Coalition forces have been flying airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in an effort to support an offensive from the Iraqi Kurdish army, the Peshmerga, that began last week west of Kirkuk, Iraq.
Peshmerga fighters successfully penetrated ISIS defensive positions, clearing Islamic State fighters and liberating eight villages. The action re-established government control over approximately 86 square miles between Huwayjah and Kirkuk.
Coalition aircraft conducted more than 50 airstrikes in support of the operation. Airstrikes against ISIS positions began several days before the ground operation to help cripple the terrorist group’s fighting strength and set up favorable conditions for the Peshmerga offensive.
"The Peshmerga fighters continue to reduce Daesh's (ISIS) initial gains in northern Iraq," Col. Christopher Garver, public affairs officer for the Coalition Joint Task Force’s Operation Inherent Resolve, said. "This was another important fight in the overall effort to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh".
Over the last month, Peshmerga forces have conducted three successful offensive operations against ISIS fighters. Those operations have returned more than 248 square miles of territory to government control and liberated 23 villages in the process. As the fighting calms down, the Peshmerga will start to focus on improving conditions so that they can return local citizens to their homes.
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