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Overview
Operation Inherent Resolve is the intervention of US and coalition forces in the theatre of the Syrian Arab Republic to help its government fight, withstand, and degrade the structures of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) — a hostile entity that has consolidated control over significant portions of eastern Syria, including its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, and key oil infrastructure funding its operations.
This operation is conducted in concert with coalition partners: Kingdom of Bahrain, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Participating Units
| Squadron | Aircraft | Callsign |
|---|---|---|
| 78th VMRS Shadow Knights | F-16C Viper | SHADOW |
| 14th VSFS Top Hatters | F/A-18C Hornet | HAT |
| 509th VSFS Black Anvils | F-15E Strike Eagle | BOLO |
Theater — Factional Overview
| Faction | Status | Controlled Territory |
|---|---|---|
| ISIL | HOSTILE — Weapons Free (PID required) | Eastern Syria, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor oil fields |
| Syrian Arab Republic (SAA) | NEUTRAL — Return Fire only | Western Syria: Damascus, Homs, Hama, coastal governorates |
| Kurdish YPG | Non-Belligerent | Northern border cantons: Efrin, Kobani, Jazira |
| Syrian Opposition (Green) | Non-Belligerent | Northwest Syria: Idlib, Aleppo pockets |
Key friction point: Deir ez-Zor — SAA 104th Republican Guard Brigade enclave is besieged by ISIL. SyAAF is conducting active combat sorties from western airbases in support. Expect uncoordinated neutral air traffic.
Common Threat Assessment
ISIL Air Defence (HOSTILE — Active)
- No integrated IADS
- AAA: ZU-23-2 and 14.5mm/12.7mm HMGs (technical-mounted and towed)
- MANPADS: Threat envelope SFC to approximately 15,000 ft AGL — assume present at all high-value targets
- No credible air-to-air capability (captured SAA airframes assessed non-operational)
SAA IADS (NEUTRAL — Passive FCR, Active Search)
- Dense Russian-doctrine IADS concentrated in western Syria
- Wave 1 operations confirmed Fire Control Radars are PASSIVE — FCR will not engage coalition aircraft targeting ISIL
- Search and EW radars ARE ACTIVE — expect RWR indications
- Do NOT enter SAA No-Fly Zones (Aleppo, Damascus)
| Aid | Details |
|---|---|
| Incirlik TACAN | DAN 21X |
| Primary Recovery | Incirlik (LTAG) — N37°00.133 E035°25.579 — 156 ft |
| Divert | Gaziantep — N36°56.878 E037°28.723 — 2,234 ft |
Fuel States (all missions)
- JOKER: 6,000 lbs — complete current task, begin separation
- BINGO: 4,000 lbs — RTB or AAR immediately
Campaign Timeline
| Wave | Date | Operation | Objective | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | 22 Sep 2014 | Khorasan Strikes | US Navy TLAMs + USAF F-22s — C2, training and manufacturing targets near Aleppo | Complete. SAA IADS confirmed PASSIVE. |
| Wave 2 | 22 Sep 2014 | Black Flag | Precision night strikes on ISIL infrastructure in Raqqa | All four objectives destroyed |
| Wave 3 | 29 Sep 2014 | Black Rain | Daylight strike on ISIL oil production infrastructure SE of Raqqa | All four objectives destroyed |
| — | 30 Sep 2014 | Clear Sky | SEAD/DEAD package against SAA SA-5 site at Homs | — |