May 20, 2015
Release # 20150520
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST ASIA –
Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria
and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 19, and 8 a.m., May 20, local time. In
Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using attack,
bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq,
coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi
Ministry of Defense using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted
aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
"Our airstrikes struck Daesh
elements near along the Euphrates river valley,” said Col. Wayne
Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of public affairs. “The Coalition applies
significant mitigation measures in our targeting process and during the
conduct of strike operations to reduce the risks of collateral damage
and non-combatant casualties.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
Near Al Hasakah, seven airstrikes struck two large and two
small ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles, two ISIL
fighting positions, three ISIL armored vehicles and an ISIL
anti-aircraft artillery system.
Near Kobani, two
airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting
positions and two ISIL vehicles.
Iraq
Near Al Asad, six airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units,
destroying four ISIL structures, an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL mortar
system.
Near Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units,
destroying three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL structure and an ISIL
VBIED.
Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck a large ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL buildings.
Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL weapons manufacturing facility and an ISIL checkpoint.
Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units,
destroying three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings, 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.