Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 19, 2014 – U.S. and partner-nation military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq over the last three days, U.S. Central Command officials reported.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, fighter and bomber aircraft conducted six airstrikes against ISIL, and one U.S. airstrike targeted a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives known as the Khorasan Group, officials said.

Five airstrikes near Kobani destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL staging area and three ISIL-occupied buildings, and also suppressed two ISIL fighting positions and struck two tactical units and a large ISIL unit.

An airstrike southeast of Hasakah damaged a crude oil collection point operated by ISIL. In northwestern Syria near Haram, a U.S. airstrike struck and destroyed a storage facility associated with the Khorasan Group, whose members are plotting attacks against the United States and its allies, Centcom officials said.

Strikes in Iraq

Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 24 airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Iraq over the last three days, using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft.

Thirteen airstrikes near Kirkuk destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, seven ISIL staging areas, an ISIL mortar position, and an ISIL bulldozer and front-loader. Seven airstrikes near Mosul struck five ISIL tactical units, damaged a roadside-bomb factory, and destroyed an ISIL mortar position, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL occupied building, an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL artillery mover.

Three airstrikes near Bayji struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL-occupied building and an ISIL vehicle. An airstrike near Fallujah struck an ISIL tactical unit.

All aircraft returned to base safely, Centcom officials said, noting that airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.

Part of Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project power and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.