Aircraft
Operation Inherent Resolve Makes Uncertain Progress
Islamic State forces lose some ground in Iraq but still control large areas. Syrian situation unclear.
Canadian CF-18A Hornets are now flying over Syria. Six of the 12 countries participating in Operation Inherent Resolve have not yet agreed to extend their offensive action from over Iraq to over Syria. (Photo: Canadian Armed Forces).
Canadian CF-18A Hornets are now flying over Syria. Six of the 12 countries participating in Operation Inherent Resolve have not yet agreed to extend their offensive action from over Iraq to over Syria. (Photo: Canadian Armed Forces).

Coalition air forces have now conducted nearly 3,000 airstrikes on Iraq and Syria since Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) began more than six months ago. But although Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have retaken some territory, notably Tikrit west of Baghdad, ISIL remains in control of large areas. The situation in Syria is very confused, with independent reports suggesting that Islamist extremist groups have gained ground. Some Iranian troops are deployed in Syria, and Iran advised and armed the Shia militias that accounted for two-thirds of the force that retook Tikrit.