Kurdish forces launch operation to retake Sinjar in Iraq from the Islamic State

Backed by US air cover, Kurdish militias have launched an operation to retake the strategic town of Sinjar, located about 60 miles west of Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, which has been controlled by the Islamic State for over a year.  For the moment, the operation is focused on taking control of Highway 47, a key supply route for IS stretching from the Syrian border.

Although Kurdish militias such as the YPG, PYD, and the Peshmerga affiliated with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq have held the line against IS, the involvement of the PKK in this latest offensive complicates matters, as Turkey is adamant that no US assistance be given to the terrorist group.  In fact, the recent Turkish elections, which gave President Erdogan’s AKP a clear majority in parliament, seem to have given a green light to Turkey’s plans to put down the Kurdish insurgency waged by the PKK inside Turkey for good.

Although beset by recent setbacks in Syria, IS has had plenty of time to prepare for the Kurdish offensive in Sinjar and a forthcoming operation in Mosul. The Caliphate may have a hard time resupplying and reinforcing its troops in Iraq if the Kurds succeed in holding Highway 47, as the Syrian army backed by Russian air cover applies pressure on one side and the Kurds with American air forces on the other.

Iraqi army troops, which surrendered Mosul last year without a fight to IS, are also preparing an offensive to retake Ramadi, a majority Sunni city in Anbar province west of Baghdad.  Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi claims that Iraqi army forces in coordination with Shia militias have surrounded the city and are planning to attack soon. The role of Sunni tribes and whether they will back IS or stay out of the fight remains unclear.

For the moment, US forces are reported to be in an advisory role and not involved in ground operations. The Sinjar operation is ongoing and while the Kurdish forces are making progress, IS has proven to be a resilient enemy that is willing to fight to the death and come back from heavy losses.