September 30, 2015
Release # 20150930-2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition forces are supporting a Peshmerga offensive operation
against Daesh terrorists west of Kirkuk, Iraq that began Sept. 30, 2015.
Peshmerga fighters successfully penetrated Daesh defensive positions,
cleared fighters, liberated eight villages, and re-established
government control over approximately 140 square kilometers between
Huwayjah and Kirkuk.
Coalition aircraft conducted more than 50
airstrikes in support of this operation. Airstrikes against Daesh
positions began several days before the ground operation in order to set
favorable conditions for the Peshmerga by degrading Daesh's ability to
fight.
"The Peshmerga fighters continue to reduce Daesh's initial
gains in northern Iraq," said Col. Christopher Garver, Public Affairs
Officer for CJTF-OIR. "This was another important fight in the overall
effort to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh".
In the last four
weeks, the Peshmerga have conducted three successful offensive
operations against Daesh terrorists, returning more than 400 square
kilometers of territory to government control, liberating 23 villages in
the process, and helping to set the conditions for local citizens to
return to their homes.
Video footage of airstrikes in support of this operation can be found at:
https://youtu.be/6mqA9b7spmQ
https://youtu.be/ZZX-b0buK6A