March 31, 2015

Release # 2015031
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – On March 30, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber aircraft to conduct an airstrike. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The strategy has not changed,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer. “The focus remains to drive ISIL out of Iraq. We have struck at ISIL’s command and control, supply lines, fighters and leaders, and military and economic infrastructure and resources. We have debilitated ISIL’s oil producing, processing and transportation infrastructure. We are seeing successes in this fight. It will take time, but we will succeed in our mission.”

All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 30, and 8 a.m., March 31, local time.

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

Syria

Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

Iraq

Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.

Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, one ISIL checkpoint and destroyed 31 ISIL vehicles and two ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapons.

Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.

Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL building and suppressed ISIL movement.

Near Tikrit, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL buildings.

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