US continues to reject support to Kurds amidst success against Islamic State

More than 600 Islamic State militants stormed Kurdish villages late Sunday night, leaving three villages: Mujamaa al-Shahid, Mariyam Beg and Murra under IS control. In the aftermath of the seizure, there were six Kurds killed and another nineteen reportedly injured. The Kurds, however, did not allow IS to enjoy their success for long. By 6 AM Monday morning local time, Peshmerga forces recaptured the villages, slaying numerous IS militants along the way. A local commander reported up to 100 IS casualties. Western coalition forces provided assistance in the form of airstrikes.

Kurdish forces have faced various clashes with IS in recent weeks. In June, IS militants captured a Syrian military base home to the former Brigade 93. The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), successfully recaptured the base from IS control. YPG forces also dueled IS militants in Tal Abyad, a former IS hotspot for transferring weapon and fighters through Turkey. The YPG successfully seized Tal Abyad killing four IS militants in the battle.

IS also attempted to seize an oil refinery in southeastern Kirkuk, beginning on Sunday and continuing into Monday morning. However IS was repulsed after Kurdish fighters successfully destroyed multiple IS Humvees. Since last summer when the Kurdish Peshmerga gained control over Kirkuk, the city and its surrounding area have been the location of intense battles between the two groups.

Peshmerga Commander Anwar Haji Othman, when asked about the recent 600-strong IS attack stated, “The [Coalition] airstrikes were definitely successful, effective and timely, enabling the Peshmerga to drive the insurgents back.” The success the Kurds have seen in their battles against Islamic State emphasizes the need for a US-armed Kurdish force.

Retired Army General Jay Garner has advised supplying the Kurds with more lethal weaponry and vehicles. Garner explained that anti-tanks weapons and other warfare vehicles would enable the Kurds to develop, “rapid reaction forces that can respond to incursions along the front or offensive opportunities,” and would stop truck bombs commonly use by IS. The US however continues to work solely through the Iraqi government, which aggressively opposes arming a Kurdish force. The U.S. reportedly blocked recent efforts by neighboring Arab states to provide direct arms to Kurdish forces.

If the Administration truly seeks to “degrade and destroy” IS, cooperation with the Kurds remains a key element of this strategy that is being overlooked. The Kurds have proven they are capable of giving IS a run for their money, and as the success of Western anti-jihadist airstrikes is questionable absent skilled ground forces, it is time to support a strategy, and a force that is already working.