Pentagon Says Pro-Western Syrian Rebels Have Gained Ground Against ISIS in Northeastern Syria

March 11, 2015

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 10, 2015 – Forces opposing the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, supported by coalition airstrikes, seized key terrain late last week in northeastern Syria near Tal Hamis, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

These forces overcame ISIL resistance in that section of Syria and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area, officials said. The two-week operation, which ended March 7, also denied ISIL access to primary travel routes historically used to move its personnel and materials into Iraq — namely Tal Afar and Mosul.

During the operation, anti-ISIL forces seized critical portions of Route 47 in Syria, a key ISIL communications and supply line leading into Iraq, officials said. In addition, they seized key terrain in the Jazera region and liberated 94 nearby villages. Coalition forces conducted supporting airstrikes, destroying multiple ISIL weapons systems, vehicles and fighting positions.

“This operation demonstrated the ability of anti-ISIL forces to further degrade Daesh influence in this region,” said Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve commander, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. “The determination of these anti-ISIL forces and our precision airstrikes enabled us to deny Daesh this key terrain in Syria.”

The Inherent Resolve coalition will continue to support efforts to attack and defeat ISIL, officials said, noting that anti-ISIL forces hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the region.