PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 17, 2014
Dec. 17: Military airstrikes continue against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq
December 17, 2014

Release # 20141217
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 15-17 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 61airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 15-17 using fighter, bomber, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.

In Syria, five airstrikes near Kobani destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL staging area, an ISIL bunker, and an ISIL mortar and struck two ISIL tactical units, two additional buildings and two ISIL fighting positions. Near Abu Kamal, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle.

In Iraq, eight airstrikes near Mosul destroyed two ISIL heavy machine guns, three ISIL buildings, one ISIL mortar position, one ISIL bulldozer and an ISIL bunker and also struck a large ISIL unit and an ISIL tactical unit. Near Tal-Afar, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building and three ISIL bridges and also struck an ISIL tactical unit. Near Sinjar, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL vehicles, two ISIL guard towers, three ISIL containers and one ISIL storage container. Near Hit, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle and an excavator. Near Rawa, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL building and a storage container. Near Irbil, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and struck an ISIL tactical unit. Near Ramadi, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL building.

An additional 45 strikes were conducted in support of the Peshmerga (KSF) and Iraqi security forces operating in the region. Precision airstrikes from 15 coalition aircraft destroyed approximately 50 targets, to include bulldozers, vehicles, checkpoints, enemy fighting positions, enemy fighters, and equipment.

All aircraft returned to base safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.

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, 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 conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition Nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.