PRESS RELEASE | June 18, 2015
June 18: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq
By CJTF – Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

June 18, 2015

Release # 20150618
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq June 17. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using bomber, attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Daesh fielded terrorist forces were the focus of today’s strikes,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of public affairs. “This enables our ground force partners to operate from a tactical advantage.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL tunnel systems.

Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

Near Tal Abyad, four airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL excavator.

Iraq

Near Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

Near Bayji, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL pontoon bridge.

Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL rocket rails and an ISIL bunker.

Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck multiple defensive obstacles and fighting positions.

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

Near Tal Afar, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL bunker and land features denying ISIL a tactical advantage, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and 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.