Inside the US-Led Coalition’s Fight Against ISIS

The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq is still fighting ISIS.
VICE News embeds with Iraqi forces in the field and speaks with American military leaders about the future of the coalition.
How has the coalition engaged with local forces to combat ISIS and reclaim territory?
The US-led coalition has been at the forefront of the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) since the terrorist group first emerged in 2014. Consisting of more than 80 countries, this coalition has played a pivotal role in dismantling ISIS’s infrastructure and reducing its territorial control in the Middle East. As the coalition gears up for its next phase of operations, it is worth exploring the inner workings of this multinational counterterrorism effort.
At the heart of the coalition’s strategy against ISIS is a combination of military force and diplomatic pressure. Militarily, the coalition has relied on airstrikes, training and advising local forces, and conducting targeted raids against top ISIS leaders. Since the beginning of the coalition’s operations, more than 130,000 ISIS fighters have been killed or detained, and their territory has been reduced by 98%. This remarkable success can be attributed to the coordination of the coalition members, with each contributing its own strengths to the fight against ISIS.
The coalition’s diplomatic efforts have been equally significant in undermining ISIS’s ideological narrative and constraining its financial resources. From international sanctions to public messaging campaigns, the coalition has worked tirelessly to counter the propaganda and messaging of ISIS. It has also targeted the group’s financial networks, seizing millions of dollars’ worth of cash and assets that the group uses to sustain its operations.
The coalition’s efforts have been especially targeted at preventing foreign fighters from joining ISIS in Syria and Iraq. In this regard, the coalition has worked with its member states to share intelligence, monitor borders, and disrupt the flow of militants. In addition, military operations have included targeted strikes against individuals who are recruiting or planning to join ISIS.
A key element of the coalition’s anti-ISIS efforts has been training and advising local forces, particularly the Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces. This has enabled these forces to take the fight to ISIS and to recapture their own territory. These local forces have also been instrumental in helping the coalition to identify and target ISIS operatives.
Another important aspect of the coalition’s strategy has been maintaining the support of the local population. The coalition has invested in reconstruction and stabilization efforts, including rebuilding infrastructure and providing critical services to areas previously under ISIS control. This has helped to win the hearts and minds of the local population, who are crucial in preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
Despite the successes of the coalition in defeating ISIS, the group remains a significant threat to global security. The coalition is now focusing on consolidating its gains, preventing ISIS from regrouping in Iraq and Syria, and countering its activities in other parts of the world. This means stepping up efforts to counter ISIS propaganda, disrupt its revenue streams and prevent the recruitment of new members.
The US-led coalition’s fight against ISIS has been impressive, demonstrating the power of coordination, cooperation, and international partnerships in confronting global threats. Through sustained efforts on multiple fronts, the coalition has succeeded in reducing the threat posed by ISIS. However, much work remains to be done to ensure that the group is fully defeated and that the conditions that allowed it to emerge are addressed. The coalition’s next phase of operations will be crucial in consolidating its gains and building a more stable and peaceful world.
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