Washington: 'Resolute Resolve' Success a Real Victory for Collective Efforts to Combat 'ISIS'

Washington, March 10 (KUNA) -- The United States affirmed early Saturday that the success of Operation “Resolute Resolve,” which concluded in Iraq last Wednesday, represents a “real victory” for collective efforts to combat what is known as the Islamic State (ISIS). This was stated in a U.S. State Department statement coinciding with a meeting of political directors and senior officials of the international coalition against ISIS, hosted by the Italian capital, Rome, on Friday.

The statement noted that the international coalition congratulated Iraq and Syria on the success of Operation “Resolute Resolve” in weakening ISIS, adding that the conclusion of the mission in Iraq also signals the Iraqi government’s resolve to continue bearing its responsibility to ensure that ISIS cannot regroup from Iraqi territory. The coalition, according to the statement, emphasized the importance of Syria as a partner in working to reduce the threat posed by the group, noting that achieving lasting security in both countries requires strengthening inclusive, sovereign government institutions capable of representing and protecting all local communities, which can participate equally in their country’s future.

The U.S. State Department said that participants in the Rome meeting reaffirmed the coalition’s role as a tool for enhancing stability in Iraq and Syria, and that international support should focus on strengthening both countries’ capacities to develop their abilities to target ISIS and prevent the divisions that the group has historically exploited. Coalition members expressed their readiness to work closely with the Syrian and Iraqi governments to achieve this, while announcing commitments totaling more than $75 million to support counterterrorism needs in Syria, increase detention center capacity, and maintain health and sanitation services, as well as to support displaced persons and detainees in both Iraq and Syria.

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) had officially announced last Wednesday the conclusion of Operation “Resolute Resolve” against ISIS in Iraq, affirming its continued provision of training and intelligence support to Iraqi authorities. (End) A.M.M. / M.M.J.