US: Coalition makes further gains against IS

WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Coalition forces made further gains against so-called Islamic State in the Middle Euphrates River Valley (MERV), Syria, and Anbar province, Iraq, between December 30 and January 6, said Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) Tuesday.
In Syria, Syrian Democratic Forces freed the town of Al Kashmah and rescued civilians as they fled from IS, which attempted to hide in residential areas and public facilities.
"Since their offensive operations began in the MERV, our partners have made steady progress in their fight against (IS)," said US Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson in a statement.
"They have proven themselves as reliable, effective combat soldiers, and with their continued cooperation we will continue to support them as they free northeast Syria from the grip of (IS)," he said.
In Iraq, coalition forces "destroyed more than 600 IEDs throughout the Anbar province. Coordinated airstrikes across Iraq destroyed approximately nine (IS) weapon caches and removed an estimated 10 (IS) terrorists from the battlefield," CJTF-OIR said.
Additionally, these strikes "further degraded (IS) capabilities by preventing them from consolidating resources and conducting future activities in Iraq," it added.
"United international efforts against (IS) will prevent its ability to recruit, train, equip, finance, plan, inspire and conduct violent extremist acts, regionally and globally," the statement affirmed. (end) ak.bs