An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Press Release | April 20, 2015

April 20: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria and Iraq

By CJTF - Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

April 20, 2015

Release # 20150420
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 19, and 8 a.m., April 20, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrike using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 26 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“We have seen a lot of Coalition strike support over the reporting period,” said CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley. “In just about every case, offensive ground activities in both Iraq and Syria, force Daesh to present themselves where they can be targeted. Layered Coalition support, including aviation fires, reconnaissance, intelligence, and advise and assist elements, remains the key enabler to Iraqi and Kurdish operations to dismantle and defeat Daesh.”

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

Syria

  • Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL mortar position and destroying an ISIL fighting position.
    • Iraq
    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 U.S.

  • Near Kobani, seven airstrikes struck seven ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon.
  • Near Al Asad, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
  • Near Ar Rutbah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
  • Near Bayji, eight airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL VBIEDS, an ISIL machine gun, an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL ammo storage facility and an ISIL vehicle.
  • Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL staging area, destroying an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon and an ISIL vehicle.
  • Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL excavator.
  • Near Ramadi, five airstrikes struck an ISIL large and two ISIL small tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL armored vehicle.
  • Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL buildings and an ISIL heavy machine gun.