Jan. 20: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria and Iraq

January 20, 2015

Release # 2015020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA - On Jan. 19, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft to conduct 10 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., Jan. 19, and 8 a.m., Jan. 20, local time.

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

Syria
* Near Kobani, nine airstrikes struck seven ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL staging positions, five ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL mortar system.
* Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL bunker.

Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles.
* Near Al Asad, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL supply caches.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL mortar systems.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and two ISIL heavy weapons.

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 conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.