PRESS RELEASE | May 21, 2015
May 21: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq
May 21, 2015

Release # 20150521
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 20, and 8 a.m., May 21, local time. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack and fighter aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Despite the setback in Ramadi, the Coalition continues to apply pressure on Daesh across Iraq and Syria in line with the campaign plan to defeat Daesh,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “This campaign will take time, and we remain focused on fully supporting the government of Iraq in their operations throughout the country.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL trench system, destroying two ISIL fighting positions.

Near Aleppo, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL VBIED.

Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.

Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL fighting positons, two ISIL mortar positions and an ISIL vehicle.

Iraq

Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL structure.

Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

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

Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL tunnel system, destroying three ISIL buildings and three ISIL heavy machine guns.

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

Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tunnel system, destroying an ISIL VBIED.

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.