PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 19, 2014
Nov. 19: Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria and Iraq
By U.S. Central Command News Release

November 19, 2014

RELEASE #20141113
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 19, 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Nov. 17-19 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes against ISIL and one U.S. airstrike against a network of veteran Al Qaeda operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group.” Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 24 airstrikes in Iraq Nov. 17-19 using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

In Syria, five airstrikes near Kobani destroyed one ISIL fighting position, an ISIL staging area, three ISIL occupied buildings, suppressed two ISIL fighting positions and struck two tactical and one large ISIL unit. One airstrike southeast of Al-Hasakah damaged a crude oil collection point operated by ISIL. Finally, in northwest Syria near Haram, a U.S. airstrike struck and destroyed a storage facility associated with a network of veteran Al Qaeda operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group,” whose members are plotting external attacks against the United States and its allies.

In Iraq, thirteen airstrikes near Kirkuk destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, seven ISIL staging areas, one ISIL mortar position, an ISIL bulldozer and front-loader. Seven airstrikes near Mosul struck five ISIL tactical units, damaged an IED factory and destroyed an ISIL mortar position, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL occupied building, an ISIL artillery piece and ISIL artillery mover. Three airstrikes near Bayji struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL occupied building and an ISIL vehicle. One airstrike near Fallujah struck an ISIL tactical unit.

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

The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL 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 power and conduct operations. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.