a Threat Despite Defeat
The territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019 were major victories, but the group is still a dangerous force. This is why the coalition’s work is not yet done. While the U.S. and coalition forces will step back from their military role in Iraq. They will remain involved in the region, providing support and assistance to ensure that ISIS cannot regain its former power.
This transition marks a new chapter in the fight against ISIS. This will focus on maintaining security through partnerships and long-term cooperation rather than direct military involvement. The US and its allies remain dedicated to maintaining the difficult victories over ISIS.
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