The land of Syria and Iraq, steeped in centuries of violence and turmoils, has in recent times become a battleground against the dark shadow of ISIS.

Despite the continued rise of extremist Islamic terrorism in these wartorn countries, the U.S. military has been a beacon of hope.

A Month of Dedicated Anti-Terrorism

July witnessed U.S. forces launching 31 combat missions in Iraq and Syria. While this marked a decrease from June's 44 missions, the dedication and commitment of our troops remain unwavering.

Partnering with regional forces, the U.S. troops have been the backbone of these operations, ensuring that the ISIS threat is continually suppressed.

• Operations Tally: Every month, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) updates an operations tally, providing insights into the missions carried out.
• Syria vs. Iraq: The pace of operations in Iraq slowed down in July, while Syria saw an increase in missions.

The Bigger Picture

Since January, a staggering 279 missions have been executed, averaging more than one operation per day. These missions have not been without results:

• 81 adversaries neutralized
• 380 prisoners captured in 2023

The numbers, while impressive, only tell a part of the story. Behind each statistic lies the bravery, strategy, and dedication of our troops and their allies.

Historical Context: The ISIS Threat

The ISIS threat remains persistent, and is growing since the Biden administration's hasty and ill-planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, which gave rise to ISIS and the Taliban. This disaster lead to widespread criticism and concerns about the resurgence of extremist groups.

James Mattis, in his resignation letter during the Trump administration, had emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to allies. He stated, "While the U.S. remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies."

This sentiment rings true, even though it was falsely targeting Trump's plan. This is especially true in light of Biden's disastrous withdrawal from the region.

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges and changes in administrative decisions, the U.S. military's commitment to combating ISIS remains. With 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and another 900 in Syria, the objective is clear: prevent ISIS from reestablishing a physical caliphate and launching attacks on foreign soil.

In Conclusion

The U.S. troops, with their unwavering commitment and valor, continue to be the bulwark against the ISIS threat in Syria and Iraq.

Their actions in July, and the months preceding it, stand as a testament to their dedication and the conservative ideals of protecting freedom, democracy, and peace.

As we look ahead, let's remember the sacrifices made and stand united in our support for our brave men and women in uniform.

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