Coalition Airstrikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 19, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

"In northern Syria, [ISIL] continues to cede military capacity, fighters and terrain,” Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff, said. “The coalition remains committed to targeting [ISIL] across Iraq and Syria.”

Airstrikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted seven airstrikes in Syria:

-- Near Hasakah, seven airstrikes struck two large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying seven ISIL vehicles, three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL armored vehicles and an ISIL shipping container.

Airstrikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 14 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:

-- Near Qaim, one airstrike struck an ISIL checkpoint.

-- Near Beiji, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, destroying six ISIL fighting positions.

-- Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL staging area, destroying an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL resupply vehicle.

-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL excavator.

-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL rocket firing position, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL fighting position.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, 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 terror and conduct operations, officials said.

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