PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 8, 2014
Dec. 8: Military airstrikes continue against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq
December 8, 2014

Release # 20141208(2)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 5-8 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct 15 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 31 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 5-8 using fighter, bomber, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.

In Syria, 14 airstrikes near Kobani destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL-occupied buildings, two ISIL staging areas, two ISIL tanks, a motorcycle, a mortar and struck eight tactical ISIL units and two ISIL fighting positions. Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike struck an electronic warfare garrison.

In Iraq, six airstrikes near Kirkuk destroyed two excavators, a bulldozer, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL ammunition dump and struck another excavator and an overpass servicing the ammunition dump. These airstrikes also suppressed an ISIL fighting position and struck a tactical ISIL unit near Kirkuk. Near al-Biaj, four airstrikes destroyed four armored vehicles, an ISIL checkpoint and two ISIL storage containers. Near Sinjar, four airstrikes destroyed six ISIL-occupied buildings, seven ISIL storage containers, two ISIL fighting positions, an excavator and struck an ISIL bunker. Near Mosul, four airstrikes destroyed an excavator, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL heavy weapon and struck two ISIL tactical units.

Also in Iraq, three airstrikes near al-Qaim destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles and struck an ISIL observation point. Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL armored vehicles, a bulldozer and an excavator. Near Ramadi, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL-occupied building, a front-loader and struck two ISIL units. Near Bayji, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL-occupied building and struck two tactical ISIL units. Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tank. Near Hit, an airstrike was conducted, but there was no damage.

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.