Pentagon: U.S. forces see 'dramatic' drop in Islamic State activity in Iraq, Syria

Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The Pentagon said on Wednesday that U.S. forces have seen a "dramatic reduction" in activity from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and they remain committed to stamping out what remains of the militant group in both countries.

In its July monthly review, U.S. Central Command said it assisted in 31 operations with its coalition partners in both countries last month, killing five Islamic State operatives and detaining another 30.

"Thanks to the efforts of our coalition-supported partners, we have seen a dramatic reduction in ISIS activity and effectiveness across our area of operations," Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Joint Resolve (CJTF-OIR) commanding general, said in a statement.

"We remain committed to advising, assisting and enabling our partners in the lead toward an enduring defeat of ISIS," he said.

Central Command said it partnered in 20 operations in Iraq and 11 in Syria in July. Officials said it captured 24 operatives in Iraq and another six in Syria.

"Our partnership with the Iraqi Security Force and Syrian Democratic Forces is crucial to addressing challenges posed by ISIS within the region," said Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Centcom commander. "Our partners remain aggressively engaged to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS."

The United States has about 900 troops in Syria assisting independent Syrian forces fight the Islamic State in the western part of the country while the Syrian government, backed by Russia, fights a civil war against forces opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Last month, the U.S. warned Russia about "unprofessional" actions Russian pilots have taken against U.S. drones operating in Syria. The Pentagon reported that a Russian fighter dropped flares in front of the drones.