PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 12, 2014
Oct. 12: U.S. Military Conducts Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria and Iraq
October 12, 2014

Release #20141014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 12, 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Saturday and today using bomber and fighter aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces used attack and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct five airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.

In Syria, an airstrike northwest of Ar Raqqah destroyed an ISIL-held armored vehicle compound. Three airstrikes in Kobani destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL staging area. To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, fighter aircraft from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates participated in these airstrikes. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, an airstrike southwest of Hit destroyed an ISIL armed vehicle; another airstrike southeast of Hit destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier. An airstrike on an ISIL checkpoint southwest of Kirkuk struck a small ISIL unit; another airstrike, south of Kirkuk, struck a small ISIL unit. An airstrike northwest of Ramadi destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier. To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed attack and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the United Kingdom participated in these airstrikes. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.

The strikes were conducted as part of the President’s comprehensive strategy to degrade and destroy ISIL. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group’s ability to lead, control, project power and conduct operations.