Aircraft
Airstrikes over Iraq and Syria Bring Some Success
Ramadi recaptured with much air support; targeted killings highlight role of SIGINT sensors on UAVs
After a short gap, US Navy carrier operations in support of OIR have resumed. This F/A-18F Super Hornet launched from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman in the Arabian Sea on December 28. (US Navy)
After a short gap, US Navy carrier operations in support of OIR have resumed. This F/A-18F Super Hornet launched from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman in the Arabian Sea on December 28. (US Navy)

The recapture of Ramadi by Iraqi troops backed by 650 coalition air strikes in a six-month period indicates that Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) is making some progress in its stated aim of defeating ISIL forces in Iraq and Syria. Another significant recent development, according to the U.S. Centcom spokesman, has been the targeted killing from the air of 10 ISIL leaders. By the end of 2015, there had been a total of 9,220 airstrikes in the 17-month campaign, two-thirds of them over Iraq and one-third over Syria.