Peshmerga Fighters supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, seized a key ridgeline in Northern Iraq west of Kirkuk. These forces overcame ISIL resistance in this section of Iraq, and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area. The one day operation, which began and ended March 9, also pushed ISIL further away from the Kirkuk oilfields.

During the operation, Peshmerga forces were able to seize critical portions of Route 80 in Iraq. In addition, the Peshmerga forces pushed ISIL three to five km back over a wide front liberating 70 square kilometers of terrain formerly held by ISIL. Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes, resulting in the destruction of ten enemy fighting positions, five tactical units and ten ISIL weapons systems.

“This operation is another step on the path to ultimately defeating Daesh. It clearly demonstrates the ability of Peshmerga forces to degrade Daesh influence in Northern Iraq,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve commander.

The CJTF-OIR coalition will continue to support efforts to attack and defeat ISIL. Peshmerga fighters now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the region.