July 12: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq

July 12, 2015

Release # 20150712

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – On July 11, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes using bomber, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.

Separately, Syrian aircraft conducted airstrikes within Ar Raqqah near the timeframe of Coalition forces. These Syrian airstrikes were not coordinated with the Coalition. The nearest Coalition airstrike to Ar Raqqa city-center was 6.75 km away and targeted four bridges.

“Coalition airstrikes continue to protect gains made by partners on the ground while opening up new avenues to further diminish Daesh capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “With more than 5,200 strikes in Syria and Iraq since the beginning of the air campaign, the Coalition continues to show its commitment to supporting anti-Daesh forces.”

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

Syria

-- Near Al Hasakah, eight airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and five ISIL tactical units destroying three ISIL vehicles, five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL sniper position and three ISIL motorcycles.

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

-- Near Ar Raqqah, six airstrikes struck five ISIL staging areas and an ISIL personnel carrier destroying an ISIL t-wall and two ISIL excavators.

-- Near Kobani, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

Iraq

-- Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and an ISIL rocket position, destroying two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL cache and two ISIL buildings.

-- Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit destroying two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL fuel tanker.

-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit destroying an ISIL rocket rail, an ISIL bunker and an ISIL artillery piece.

-- Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical destroying an ISIL rocket launcher, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL boat.

-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL rocket position.

-- Near Ramadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL structure.

-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying two ISIL vehicles and four ISIL buildings.

-- Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 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.