Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman, 29, of Noblesville, Indiana, died Dec. 3, in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting a clearing operation.

He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

For more information related to this release, the media may contact the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) at 910-908-3947, or after hours at 910-689-6187.

Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 3, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria Dec. 1 through today using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct 14 airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported today.

Separately, officials said, U.S. and partner-nation military forces conducted 11 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 1 through today using fighter, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

Airstrikes in Syria

In Syria, 14 airstrikes near Kobani destroyed an ISIL vehicle, 17 ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL staging area. Also, those airstrikes suppressed eight other fighting positions and struck a large ISIL unit.

Airstrikes in Iraq

In Iraq, four airstrikes near Mosul destroyed five ISIL bunkers, two ISIL-occupied buildings, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL fighting position and two heavy weapons. In addition, those airstrikes also struck a large ISIL unit and a tactical ISIL unit. Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed four ISIL vehicles. Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an excavator and struck a tactical ISIL unit.

Near Sinjar, an airstrike destroyed four ISIL-occupied buildings and two ISIL tractor trailers. Near Hit, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle. Near al Qaim, an airstrike destroyed four ISIL vehicles. Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed 12 ISIL vehicles, two ISIL weapon facilities and struck a tactical ISIL unit.

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

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, 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.

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

Air Force Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Capt. William H. Dubois, 30, of New Castle, Colorado, died Dec. 1 when his F-16 aircraft crashed near a coalition air base in the Middle East. He was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

For more information media may contact the 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at 803-895-2019