Secret U.S. Operations Unveiled: A New Counter-Terror Strategy?

So, after all the debates on what constitutes a “good investment” of taxpayer money and time, here we are, back in the Middle East, with our armed forces conducting covert operations to quell an ISIS resurgence. Just when you thought the global police work was winding down, enter the U.S. military, equipped and ready to prevent these terrorists from regaining their footing.

Operation Inherent Resolve: Combating ISIS’s Revival

Operation Inherent Resolve is the official designation for the U.S. military’s mission to eradicate ISIS. This effort isn’t a recent development; it has been a continuing combat mission since August 8, 2014. Recent intelligence points to a growing ISIS resurgence, and the U.S. has ramped up its covert operations to counter this troubling trend. From precision strikes to data-gathering missions, these actions aim to dismantle the group’s infrastructure before they regain strength.

The Numbers that Matter

Since the start of operations, the Air Force alone has flown over half of the 167,912 sorties in support of this mission. This relentless effort included a staggering $14.3 billion spent from August 8, 2014, to June 30, 2017, averaging $13.6 million per day. Between July 31 and August 6 of a recent year, Air Force aircraft flew 802 sorties, demonstrating the sustained pressure on ISIS forces. Source data from the Department of Defense Operation Inherent Resolve.

Defeat ISIS Mission in Iraq and Syria for January – June 2024

From January to June 2024, ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria. At this rate, ISIS is on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023. The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is… pic.twitter.com/SaOBS6dkO5

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 16, 2024

The Coalition Effort

It’s not just the U.S. that’s involved in this crucial mission. President Trump announced precision strikes on April 13, 2018, carried out by U.S., French, and British forces against Syrian chemical weapons facilities—underscoring the coalition’s united front. The total collective effort has been massive: as of August 9, 2017, the Coalition had conducted 24,566 strikes in Iraq and Syria. Such international collaboration showcases the gravity of the ISIS threat and the need for a combined effort to bring stability to the region.

Strategic Aims and Costs

The overarching objective here is clear: to dismantle ISIS, prevent their resurgence, and safeguard global security. The costs have been high, both in terms of finances and human effort. Every sortie and every precision strike require immense military logistics and planning. As much as it may seem like a “shadow war,” the stakes are real and significant.

France’s Role in the Fight Against Terrorism

Our friends across the Atlantic aren’t just sipping espresso and talking politics. France has also been pulling its weight, leading efforts to combat global terrorism. France’s strategy includes international cooperation, military action, political solutions, and efforts to counter terrorist financing and radicalization. Operations in regions like the Sahel, Syria, and Iraq showcase France’s commitment to reducing terrorist groups’ influence and stabilizing liberated areas. More details on France’s role can be found here: France’s International Action

American Defense Strategy

For those still wondering why this matters for us “patriots,” remember the Department of Defense’s mission: to provide a lethal Joint Force to defend U.S. security and sustain American influence abroad. It’s not just about boots on the ground, but sustaining global stability, ensuring that terror threats remain far from our shores.

End Game

So there you have it. While some might bicker over the costs, covert operations against ISIS are crucial to maintaining regional stability and ensuring that this terrorist group doesn’t regain a foothold. It’s a dirty, costly job, but someone’s got to do it, and for the sake of global security, we should be grateful it’s getting done. Here’s to our men and women in uniform, doing the often thankless job of keeping us safe.

Isn’t it nice to know your taxes are going toward something more impactful than a politician’s salary?