The United States launched Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in 2014 to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and to set the conditions for follow-on operations to increase regional stability. The strategy to defeat ISIS includes military operations, as well as support for local security forces, diplomacy, governance, humanitarian assistance, and stabilization programs. This report marks the 21st quarterly report on OIR and covers the period of January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020.
USAID OIG also reported that in addition to restrictions caused by COVID-19, humanitarian relief agencies in Iraq faced additional obstacles after provincial governments instituted new requirements for work access authorization renewals. The coronavirus disease–2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly reduced training operations this quarter. Iraqi Security Forces paused training activities and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) paused operations against ISIS in response to the pandemic. The Iraqi government continued to face popular protests that subsided in March due to fears of COVID-19 and militia violence. In addition to restrictions caused by COVID-19, humanitarian relief agencies operating in Iraq faced additional obstacles this quarter after provincial governments instituted new requirements for work access authorization renewals. Hundreds of relief missions were canceled, or supplies could not reach their destinations. USAID reported that it continues to fund 240 stabilization projects in northeastern Syria, focused mainly on economic growth and food security, but funding for these projects remains uncertain.
Operation Inherent Resolve Lead Inspector General Report in Brief, January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020