The operation’s task force remains active and is now headquartered in Jordan. U.S. forces continue the counter-ISIS mission in Syria alongside Coalition partners and the Syrian government.
American and Coalition forces began departing federal Iraq last October, with the removal of personnel and equipment from Erbil completing the transition. The base in northern Iraq had been the task force’s main operational hub, hosting most of the 1,500 American and Coalition personnel supporting counter-ISIS operations.
CENTCOM established Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in 2014 to advise, assist and enable partner forces in Iraq and Syria. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said Iraqi forces now have the capacity to manage threats to their country independently.
“Because of your grit, sacrifice and professionalism, ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security and Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other Iraqi Kurdistan Region security forces, now possess the capacity, leadership, and operational independence to unilaterally manage threats to their homeland,” Cooper said. He credited American service members, diplomats and civilian personnel who served in Iraq.
“As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, U.S. and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise,” Cooper said. “Maintaining our vigilance and readiness is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security.”
