PRESS RELEASE | April 30, 2019
Iraqi Forces Target Daesh Sleeper Cells in northern Iraq
CJTFOIR

April 30, 2019
Release # 20190430-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – In the largest combined operation since the defeat of Daesh’s so-called physical caliphate, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve supported an Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service attack on Daesh sleeper cells and its support base in the Wadi Ashai area of northern Iraq on April 24, 2019.

Wadi Ashai is located in northern Iraq among the Hamrin mountain range in an area where Daesh is generally believed to be moving materiel and people in an attempt to support its resurgent operations.

CJTF-OIR destroyed multiple Daesh tunnel systems, buildings, caves, and command and control positions in preparation for Counter Terrorism Service clearance operations. The combined strikes and clearance also removed several Daesh fighters from the battlefield.

“The clearance of the Middle Euphrates River Valley in March represented a substantial loss for Daesh, but it was not the end,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, Deputy Commander-Stability for CJTF-OIR. “The CTS have dealt a major blow to Daesh’s ambitions; and with this strike, they lose even more of their capacity to destabilize Iraq.”

The 74 nations and five international organizations that constitute the Global Coalition are operating at the invitation of the Government of Iraq in support of Iraqi Security Forces in the regional pursuit of an enduring defeat of Daesh.

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