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SOUTHWEST ASIA, – NEWS – American and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria, using fighter aircraft to conduct five airstrikes, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Separately, U.S. and coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft, officials reported.
Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes in support of the Iraqi government’s fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant aided in security forces from the Kurdish region seizing three bridgeheads on the west bank of the Tigris River north of Mosul in formerly ISIL-held areas, task force officials said today.
The coalition executed four close air support airstrikes Feb. 6 through yesterday to facilitate the maneuver of the Kurdish forces and their successful attack, officials said.
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.
Airstrikes in Syria
— Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units.
— Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck multiple ISIL oil pump jacks and destroyed four ISIL mobile drilling rigs.
— Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike destroyed three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL building.
Airstrikes in Iraq
— Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL armored vehicles, an ISIL front end loader and an ISIL building.
— Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
— Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL bridge and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
— Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
All aircraft returned to base safely.
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.
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.