Under the Lead Inspector General framework, the Inspectors General for the Department of Defense, Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development conduct oversight of and report on the overseas contingency operation "Operation Inherent Resolve" (OIR). The mission of OIR is to advise, assist, and enable partner forces until they can independently defeat ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. The broader counter-ISIS campaign includes supporting the Iraqi government and local Syrian partners with civilian-led stabilization activities. This report also discusses the planned, ongoing, and completed oversight work conducted by the Lead IG agencies and our partner oversight agencies during the quarter.
During the reporting period, ISIS capabilities remained “significantly degraded” by the steady removal of ISIS leaders in Iraq and Syria but the group continued to spread its ideology and conduct attacks. In Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) paused counter-ISIS operations due to Turkish airstrikes and Turkish preparations for a potential incursion. Iraqi partner forces continued counter-ISIS operations, often without Coalition support.
State and USAID continued their programs to address food insecurity, restore essential services, and support displaced persons. In Syria, drought conditions continued and a cholera outbreak continued to spread, with displacement camps at the highest risk. However, delayed funding and ongoing conflict—including Turkish airstrikes—continued to impact U.S.-funded stabilization and humanitarian assistance efforts.
Operation Inherent Resolve Lead Inspector General Report in Brief, October 1, 2022-December 31, 2022