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Press Release | May 13, 2015

May 13: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq

May 13, 2015

Release # 20150513
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 12, and 8 a.m., May 13, local time. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The Coalition again struck Daesh targets around Mosul,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of public affairs. “These strikes help set the conditions for future operations to liberate the city from Daesh terrorists.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL trench system, destroying six ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL tank.

Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

Near Kobani, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

Iraq

Near Al Qaim, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.

Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying 10 ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL VBIED.

Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit.

Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar position.

Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying six ISIL heavy machine guns and five ISIL buildings.

Near Tal Afar, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

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.