May 18, 2015
Release # 20150518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST ASIA –
Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria
and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 17, and 8 a.m., May 18, local time. In
Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using bomber
and attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces
conducted 19 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using
attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL
terrorists.
"Coalition airstrikes continued across Iraq including
eight strikes in Ramadi,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of
public affairs. “We’re continuing to monitor reports of the fluid and
contested situation in and around Ramadi. We have always known the fight
would be long and difficult, particularly in Anbar. The Coalition
continues to coordinate with GOI forces and provide requested support to
their ongoing operations.”
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 14 ISIL vehicles, five ISIL
fighting positions and three ISIL armored vehicles.
Iraq
Near Al Huwayjah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area.
Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.
Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit,
destroying three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL armored personnel
carriers and two ISIL armored vehicles.
Near Ramadi,
eight airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and three ISIL
buildings, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, five ISIL buildings,
two ISIL armored vehicles, two ISIL mortar positions, an ISIL armored
personnel carrier, an ISIL ammunition structure, and an ISIL command and
control facility.
Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two
ISIL tactical units and an ISIL sniper position, destroying six ISIL
buildings and six ISIL heavy machine guns.
Near Tal Afar,
two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL
heavy machine gun and an ISIL VBIED.
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.