PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 21, 2015
Oct. 21: Military airstrikes continue against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq
October 21, 2015

Release # 20151021-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA — On Oct. 20, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four strikes using attack and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using bomber, fighter and attack aircraft against ISIL targets.

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

Syria
• Near Manbij, four strikes struck four separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL structures, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, and an ISIL resupply point.

Iraq
• Near Kisik, six strikes struck an ISIL vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) facility and destroyed five separate ISIL staging areas.
• Near Ramadi, two strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL command and control node, an ISIL IED, and denied ISIL access to terrain.
• Near Sinjar, four strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 14 ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL light machine gun, and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one strike suppressed ISIL mortar fire.
• Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed 16 ISIL fighting positions.

Strike 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, and the wider international community.

The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations. Coalition nations which have conducted strikes in Iraq include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States. Coalition nations which have conducted strikes in Syria include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S.