April 19, 2015
Release # 20150419
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST ASIA - Iraqi Security Forces, supported by Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, regained full control of the Bayji Oil Refinery after having successfully cleared the massive facility of any remaining ISIL fighters. ISF reinforcements and supplies have arrived and work has begun to fortify the facilities defenses. The Coalition continues to provide aviation fires and reconnaissance, as well as advise and assist elements to enable on-going operations in and around Bayji.
"Daesh clearly used the opportunity to attack the Oil Refinery facility in order to bolster its on-line propaganda activities," said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Commander Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. "ISF personnel have demonstrated great resolve and proven that the tactical momentum resides with them, not only in Bayji, but in many other locations throughout Iraq."
Over the past nine days coalition aircraft conducted 47 airstrikes in and around Bayji. Concurrent to the Bayji success, yesterday, Kurdish Security Forces enabled by coalition airstrikes, reconnaissance, advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain in Northern Iraq. Simultaneously, Government of Iraq Security Forces are conducting successful operations to clear ISIL elements in Eastern Anbar, in addition to defending terrain and reinforcing forces within Ramadi.
ISF/KSF Operations, enabled by Coalition support provided on a daily basis, continue to degrade, dismantle, and defeat ISIL throughout Iraq.