PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 20, 2014
Oct. 20: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria and in Iraq
October 20, 2014

Release #20141024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 20, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Sunday and today using attack, bomber and fighter aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, in coordination with Iraqi ground forces, U.S. military forces conducted six airstrikes using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

In Syria, six airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting and mortar positions, an ISIL vehicle, and one stray resupply bundle from a U.S. airdrop of Kurdish supplies that occurred earlier today (Syria time), which prevented these supplies from falling into enemy hands. All other resupply bundles were successfully delivered. To conduct these airstrikes, the U.S. employed U.S. attack, bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.

In Iraq, two airstrikes took place southeast of Fallujah and struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles. Three airstrikes south of Bayji Oil Refinery struck a small ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building and three ISIL vehicles, and damaged another ISIL building. One additional airstrike also south of Bayji destroyed four ISIL boats and damaged at least four more. To conduct these airstrikes, the U.S. employed U.S. bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the Republic of France and the United Kingdom participated in these strikes. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.

The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations. All airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.