The Department of Defense (DoD) reported that since August 8, 2014, the cost of U.S. military operations in Iraq and Syria (Operation Inherent Resolve-OIR) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) totaled $8.7 billion as of July 31, 2016. 

Flying operations accounted for 43 percent ($3.7 billion) of total costs, while mission support costs were 34 percent ($3.0 billion) and munitions were 23 percent (2.0 billion) of total costs.

The average daily cost is $12.1 million, up $.9 million reported at the end of 2015. DoD reports that $5.2 million of the daily average is for flying OPTEMPO, $2.7 million for munitions, $2.1 million for logistical support, $1.9 million for operational support, and $0.2 million for other costs.

The Air Force continues to bear the lion’s share of total costs at 65 percent ($5.7 billion). The Army share is 16 percent ($1.4 billion) and the Navy share is 11 percent (almost $1 billion). Special Operations Command (SOCCOM) costs at $700 million are 8 percent of the total.

Air Force costs are averaging $7.8 million per day, while the Army daily costs are averaging $1.9 million and Navy costs are $1.3 million a day. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) costs are averaging $1 million daily.

Nations partnering with the U.S in conducting airstrikes against ISIL include Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Through June 30, DoD reports that coalition forces conducted 10,615 close air support, escort, and interdiction air sorties in 2016. In 2014 (August through December) coalition forces conducted 6,591 such sorties and in 2015 (January through December) they carried out 21,113 sorties.