July 3: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq

July 3, 2015

Release # 20150703

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq July 2. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using bomber and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 15 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The Coalition maintains pressure on Daesh across the battlespace,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “The cumulative effects of this pressure, over time, will enable the Coalition end state: the defeat of Daesh.”

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

Syria

-- Near Al Hasakah, six airstrikes struck one large and three small ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles, three ISIL structures, an ISIL building, five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL bunker and an ISIL motorcycle.

-- Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike had inconclusive results.

-- Near Tal Abyad, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL fighting positons.

Iraq

-- Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

-- Near Bayji, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL bunkers.

-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tunnel systems and an ISIL tunnel entrance.

-- Near Haditha, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL bunkers, two ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL rocket system.

-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck land features denying ISIL a tactical advantage.

-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL checkpoint, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

-- Near Rawah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.

-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.

-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL building, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.

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 United States. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the U.S.