Monthly Summary: Below are all known daily coalition military reports relating to the air war against Islamic State in Iraq for August 2014. We have also included relevant video and photo releases, as well as indicating where possible civilian or ‘friendly fire’ casualties may have occurred.
Following the swift capture of much of northern Iraq by Islamic State (also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh), the United States began airstrikes at the express invitation of the Iraqi government on August 8th. It would not be joined by another partner (France) until September 19th.
The US initially framed the operation as aimed at preserving US lives within Iraq, and at preventing a humanitarian catastrophe among civilians besieged by ISIL. Airstrikes were focused on just four areas: Mosul Dam, Irbil, Sinjar and Amirli.
There were early claims of civilian deaths from coalition strikes. As with many subsequent events, verification remains highly challenging given the fraught security situation.
AUGUST 7th/8th 2014
President Obama authorizes airstrikes in Iraq, initially framing the campaign as an effort both to “defend Americans” at risk in Iraq, and “to help save Iraqi civilians stranded on the mountain,” according to the Pentagon.
US aid drop Aug. 7th 2014, shortly before airstrikes begin
AUGUST 8th/9th 2014
Iraq strikes 3 (1-3)
US only
From Pentagon:
‘August 8th 2014 – At approximately 6:45 a.m. EDT, the U.S. military conducted a targeted airstrike against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists. Two F/A-18 aircraft dropped 500-pound laser-guided bombs on a mobile artillery piece near Erbil. ISIL was using this artillery to shell Kurdish forces defending Erbil where U.S. personnel are located.
The decision to strike was made by the U.S. Central Command commander under authorization granted him by the commander in chief. As the president made clear, the United States military will continue to take direct action against ISIL when they threaten our personnel and facilities.’
From Pentagon:
‘Aug. 8, 2014 – The U.S. military continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant targets near Erbil in northern Iraq today, conducting two additional airstrikes to help defend the city where U.S. personnel are assisting the Iraqi government, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said. Shortly after 10 a.m. EDT, remotely piloted aircraft struck a terrorist mortar position, Kirby said in a statement. When ISIL fighters returned to the site moments later, he added, the terrorists were attacked again and were killed.
At about 11:20 a.m. EDT, four F/A-18 aircraft successfully struck a stationary ISIL convoy of seven vehicles and a mortar position near Erbil. “The aircraft executed two planned passes,” Kirby said. “On both runs, each aircraft dropped one laser guided bomb making a total of eight bombs dropped on target, neutralizing the mortar and convoy.”’
US F/A-18 strike near Irbil, Iraq August 8th 2014.
US airstrike on ‘ISIL vehicles’ near Irbil, Iraq August 8th 2014.
AUGUST 9th/10th 2014
Iraq strikes 4 (4-7)
US only
From Centcom:
‘Aug 9th 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, successfully conducting four airstrikes to defend Yazidi civilians being indiscriminately attacked by ISIL near Sinjar.
At approximately 11:20 a.m. EDT, a mix of U.S. fighters and remotely piloted aircraft struck one of two ISIL armored personnel carriers firing on Yazidi civilians near Sinjar, destroying the APC. After the strike, U.S. forces monitored movement of the second ISIL APC from the vicinity, and subsequently located two ISIL APCs and an armed truck nearby.
At approximately 11:40 a.m. EDT, U.S. aircraft struck the two ISIL APCs and armed truck. After the initial strike, U.S. aircraft conducted a follow-up strike on one APC. All indications are that the strikes were successful in destroying their intended targets.
At approximately 3:00 p.m. EDT, U.S. aircraft located and struck another APC in the area of Sinjar. All indications are that this strike was also successful in destroying the APC. All aircraft safely exited the area.’
AUGUST 10th/11th 2014
Iraq 6 strikes (8-13)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 10, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, successfully conducting multiple airstrikes from a mix of fighters and remotely piloted vehicles to defend Kurdish forces near Irbil, where U.S. personnel and citizens are located.
At approximately 2:15 a.m. EDT [0915 local], U.S. aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL armed truck that was firing on Kurdish forces located in the approaches to Irbil.
After the strike, U.S. force monitored the movement of a second ISIL armed truck away from the vicinity of the strike, subsequently striking and destroying it at approximately 2:45 a.m. EDT [0945 local].
0340 EDT [1040 local] – U.S aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL mortar position, destroying it and damaging a nearby ISIL armed truck.
0545 EDT [1245 local] U.S. aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL armed truck.
U.S. aircraft conducted another strike on an ISIL armed vehicle at approximately 7:25 a.m. [1425 local] EDT, damaging the vehicle.
Additional release from CENTCOM:
‘August 11th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq late Sunday, successfully conducting an airstrike to defend Kurdish forces near Irbil, where U.S. personnel and citizens are located.
At approximately 4 p.m. EDT [11pm local] , multiple U.S. fighter aircraft struck and destroyed several vehicles that were part of an ISIL convoy moving to attack Pershmerga forces defending Irbil. All aircraft exited the strike area safely.’
RAF begins own aid drops to stranded Iraqis, Aug 10th 2014.
AUGUST 11th/12th 2014
Iraq strikes 4 (14-17)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘Aug. 11, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, successfully conducting airstrikes on four ISIL checkpoints and multiple ISIL vehicles near Sinjar Mountain in defense of internally displaced Yazidi civilians in the area.
At approximately 1:10 p.m. EDT [2010 local], U.S. fighter aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint southwest of Sinjar Mountain. At the same location, U.S. fighter aircraft struck an armed personnel carrier and an armed truck, destroying both.
At approximately 2:05 p.m. EDT [2105 local], U.S. fighter aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint south of the city of Sinjar. At the same location, U.S. aircraft struck an armed truck and a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, destroying both.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. EDT [2230 local], U.S. fighter aircraft struck another ISIL checkpoint southeast of the city of Sinjar and damaged it.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. EDT [2330 local], U.S. fighter aircraft struck another ISIL checkpoint east of the Sinjar Mountain and destroyed it and an adjacent ISIL truck.’
Aircrew approach their KC-135 aircraft for a refueling mission over Iraq, Aug. 11 2014. (USAF/ SSgt. Vernon Young Jr)
AUGUST 12th/13th 2014
US Iraq 1 strike (18)
US only
From Centcom:
‘August 12 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, successfully conducting an airstrike on an ISIL mortar position north of Sinjar.
At approximately 7:55 a.m. EDT (1455 local), U.S. remotely piloted aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL mortar position that was firing on Kurdish forces defending internally displaced Yazidi civilians who were attempting to evacuate.’
USAF personnel prepare Iraq aid pallets, Aug 2014.
AUGUST 13th/14th 2014
Iraq strike 1 (19)
US only
From Centcom:
‘Aug. 13, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to engage ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, successfully conducting an airstrike on an ISIL armed truck west of the village of Sinjar.
At approximately 12:20 p.m. EDT, U.S. remotely piloted aircraft struck and destroyed an ISIL armed vehicle west of the village of Sinjar, located in the vicinity of an ISIL checkpoint.’
AUGUST 14th/15th 2014
Iraq 4 strikes (20-23)
US only
From Centcom:
‘August 14 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, with a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft successfully conducting airstrikes on two ISIL-armed vehicles and an ISIL-operated mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle northeast of Irbil.
At approximately 11:05 a.m. EDT [2005 local], U.S. aircraft struck and destroyed the first of two armed vehicles, after following them from a position where they had been firing on nearby Kurdish forces. At 11:07 a.m. EDT [2007 local], U.S. aircraft struck and destroyed the second armed vehicle.
At approximately 11:40 a.m. EDT [2040 local], U.S. aircraft struck an MRAP, located near the site of the previous strikes against the two armed vehicles. After initial assessment, U.S. aircraft returned at approximately 12:55 p.m. EDT [2155 local] and destroyed the MRAP. All aircraft exited the strike area safely.’
AUGUST 15th/16th 2014
Iraq 1 strike (24)
US only
From Centcom:
‘Aug. 16, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq yesterday, with remotely piloted aircraft successfully conducting airstrikes on two armed vehicles south of the village of Sinjar.
After receiving reports from Kurdish forces that ISIL terrorists were attacking civilians in Kawju, a village located south of Sinjar, U.S. aircraft identified and followed an ISIL armed vehicle to a roadside area. At approximately 10:10 a.m. EDT [1910 local], U.S. aircraft struck and destroyed two vehicles in the area. All aircraft exited the area safely.
AUGUST 16th/17th 2014
Iraq strikes 9 (25-33)
US only
11 civilians reported killed at Sinjar, Iraq
From Centcom:
‘August 16th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq Saturday (Iraq time), with a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft successfully conducting airstrikes near Irbil and the Mosul Dam. U.S. Central Command conducted these strikes under authority to support humanitarian efforts in Iraq, as well as to protect U.S. personnel and facilities.
The nine airstrikes conducted thus far destroyed or damaged four armored personnel carriers, seven armed vehicles, two Humvees and an armored vehicle. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.’
Strike against ‘ISIL armed truck’, Mosul Dam Iraq Aug 16th 2014.
‘ISIL humvee’ targeted, Mosul Dam area, Iraq Aug 16th 2014.
AUGUST 17th/18th 2014
Iraq strikes 14 (34-47)
US only
From Centcom:
‘August 17th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq Sunday, using a mix of fighter, bomber, attack and remotely piloted aircraft to successfully conduct airstrikes near the Mosul Dam.
The 14 strikes conducted on Sunday in Iraq damaged or destroyed ten ISIL armed vehicles, seven ISIL Humvees, two ISIL armored personnel carriers, and one ISIL checkpoint. These strikes followed the nine U.S. airstrikes announced Aug. 16 by U.S. Central Command.’
AUGUST 18th/19th 2014
Iraq strikes 15 (48-68*)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 18th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq Monday, using a mix of fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft to successfully conduct 15 airstrikes near the Mosul Dam. The strikes damaged or destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions; an ISIL checkpoint; six ISIL armed vehicles; an ISIL light armored vehicle; an ISIL vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft artillery gun, and an IED emplacement belt. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 68 airstrikes in Iraq. Of those 68 strikes, 35 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam. These strikes were conducted under authority to support Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense forces as they work together to combat ISIL, as well as to protect critical infrastructure, U.S. personnel and facilities, and support humanitarian efforts.
[* Airwars note: The Pentagon later made an adjustment here, adding 6 prior strikes to its tallies which were not declared in daily reports.]
US airstrike against ISIL APC, Mosul Dam, Iraq Aug 18th 2014.
US strike against ISIL technical, Mosul Dam, Iraq Aug 18th 2014.
AUGUST 19th/20th 2014
Iraq 2 strikes (69-70)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 20th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq in the last 24 hours, with fighter aircraft conducting two airstrikes near the Mosul Dam. One of the airstrikes successfully destroyed an ISIL checkpoint. The other airstrike was not successful.
These strikes were conducted under authority to support Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense force operations, as well as to protect critical infrastructure, U.S. personnel and facilities, and support humanitarian efforts.
The Department of Defense confirmed yesterday that Iraqi forces have cleared the Mosul Dam, and that Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense forces are working together to further expand control of the area.’
AUGUST 20th/21st 2014
Iraq strikes 14 (71-84)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 20th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter, remotely piloted and attack aircraft to conduct 14 airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam. The strikes destroyed or damaged six ISIL Humvees, three IED emplacements, one mortar tube, and two armed trucks. All aircraft exited the strike area safely.
These strikes were conducted under authority to support Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense force operations, as well as to protect critical infrastructure, U.S. personnel and facilities, and support humanitarian efforts.
The Department of Defense confirmed Aug. 18 that Iraqi forces have cleared and now hold Mosul Dam, and that Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense forces are working together to further expand their control of the area. Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 84 airstrikes across Iraq. Of those 84 strikes, 51 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.’
A US fighter refuels over the Middle East Aug 21 2014 (USAF/SSgt. Shawn Nickel)
AUGUST 21st/22nd 2014
Iraq 6 strikes (85-90)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 22nd – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi Security Force operations, using fighter and attack aircraft to conduct six airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam. The strikes destroyed or damaged three ISIL Humvees, one ISIL vehicle, and multiple IED emplacements. All aircraft exited the strike area safely…
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 90 airstrikes across Iraq. Of those 90 strikes, 57 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.’
AUGUST 22nd/23rd 2014
Iraq strikes 3 (91-93)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘Aug 22nd – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi Security Force operations, using fighter and attack aircraft to conduct three airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam. The strikes destroyed two ISIL armed vehicles and a machine gun emplacement that was firing on Iraqi forces…
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 93 airstrikes across Iraq. Of those 93 strikes, 60 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.’
AUGUST 23rd/24th 2014
Iraq strike 1 (94)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 23rd – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter aircraft to conduct an airstrike in the vicinity of Mosul Dam. The strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and all aircraft exited the strike area safely.
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 94 airstrikes across Iraq. Of those, 61 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.’
AUGUST 24th/25th 2014
Iraq 2 strikes (95-96)
US only
8 to 11 civilians reported killed near Mosul, Iraq
From CENTCOM:
‘August 24th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using attack and remotely- piloted aircraft to conduct two airstrikes in the vicinity of Irbil and Mosul Dam.
One strike destroyed an ISIL humvee near the Mosul Dam and the other strike destroyed an ISIL armed vehicle near Irbil. All aircraft exited the strike area safely…
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 96 airstrikes across Iraq. Of those, 62 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.’
AUGUST 25th/26th 2014
No reported strikes
AUGUST 26th/27th 2014
Iraq strikes 2 (97-98)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 27th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using attack aircraft to conduct two airstrikes in the vicinity of Irbil. The two strikes destroyed two ISIL armed vehicles and damaged another near Irbil. All aircraft exited the strike area safely…
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 98 airstrikes across Iraq.’
Strike against ‘ISIL armed truck’ near Irbil, Iraq Aug 26 2014
AUGUST 27th/28th 2014
Iraq 3 strikes (99-101)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 28th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter, attack, and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct three airstrikes in the vicinity of Irbil and the Mosul Dam.
The strikes destroyed an ISIL Humvee, a supply truck, three armored vehicles, and severely damaged an ISIL building. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely. Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 101 airstrikes across Iraq.’
AUGUST 28th/29th 2014
Iraq strikes 5 (102-106)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘Aug. 29th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter aircraft to conduct five airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam.
The strikes destroyed an ISIL Humvee, a tank, four armed vehicles, an ISIL construction vehicle and severely damaged an ISIL checkpoint. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 106 airstrikes across Iraq.’
US strike against a technical, unknown site Iraq, Aug 28 2014
AUGUST 29th/30th 2014
Iraq strikes 4 (107-110)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 30th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter and attack aircraft to conduct four airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam.
The strikes destroyed four ISIL armed vehicles, severely damaged another armed vehicle, and destroyed three ISIL support vehicles. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 110 airstrikes across Iraq.’
AUGUST 30th/31st 2014
Iraq strikes 8 (111-118)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘August 30th – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter and remotely- piloted aircraft to conduct five airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam.
The strikes destroyed an ISIL armed vehicle, an ISIL fighting position, ISIL weapons, and significantly damaged an ISIL building. All aircraft exited the strike areas safely.
U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 115 airstrikes across Iraq.’
Additional CENTCOM release:
‘August 30th – At the request of the Government of Iraq, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes in support of an operation to deliver humanitarian assistance to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the civilians trapped in Amirli, Iraq at approximately 8:30 p.m. EDT today [0330 Aug 31st local time].
Two months ago, hundreds of ISIL terrorists advanced on Amirli cutting off food, water, and medical supplies to thousands of Shia Turkomen living there. ISIL has since blocked many attempts by Iraqi Security Forces and the United Nations from delivering critical supplies to Amirli, threatening the remaining population.
At the request of the Iraqi government, U.S. forces airdropped 109 bundles of much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Amirli, including the Shia Turkomen minority ethnic group. Two U.S. C-17s and two U.S. C-130s airdropped the supplies, delivering approximately 10,500 gallons of fresh drinking water and approximately 7,000 meals ready to eat. In addition, aircraft from Australia, France, and the United Kingdom also dropped humanitarian aid.
To support the delivery of this humanitarian assistance, the U.S. military also conducted three airstrikes in coordination with the isolated Iraqi security forces responsible for protecting Amirli.
Fighter aircraft struck and destroyed three ISIL Humvees, one ISIL armed vehicle, one ISIL checkpoint and one ISIL tank near Amirli. All aircraft safely exited the area.
The President authorized these airstrikes in support of an operation to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in the town of Amirli. These operations will be limited in their scope and duration as necessary to address this emerging humanitarian crisis and protect the civilians trapped in Amirli.
U.S Central Command has conducted a total of 118 airstrikes across Iraq.’
Coalition strike against a tank, Amirli, Iraq, August 30th 2014.
AUGUST 31st/SEPTEMBER 1st 2014
Iraq strikes 2 (119-120)
US only
From CENTCOM:
‘Sept 1st – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using fighter and attack aircraft to conduct two airstrikes Sunday, one near the Mosul Dam and the other near Amirli.
The strike near Amirli damaged an ISIL tank and the strike near Mosul Dam destroyed an ISIL armed vehicle. All aircraft exited the strike area safely.
Running summary:
* Defense of Erbil: 23
* Support of Sinjar: 13
* Support of Mosul Dam: 80
* Support of Amirli: 4
* Total: 120′
US Air Force Central Command
Monthly Air Power Summary for August 2014
