Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 14, 2014 – U.S and partner nation military forces continued to attack Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria Nov. 12 to 14 using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 19 airstrikes against ISIL, U.S. Central Command officials reported, and one U.S. airstrike against a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group.”

Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq Nov. 12 to14 using attack, bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

In Syria, 17 airstrikes conducted near Kobani struck 10 ISIL units, destroyed 10 fighting positions, an ISIL building, two ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL motorcycle. An airstrike east of Ar Raqqah destroyed an ISIL training camp. Another airstrike east of Dayr Az Zawr destroyed an ISIL oil collection point. Finally, in northwest Syria west of Aleppo, a U.S. airstrike struck terrorists associated with a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group,” who are plotting external attacks against the United States and our allies.

In Iraq, airstrikes south of Kirkuk struck four small ISIL units and an ISIL vehicle. Two airstrikes west of Kirkuk struck two small ISIL units, destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL weapons bunker, and an ISIL vehicle. One airstrike west of Taji destroyed three ISIL vehicles. Two airstrikes near Ar Rutbah destroyed 13 ISIL vehicles and two ISIL excavators. Three airstrikes near Bayji struck two small ISIL units and destroyed one ISIL vehicle. An airstrike near Fallujah struck a large ISIL unit. Finally, one airstrike east of Mosul, Iraq, destroyed one small ISIL unit.

All aircraft returned to base safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.

The strikes against ISIL 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.

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