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 25th5 quarterly report on OIR and covers the period of January 1, 2021–March 31, 2021
DoS PRM and USAID BHA have announced substantial additional funding for Syria, Iraq, and surrounding regions. Almost $350 million has been allocated to Iraq while $264 million has been allocated to Syria. The funds aim to support crisis response and COVID-19 pandemic response activities. This funding supports hygiene, health, and food security programming, as well as programs for IDPs, refugees, and other vulnerable populations.
In mid October, the Iraqi government announced their intention to close all of their IDP camps. By February the number of camps was reduced from 15 to 2. It is estimated that 30% of those displaced by IDP camp closures have not been able to return home lack secure safe housing and are now living in situations of acute vulnerability. When the Iraqi government sought to close the Jed’dah 5 IDP camp, the U.S. Government, UN agencies, and other international humanitarian organizations expressed concern and successfully halted to closure. The Iraqi government has established a joint planning process with the IOM and other organizations to coordinate future IDP closures and support sustainable returns. As of April 21, USAID has reported that the Jed'dah 5 IDP camp closure is still on hold.