PRESS RELEASE | May 18, 2015
May 18: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria and Iraq
May 18, 2015

Release # 20150518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 17, and 8 a.m., May 18, local time. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using bomber and attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 19 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Coalition airstrikes continued across Iraq including eight strikes in Ramadi,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of public affairs. “We’re continuing to monitor reports of the fluid and contested situation in and around Ramadi. We have always known the fight would be long and difficult, particularly in Anbar. The Coalition continues to coordinate with GOI forces and provide requested support to their ongoing operations.”

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

Syria

Near Al Hasakah, six airstrikes struck one large and three small ISIL tactical units, destroying 14 ISIL vehicles, five ISIL fighting positions and three ISIL armored vehicles.

Iraq

Near Al Huwayjah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area.

Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.

Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL armored personnel carriers and two ISIL armored vehicles.

Near Ramadi, eight airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and three ISIL buildings, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, five ISIL buildings, two ISIL armored vehicles, two ISIL mortar positions, an ISIL armored personnel carrier, an ISIL ammunition structure, and an ISIL command and control facility.

Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL sniper position, destroying six ISIL buildings and six ISIL heavy machine guns.

Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL heavy machine gun 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.