PRESS RELEASE | May 8, 2015
May 8: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq
May 8, 2015

Release # 20150508
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 7, and 8 a.m., May 8, 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 nine airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The coalition is striking to secure current operational objectives and prepare for future operations,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “In addition to airstrikes, the coalition continues to train the ISF and KSF to provide security to the population and restore the territorial integrity of Iraq.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, four airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

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

Iraq

Near Al Asad, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL building.

Near Al Qaim, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying six ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL armored personnel carrier.

Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.

Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying seven ISIL buildings and destroying nine ISIL heavy machine guns.

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.