PRESS RELEASE | May 18, 2015
May 16: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq
May 16, 2015

Release # 20150516
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 15, and 8 a.m., May 16, local time. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using bomber and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 15 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The Coalition continues to strike Daesh terrorist targets in and around Ramadi, Iraq” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “Our ISF partners are fighting to retain this terrain, and we are resolved to support them with intelligence, planning assistance and airstrikes in this important effort.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, six airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

Iraq

Near Al Hawijah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL encampment, destroying an ISIL fighting position.

Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL structures and two ISIL vehicles.

Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL buildings, two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL heavy machine guns.

Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck one large and three small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL vehicles, three ISIL structures, two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL VBIED.

Near Sinjar, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL fighting position.

Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL buildings, an ISIL cache, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.

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 the U.S.