PRESS RELEASE | May 20, 2015
May 20: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq
May 20, 2015

Release # 20150520
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 19, and 8 a.m., May 20, local time. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Our airstrikes struck Daesh elements near along the Euphrates river valley,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of public affairs. “The Coalition applies significant mitigation measures in our targeting process and during the conduct of strike operations to reduce the risks of collateral damage and non-combatant casualties.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, seven airstrikes struck two large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles, two ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL armored vehicles and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery system.

Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.

Iraq

Near Al Asad, six airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL structures, an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL mortar system.

Near Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL structure and an ISIL VBIED.

Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck a large ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL buildings.

Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL weapons manufacturing facility and an ISIL checkpoint.

Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings, an ISIL heavy machine gun 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.