Al-Tanf offensive (2016)

The Al-Tanf offensive (2016) was a military operation launched by various Syrian rebel groups, primarily the New Syrian Army (NSA), supported by the United States-led coalition, against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Al-Tanf region of Syria. The aim of the offensive was to capture the strategically important border crossing between Syria and Iraq at Al-Tanf and to secure the surrounding areas.

The offensive began in March 2016 and involved air support from the U.S.-led coalition targeting ISIS positions. The NSA and allied groups made initial gains, capturing territory around Al-Tanf. However, ISIS forces launched counter-attacks, and the rebels faced difficulties maintaining control of the captured areas.

Key events included the NSA's initial advance towards Al-Tanf, followed by ISIS counter-offensives that pushed the rebels back. The offensive highlighted the challenges faced by U.S.-backed rebel groups in combating ISIS in Syria, particularly in the face of determined resistance and logistical constraints.

Ultimately, the offensive failed to achieve its primary objective of securing the Al-Tanf border crossing. While the U.S.-led coalition maintained a presence in the Al-Tanf region, the area remained contested, and ISIS retained the capability to launch attacks. The New Syrian Army later experienced internal issues and changes in command structure. The U.S. military presence at Al-Tanf subsequently became a point of contention in the Syrian conflict, particularly with the Syrian government and its allies, who viewed the U.S. presence as an illegal occupation.