Key Facts
- Territory liberated
- ~110,000 sq km and 7.7 million people freed from IS
- IS militants killed (by Oct 2017)
- ~80,000 (by CJTF–OIR and allies)
- Total airstrikes (to Aug 2019)
- 34,573
- US share of airstrikes
- 70%
- Civilian casualties (airstrikes)
- 8,220–13,299 killed in Syria and Iraq
Strategic Narrative Overview
The coalition conducted thousands of airstrikes while supporting local ground forces—primarily Iraq's security forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Key phases included the liberation of Tikrit, Ramadi, Fallujah, and Mosul in Iraq, culminating in IS's territorial defeat there by October 2017, followed by the collapse of IS's last Syrian territory around Baghouz in March 2019. Special forces and artillery units were also deployed on the ground.
01 / The Origins
The Islamic State's rapid expansion across Iraq and Syria in 2014, including the capture of Mosul and the declaration of a caliphate, prompted the United States and a coalition of partners to launch a military intervention. The group's brutal governance, genocide against minorities, and direct threats to Western nations created both regional and international urgency for a coordinated military response.
03 / The Outcome
By March 2019, IS had lost nearly all of its self-proclaimed caliphate territory. The group transitioned to an insurgency, continuing attacks in both countries. The coalition shifted focus toward counter-insurgency, advising, and stabilization efforts. IS's territorial defeat did not end the operation, which remained active as the group persisted as a decentralized militant network.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Side B
3 belligerents
Lloyd Austin, Stephen Townsend.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.