July 20: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq

July 20, 2015

Release # 20150720

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – On July 19, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 14 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.

“Coalition precision airstrikes continue to degrade key Daesh capabilities across our area of operations, from Ar Raqqah to Mosul to Ramadi,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “These coalition strikes against Daesh tactical units erode the terrorists’ ability to conduct large scale offensive operations; moreover, these air strikes significantly enhance the ISF ability to maneuver throughout the battle space and advance on Daesh strongholds. Ramadi is a good example of this. After only one week, nearly all of the ISF forces have advanced to a point expected by Iraqi leadership for this phase of the operation. This is significant considering the heavy fighting and complex obstacle and IED belts encountered by the ISF. No doubt coalition air power has contributed greatly to the progress of the Ramadi operation.”

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

Syria

-- Near Aleppo, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL bunker.

-- Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL fighting position.

-- Near Ar Raqqah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL VBIED production facility and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and six ISIL mine field sections.

-- Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL fighting position.

Iraq

-- Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar position.

-- Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL recoilless rifle and an ISIL tunnel in support of the 1st Iraqi Infantry Division.

-- Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.

-- Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache and an ISIL tank.

-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL heavy machine gun.

-- Near Tal Afar, six airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL rocket firing position, an ISIL machine gun, and an ISIL mortar position and destroyed four ISIL bunkers, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL machine guns, and an ISIL tunnel.

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.