PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 21, 2018
Coalition Forces support Iraqi Security Forces with airstrike against ISIS
CJTFOIR

December 21, 2018

Release # 20181221-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces conducted an airstrike in support of Iraqi Security Forces taking smalls arms fire west of Mosul, Dec. 15, 2018.

20th Iraqi Army Division troops received small arms fire during a routine patrol in the Atshanah Mountains. The ISF soldiers pursued the attackers, identified as ISIS fighters, to a tunnel entrance in the mountains.

The Ninewah Operations Command coordinated a Coalition-led airstrike which destroyed the tunnel entrance, resulting in the death of four ISIS fighters.

“The Iraqi Security Forces are relentlessly pursuing ISIS fighters wherever they hide,” said U.S. Army Col. Jonathan Byrom, Joint Operations Command – Iraq deputy commander. “The Coalition will continue to provide support and joint fires as needed to bring about the lasting defeat of ISIS in Iraq.”

This successful strike demonstrates the unified partnership between the ISF and Coalition Forces. It also demonstrates the determination of the ISF in pursuing ISIS fighters across Iraq.

#DefeatISIS

Editor’s Note: Video of the Coalition airstrike in support of the ISF in the Atshanah Mountains, Dec. 15, 2018: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/649518/coalition-forces-airstrike-against-isis-dec-15-2018