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Press Release | July 31, 2015

July 31: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq

July 31, 2015

Release # 20150731
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – On July 30, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 24 airstrikes using fighter-attack, fighter and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.

“Coalition forces struck multiple Daesh targets in the vicinity of the eastern Syria border to reduce the freedom of movement of Daesh,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “These strikes will have a profound impact on the ability of Daesh in Syria to affect operations in Iraq, particularly in Ramadi. Denying Daesh the ability to use these targets severely reduces their efforts to destabilize the region. These airstrikes, combined with ground force activity throughout Iraq and northern Syria, are increasing the pressure on ISIL.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:

Syria

  • Near Al Hasakah, seven airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and five ISIL small tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL motorcycles, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL command and control center.
  • Near Dayr Az Zawr, 17 airstrikes struck eight ISIL staging areas, three ISIL bridges, four ISIL checkpoints, an ISIL training area and an ISIL logistics site.
    • Iraq
  • Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area.
  • Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL structures and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
  • Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL fighting position and four ISIL rocket rails.
  • Near Haditha, two airstrikes destroyed five ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL weapons cache and an ISIL command and control center.
  • Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
  • Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
  • Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and terrain denying ISIL a tactical advantage and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and two ISIL excavators.
  • Near Sinjar, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
  • Near Tal Afar, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL bunkers.
    • Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely.

    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 and the wider international community.

    The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct operations. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Iraq include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the U.S.