Overview: This report is the first publication from a continuing, open-source study of the coalition campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). With Australian blood and treasure committed to the efforts of the coalition, it is important for ASPI to provide research and constructive commentary on the campaign. The report examines:

• coalition strategy in Iraq and Syria
• ISIL’s evolution and its military actions in 2014
• developing the international coalition against ISIL
• the first 100 days of airstrikes
• the cost of operations against ISIL
• the land force advise and assist mission
• ISIL and international terrorism

The report is designed to be read with ASPI’s interactive map of coalition airstrikes, which details the date, location, target and effect of all strikes reported by US Central Command at the time of writing. It also shows coalition humanitarian and military airdrops.