PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 16, 2015
Oct. 16: Coalition airstrikes target key ISIL revenue source
October 16, 2015

Release # 20151016-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition aircraft struck elements of the Qayyarah Oil Refinery in Iraq just after midnight Oct. 16 local time, as part of the Coalition’s effort to disrupt Daesh, the Arabic acronym for ISIL, financing from illegally-gained oil revenue. This strike was conducted in coordination with and in support of the Government of Iraq.

The Qayyarah Oil Refinery was used by Daesh to produce oil for the black market to fund their terrorist activities. This site was also used to store weapons and as a base of operations to facilitate attacks in the area.

“The Coalition recognizes that a significant portion of Daesh’s financing results from illicit oil revenues,” said Col. Christopher Garver, Public Affairs Officer for CJTF-OIR. “This airstrike is aimed at reducing Daesh’s ability to fund their terrorist activities with oil stolen from the people of Iraq. It also demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to attack Daesh across all aspects in order to dismantle and ultimately defeat Daesh.”

Coalition forces use deliberate targeting and precision airstrikes to disrupt Daesh’s ability to generate revenue through illicit oil smuggling.

Coalition airstrikes will continue to target Daesh’s leadership, revenue sources, supply routes, command facilities, and weapons caches to dismantle their operations in Iraq and Syria. Video footage of the airstrike is available at: https://youtu.be/P8oqkRgA7fE