Monthly summary: Below are all known daily coalition military reports relating to the air war against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for August 2015. We have also included relevant video and photo releases, as well as indicating where alleged civilian or ‘friendly fire’ casualties have been reported.
August 1st-2nd 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (3,559-3,576)
Syria 6 strikes (2,258-2,263)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
1 civilian reported killed at Mayadeen, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug 1, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 18 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘Coalition airstrikes successfully destroyed a Daesh vehicle-borne improvised explosive device facility August 1, 2015 near Makhmur, Iraq.
In coordination with the Government of Iraq, Coalition forces will continue to seek out and deliberately target Daesh forces, equipment, and resources wherever they are found.
This facility was a critical ISIL asset that helped the terrorists produce numerous VBIEDs – the ISIL weapon of choice – which can be moved easily throughout Iraq and used against Iraqi Security Forces and the civilian population.
“These strikes, conducted in coordination with the Government of Iraq, will help reduce the ability of Daesh to utilize their weapon of choice – VBIEDs,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff. “Daesh VBIEDs are responsible for many attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and atrocities committed against Iraqi civilians.”
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 1 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position northwest of Mosul, using precision guided munitions.’
Strike on ‘VBIED facility’ at Makhmur, Iraq Aug 1 2015
August 2nd-3rd 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (3,577-3,597)
Syria 8 strikes (2,264-2,271)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 2, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using fighter, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 21 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, six airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and three ISIL small tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL mortar system, four ISIL bunkers and an ISIL resupply vehicle.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL mortar position.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and two ISIL small tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon and an ISIL checkpoint.
• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings, an ISIL vehicle, three ISIL bunkers and an ISIL bridge.
• Near Haditha, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and an ISIL small tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Makhmur, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache and four ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL staging area, an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL vehicle and destroyed an ISIL bunker.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL motorcycle, an ISIL drone, four ISIL vehicles and an ISIL resupply truck.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Tal Afar, four airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL mortar position and an ISIL staging area and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 2 August, another Reaper destroyed a further truck in the same area, and provided surveillance support for a successful coalition air strike on an armed pick-up truck.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 2 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position north of Tal Afar using precision guided munitions.’
August 3rd-4th 2015
Iraq 16 strikes (3,598-3,613)
Syria 3 strikes (2,272-2,274)
Confirmed actions: US
1 civilian reported killed at Hassakah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 3, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
Coalition’s airstrikes continue to destroy and degrade ISIL tactical and combat equipment within the region.
“The Bayji airstrikes are a great example of directly supporting ISF in an urban fight that is hotly contested. In areas like Bayji, it is important to note that coalition forces have implemented significant mitigation measures within the targeting process and during the conduct of operations to reduce the potential of civilian casualties and collateral damage,” said Col. Michael Indovina, CJTF-OIR public affairs spokesman. “Our overall strategy has not changed: coalition airstrikes will provide maximum support to the defeat of Daesh.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From Dutch MoD:
Update for week ending August 4th 2015
[Reports 10 new missions targeting ISIL bunkers and fighting positions]
‘Nederlandse F-16’s in het Midden-Oosten zetten wapens in tegen vuurposities en bunkers van ISIS-strijders. Dat gebeurde in meer dan 10 missies. In Erbil begon een nieuwe lichting Peshmerga aan de Infantry Battle Course en in Bagdad startte een nieuwe ploeg met de commando-opleiding.’
From Danish MoD:
Update for week ending August 4th 2015
[Reports 12 new missions with 14 bombs dropped in Nineveh and Al Anbar provinces]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 28. juli fløjet 12 missioner og anvendt 14 bomber.
Missionerne, som de danske fly har deltaget i, har været offensive, og de danske fly har i den forløbne periode primært deltaget i missioner i Ninawa og Al Anbar provinserne. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtligt personel og bygninger anvendt af ISIL.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat som luftstøtte til styrker på landjorden. Her vil flyene patruljere over et bestemt område, hvorefter de vil kunne blive indsat af koalitionen, når der er behov for støtte. Luftstøtten vil variere afhængig af, hvad der er behov for. Det kan både dreje sig om overvågningsopgaver og bombninger af mål.
De danske fly har også gennemført Air Interdiction-missioner. Her gennemføres et specifikt angreb mod et på forhånd defineret mål, hvor flyene flyver direkte til målet, anvender bomber og flyver retur. Ved disse missioner har målene for bomberne været bygninger anvendt af ISIL.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 452 missioner og anvendt 397 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.’
Danish military trainers with an Iraqi soldier, August 2015 (DoD)
August 4th-5th 2015
Iraq 22 strikes (3,614-3,635)
Syria 7 strikes (2,275-2,281)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 4, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using fighter, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 22 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
Coalition’s airstrikes continue to destroy and degrade ISIL’s tactical and combat equipment within Iraq.
“Coalition forces are achieving debilitating effects against the enemy,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR chief of public affairs. “The coalition strikes, in coordination with the ISF, destroy Daesh capabilities and provide the ISF an increased operational capability and freedom of movement.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From UK MoD:
‘Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s and other coalition aircraft conducted a very large series of attacks on ISIL terrorist positions in northern Iraq on the evening of Tuesday 4 August.
Previously, the Kurdish peshmerga, trained and equipped by the international coalition, including by a British Army training team, and well supported from the air, have liberated significant swathes of territory in northern Iraq from ISIL control, including key towns such as Rabiyah and Zumar, and rescued the Yazidi and other Kurdish refugees who were besieged by the terrorists a year ago on Mount Sinjar. A recent offensive, which RAF and other coalition aircraft supported, succeeded in driving back the terrorists to the west of Kirkuk.
Following these peshmerga successes, the ISIL terrorists had fallen back to the south-eastern foothills of Mount Sinjar, where they had taken over numerous buildings for use as headquarters, barracks, ammunition and equipment depots, all supporting a network of fortified positions several kilometres in length. Extensive surveillance by both the Kurdish troops on Mount Sinjar and from coalition aircraft confirmed that there was no residual civilian presence at these sites, and allowed some forty terrorist targets to be positively identified.
This intelligence work allowed the coalition to mount a large, carefully planned air attack on this array of targets, coordinated with a barrage of mortar and heavy weapon fire from the Kurdish positions on the mountain. Two RAF Tornado GR4s, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, used Paveway IV precision guided bombs to strike six of the fortified ISIL targets. Initial analysis indicates that the attack was a success.
Further south the same day, an RAF Reaper meanwhile provided close air support to Iraqi army offensive operations in Anbar province. A group of armed terrorists were spotted getting into a vehicle, which was then tracked by the Reaper’s crew – despite the speed of the target, it was successfully hit by a Hellfire missile.’
British strike at Sinjar August 4 2015 (RAF)
August 5th-6th 2015
Iraq 16 strikes (3,636-3,651)
Syria 11 strikes (2,282-2,292)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 5, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes using fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
Coalition strikes degrade command and control and resupply efforts of Daesh, while Daesh fighters attempt to control populations and lines of communications.
“The coalition and our partners on the ground are continuing to tighten the noose around Daesh in Iraq and Syria,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “Every member of the coalition plays a vital role in degrading the terrorist organization, and we are all working to dismantle Daesh while limiting their ability to harm civilians.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From UK MoD:
‘On Wednesday 5 August, two GR4s supported Iraqi units near Bayji, and successfully destroyed a vehicle and terrorist group attempting to hide under pipework at a disused industrial site with a Paveway IV.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 5 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS staging area south of Kirkuk using precision guided munitions.
On 5 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position west of Makhmur using precision guided munitions.
August 6th-7th 2015
Iraq 9 strikes (3,652-3,660)
Syria 6 strikes (2,293-2,298)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
4 to 5 civilians reported killed at Ar Rutbah, Iraq
15 friendly forces reported killed at Helewa, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 6, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
Coalition forces and Iraqi security forces now dictate the pace of operations in the region.
“The coalition, in coordination with the YPG, has conducted 15 airstrikes in the vicinity of Al Hasakah this week,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR public affairs officer. “These airstrikes have had a decimating effect on Daesh terrorists and have allowed the YPG to establish greater control of the city.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Aleppo, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL staging area and destroyed two ISIL excavators.
• Near Ayn Isa, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Makhmur, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 23 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and two ISIL heavy machine guns.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike [British] destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL rocket system.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positons, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL light machine gun.’
From UK MoD:
‘Thursday 6 August saw our aircraft once more providing close air support to the peshmerga, this time to the east of Mosul, and Tornado GR4s used a Brimstone missile to destroy a pick-up truck used by a terrorist rocket team.’
Royal Canadian Air Force technician on CF-188 Hornet pre-flight checks at Camp Patrice Vincent, Kuwait (Canadian MoD))
August 7th-8th 2015
Iraq 10 strikes (3,661-3,670)
Syria 9 strikes (2,299-2,307)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 7, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using bomber, attack, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Coalition forces conducted 44 airstrikes in support of anti-ISIL forces in Syria this week alone,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “The success of anti-ISIL forces in Syria, backed by coalition airstrikes, has resulted in two-thirds of Syria’s northern border now defended by anti-ISIL forces. The result has devastated Daesh’s key lines of communication between Syria and Turkey.” The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
Monthly CENTCOM summary of targets reportedly destroyed to date in Coalition air campaign
August 8th-9th 2015
Iraq 16 strikes (3,671-3,686)
Syria 7 strikes (2,308-2,314)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
6 to 7 civilians reported killed at Ar Rutbah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 8, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 8 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position in Sinjar using precision guided munitions.
On 8 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position north of Mosul using precision guided munitions.’
August 9th-10th 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (3,687-3,707)
Syria 8 strikes (2,315-2,322)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 9, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 21 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Our airstrikes against Daesh in northern Syria have resulted in the loss of approximately 17,000 square kilometers by Daesh,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR public affairs officer. “Anti-ISIL forces and coalition airstrikes have freed many from the barbarism of Daesh, denied Daesh a safe haven and has provided Iraqi forces the needed time and space to regenerate combat power and go on the offensive.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, five airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL bunkers, two ISIL structures, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL supply truck.
• Near Aleppo, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Tal Abyad, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bunker.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives factory.
• Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck two large and one small ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles and two ISIL structures.
• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bunker, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Makhmur, four airstrikes struck two ISIL staging areas and destroyed 19 ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL caches and an ISIL building.
• Near Ramadi, five airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building, an ISIL homemade explosives resupply trailer, an ISIL IED and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL tunnel system.
• Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position and an ISIL mortar firing position.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 9 August, an RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft provided close air support to Iraqi army units conducting operations against ISIL terrorists in western Iraq. A large trailer was identified, concealed under trees, being loaded with bags of explosives. The Reaper’s crew destroyed the trailer and the explosives with a pair of Hellfire missiles.
A second vehicle carrying explosives was then investigated in the same area and, despite again being concealed under trees, a direct hit from a Hellfire destroyed the truck and its deadly load.
Meanwhile, in northern Iraq, two Tornado GR4s from RAF Akrotiri, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, were similarly denying the terrorists large quantities of explosives; another coalition aircraft had identified large stockpiles being held by ISIL in two storage buildings at a site from which the civilians had been driven out. Two Paveway bombs were used to strike the buildings, with the stockpiled explosives completely destroyed.’
British strike on explosives store in Iraq, August 9 2015
August 10th-11th 2015
Iraq 20 strikes (3,708-3,727)
Syria 10 strikes (2,323-2,332)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 10, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes using bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 20 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Anti-ISIL forces continue to engage ISIL in northern Syria, as ISIL fighters are targeted and killed by coalition airstrikes,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, chief of staff, CJTF-OIR. “The cumulative effect of the airstrikes is creating a difficult environment for ISIL to conduct operations and expand its influence.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL structure and an ISIL armored vehicle.
• Near Aleppo, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL bunkers.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
• Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL mortar system supply point.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit and destroyed eight ISIL tractor trailers, four ISIL structures, two ISIL armored vehicles, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL fuel trucks, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL observation point.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL river obstruction.
• Near Haditha, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL structure and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Makhmur, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL mortar firing positions and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL tunnel system.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘Monday 10 August saw a Reaper operating in support of the Kurdish peshmerga; it conducted four successful Hellfire attacks during its patrol, destroying an enemy vehicle and three terrorist positions.
Tornado GR4s were also active, conducting simultaneous attacks with Brimstone missiles on an ISIL excavator and truck which were caught in the process of constructing fortified positions near Khorsabad.’
August 11th-12th 2015
Iraq 10 strikes (3,728-3,737)
Syria 9 strikes (2,333-2,341)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
9 civilians reported killed in US airstrike at Atmeh, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 11, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes coordinated with the Government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, five airstrikes struck one large and four small ISIL tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL bunkers and an ISIL structure.
• Near Aleppo, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL staging area and destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL bridge.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL heavy machine gun firing positions.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives cache.
• Near Makhmur, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL mortar firing position.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL IED.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL light machine gun.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.’
From UK MoD:
‘The following day [August 11 2015], GR4s used a Paveway guided bomb to hit yet another large stockpile of explosives, which it appeared were being prepared for use as improvised explosive devices.’
From Danish MoD:
Report for week ending August 11th 2015
[Reports 12 new missions which dropped 14 bombs in Nineveh and Anbar provinces]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 4. august fløjet 12 missioner og anvendt 14 bomber.
Missionerne, som de danske fly har deltaget i, har været offensive, og de danske fly har i den forløbne periode primært deltaget i missioner i Ninawa og Al Anbar provinserne. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige våbenstillinger, bygninger og materiel anvendt af ISIL.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat som luftstøtte til styrker på landjorden. Her vil flyene patruljere over et bestemt område, hvorefter de vil kunne blive indsat af koalitionen, når der er behov for støtte. Luftstøtten vil variere afhængig af, hvad der er behov for. Det kan både dreje sig om overvågningsopgaver og bombninger af mål.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 464 missioner og anvendt 411 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.’
From Netherlands MOD
Summary for week ending August 11th 2015
[Reports 10 new missions against bunkers, firing positions and ISIS fighters]
‘Nederlandse F-16’s in het Midden-Oosten zetten wapens in tegen vuurposities en bunkers van ISIS-strijders. Dat gebeurde in meer dan 10 missies. In Erbil begon een nieuwe lichting Peshmerga aan de Infantry Battle Course en in Bagdad startte een nieuwe ploeg met de commando-opleiding.’
An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey August 12 2015 (USAF/ Snr Airman Krystal Ardrey)
August 12th-13th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (3,738-3,749)
Syria 12 strikes (2,342-2,353)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 12, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From UK MoD:
‘On Wednesday 12 August, an RAF Reaper delivered successful Hellfire attacks on a Da’ish position and a truck.’
Coalition strike on ‘ISIL compound’ August 12th 2015
August 13th-14th 2015
Iraq 23 strikes (3,750-3,772)
Syria 8 strikes (2,354-2,361)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 13, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 23 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Coalition airstrikes in Ramadi have destroyed many Daesh forces, equipment and fighting positions,” said Col. Mike Indovina, spokesman, CJTF-OIR. “The continued pounding of Daesh defensive positions sets the conditions for ISF as they advance closer to the city in order to completely encircle Ramadi, ‘tightening the noose’ around the city, before commencing clearing operations.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Aleppo, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL recoilless rifles, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL resupply caches.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and terrain features denying ISIL a tactical advantage and destroyed three ISIL buildings.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Ramadi, six airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and an ISIL fighting position and destroyed three ISIL buildings, two ISIL IEDs, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL recoilless rifle.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and four ISIL light machine guns.
• Near Tal Afar, six airstrikes struck four ISIL staging areas and destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From UK MoD:
‘Coalition aircraft, including two RAF GR4s, staged a large coordinated air strike on Thursday 13 August against a terrorist strongpoint in northern Iraq, to the east of Tal Afar. This was at a village, the population of which had forced out by ISIL, with the buildings turned into fortified positions in the front line against the advancing Kurdish peshmerga. Very careful surveillance by both the Kurdish troops and aerial reconnaissance allowed a number of key elements of the strong point to be identified, including headquarters, terrorist accommodation, equipment stores and heavy weapon positions. This patient and thorough intelligence analysis allowed a coordinated attack to be mounted by coalition jets against multiple targets, with the GR4s dropping Paveway IV guided bombs.
A second flight of GR4s then provided close air support through the evening to the peshmerga, in the course of which a successful strike was conducted on a terrorist mortar position.
August 14th-15th 2015
Iraq 15 strikes (3,773-3,787)
Syria 5 strikes (2,362-2,366)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
1 civilian reported killed at Talbisah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 14, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 15 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed six ISIL excavators, an ISIL heavy machine gun, three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL bulldozer.
• Near Aleppo, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL rocket rails and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike had inconclusive results.
• Near Haditha, three airstrikes struck an ISIL command and control facility and two ISIL staging areas.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position.
• Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike destroyed six ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Ramadi, five airstrikes struck two large and one small ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL buildings, three ISIL IEDs an ISIL truck, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.’
From UK MoD:
‘Iraqi security forces are very active in western Iraq, where they are conducting successful operations to isolate Ramadi, cutting off ISIL supply routes into the city.
RAF aircraft have helped provide support, and on Friday 14 August an RAF Reaper flew overwatch for Iraqi troops, supported by artillery, as they engaged a number of terrorist positions. The Reaper’s crew were able to use the aircraft’s advanced surveillance capabilities to pinpoint a group of terrorists who were firing on the Iraqi forces from a concealed position in a treeline, allowing coalition fast jets to conduct a successful strike with guided bombs.
The Reaper then identified a heavy machine-gun team and eliminated the threat with an Hellfire missile. It continued to work closely with the coalition fast jets, assisting them in an attack that destroyed two more terrorist positions, then delivered another Hellfire attack of its own, destroying a truck as the ISIL extremists retreated.’
From French MoD:
Summary for week ending August 14th 2015
[Reports 17 new missions resulting in 6 strikes in the past week]
‘Chammal :
Les avions de l’opération Chammal, patrouilleur maritime Atlantique2, Mirage2000 D&N etRafale, ont réalisé cette semaine 17 missions en relation avec le CAOC 1du Qatar et suivi en conduite par le JOC 2Chammal. Certaines de ces missions ont pu être réalisées conjointement avec les autres forces aériennes de l’opérationInherent Resolvedont Chammal est la participation française.
Les missions de reconnaissance armée ont conduit à la destruction de caches d’armes deDaech, de plusieurs véhicules et de positions armées à partir desquelles le groupe terroriste autoproclamé opérait des manœuvres de harcèlement des forces de sécurité irakiennes. Au total, le bilan de ces missions aériennes fait état de 6 objectifs détruits.
En Irak, dans le secteur de Bagdad, le détachement d’instruction opérationnel n°13 poursuit un stage de 8 semaines en techniques commando auprès des militaires de l’ICTS, l’Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, et le détachement Advise & Assist continue sa formation au profit des officiers de l’état-major de la 6thInfantry Division.’
A French combat aircraft on an anti-Daesh mission (Ministère de la Défense)
August 15th-16th 2015
Iraq 15 strikes (3,788-3,802)
Syria 7 strikes (2,367-2,373)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
1 civilian reported killed at Ar Raqqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 15, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 15 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 15 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position in Sinjar using precision guided munitions.’
August 16th-17th 2015
Iraq 13 strikes (3,803-3,815)
Syria 5 strikes (2,374-2,378)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 16, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Coalition airstrikes and the ISF have produced devastating results against Daesh terrorists in the vicinity of the Bayji oil refinery,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, chief of staff, CJTF-OIR. “The area remains contested, but we have disrupted Daesh’s freedom of movement and they have suffered significant personnel losses in their counterattacks.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
Fuel unloaded from a US C-17 Globemaster III in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Aug. 16 2015 (USAF/ Staff Sgt Sandra Welch)
From UK MoD:
‘Tornado GR4s from RAF Akrotiri provided close air support to the Iraqi army near Bayji on Sunday 16 August. Having carried out some valuable reconnaissance work, they spotted two ISIL vehicles – a bulldozer and an armoured truck – close to the front line. The vehicles were destroyed by a simultaneous attack with a pair of Paveway IV guided bombs.’
British strike on ‘ISIL vehicles,’ Bayji, Iraq August 16 2015
August 17th-18th 2015
Iraq 17 strikes (3,816-3,832)
Syria 3 strikes (2,379-2,381)
Confirmed actions: US, France
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 17, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using bomber and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Coalition trained Iraqi security forces are in the middle of a deliberate counterattack against Daesh terrorists in Ramadi,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, chief of staff, CJTF-OIR. “It’s a tough fight with ISF encountering many obstacles and IEDs, but 16 airstrikes in the past few days have eliminated numerous Daesh positions, no doubt paving the way for ISF advances.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From French MoD:
[France reports its 200th airstrike]
‘Quelques jours plus tôt, le 17 août 2015, les aéronefs français engagés dans Chammal ont réalisé la 200ème frappe française, après avoir dépassé les 1000 missions1 aériennes en juillet 2015.’
August 18th-19th 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (3,833-3,850)
Syria 8 strikes (2,382-2,389)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
1 civilian reported killed at Al Qaim, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 18, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using attack, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 18 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Coalition airstrikes in and around Bayji and Ramadi are consistently putting pressure on the leadership of Daesh,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, chief of staff, CJTF-OIR. “We are constantly restricting their freedom of maneuver and disrupting their ability to successfully counterattack.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL motorcycle.
* Near Aleppo, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL VBIED.
* Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL mortar firing positions and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Makhmur, five airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, two ISIL staging areas and an ISIL rocket firing position and destroyed three ISIL tunnels and an ISIL light machine gun.
* Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, two ISIL buildings and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL heavy machine guns, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position.
* Near Tuz, three airstrikes destroyed 20 ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Tuesday 18 August, a Reaper, again operating over western Iraq, used a Hellfire to strike an armed pick-up truck, with a second such vehicle destroyed the following day by another Reaper.’
From Danish MoD:
[Denmark reports 12 new missions dropping 14 bombs in Nineveh, SAalah al-Din and Anbar provinces]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 11. august fløjet 12 missioner og anvendt 14 bomber.
Missionerne, som de danske fly har deltaget i, har været offensive, og de danske fly har i den forløbne periode deltaget i missioner i Ninawa, Salah Al Din og Al Anbar provinserne. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige våbenstillinger og bygninger anvendt af ISIL.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat som luftstøtte til styrker på landjorden. Her vil flyene patruljere over et bestemt område, hvorefter de vil kunne blive indsat af koalitionen, når der er behov for støtte. Luftstøtten vil variere afhængig af, hvad der er behov for. Det kan både dreje sig om overvågningsopgaver og bombninger af mål.
De danske fly har også gennemført Air Interdiction-missioner. Her gennemføres et specifikt angreb mod et på forhånd defineret mål, hvor flyene flyver direkte til målet, anvender bomber og flyver retur. Ved disse missioner har målene for bomberne været bygninger.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 476 missioner og anvendt 425 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.’
From Netherlands MoD:
[Dutch aircraft carried out over 10 new missions which ‘attacked buildings, firing positions and vehicles of ISIS-combatants’]
‘Nederlandse F-16’s vlogen vanuit het Midden-Oosten meer dan 10 missies boven Irak. Daarbij vielen zij gebouwen, vuurposities en voertuigen van ISIS-strijders aan.
Nederlandse instructeurs zetten in Erbil de infanteriecursus aan Peshmerga voort. Dat gold ook voor de commando-opleiding en de instructeurscursus in Bagdad.’
August 19th-20th 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (3,851-3,871)
Syria 8 strikes (2,390-2,397)
Confirmed actions: US, France, UK
18 civilians reported killed at Mosul, Iraq
3 civilians reported killed at Raqqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 19, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 21 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“Coalition airstrikes decimated Daesh fighters last night in the vicinity of the Bayji oil refinery,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, chief of staff, CJTF-OIR. “A combination of ISF ground maneuver and coalition air support continues to cut down Daesh’s attempts at reinforcing this heated fight.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL communications repeater and an ISIL staging area.
• Near Aleppo, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
• Near Ar Rutbah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL staging areas and an ISIL VBIED facility.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck two ISIL large tactical units and two ISIL buildings and destroyed 22 ISIL buildings and nine ISIL vehicles.
• Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL checkpoints.
• Near Mosul, five airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL tunnel entrance.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL armored personnel carrier.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Tuz, seven airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL rocket rails, an ISIL staging area, an ISIL vehicle storage area an ISIL VBIED [see below].’
Additional CJTF-OIR Release:
‘Coalition airstrike, conducted in coordination with the Government of Iraq, destroyed a Daesh vehicle-borne IED facility near Ar Rutbah, Iraq August 19, 2015.
This site was used to produce VBIEDs for ISIL’s terrorist activities in the region and posed a direct threat to both civilians and Iraqi Security Forces.
“Every VBIED taken off the battlefield is one less insidious weapon that can be used by Daesh against the ISF and innocent Iraqis,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff. “The location of this facility was strategic for Daesh in funneling VBIEDs into Anbar Province.”
Coalition forces will continue to target and destroy ISIL infrastructure in support of the ISF as they clear ISIL fighters from Iraqi cities and countryside.’
Coalition strike on ‘ISIL VBIED factory’, Ar Rutbah Iraq August 19 2015
From UK MoD:
”On Tuesday 18 August, a Reaper, again operating over western Iraq, used a Hellfire to strike an armed pick-up truck, with a second such vehicle destroyed the following day [August 19th] by another Reaper.
Wednesday 19 August also saw a Tornado GR4 patrol providing support to the Kurdish peshmerga in northern Iraq, where our aircraft used Paveways to destroy first a pair of rocket launchers, then an ISIL supply truck.’
From French MoD:
[France reports that one of its maritime patrol aircraft the Atlantique 2 has fired a missile for the first time]
‘Alors que dans quelques semaines, l’opération Chammal entrera dans sa deuxième année, les forces aériennes françaises engagées dans l’opération ont franchi une nouvelle étape. Un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique 2 a procédé à un tir de bombe guidée laser le 19 août 2015.’
Laser-guided missile being fitted to a French Atlantique 2 (Ministère de la Défense)
August 20th-21st 2015
Iraq 23 strikes (3,872-3,894)
Syria 10 strikes (2,398-2,407)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
1-3 civilians reported killed at Raqqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 20, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 23 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“This week the coalition conducted 15 airstrikes against Daesh terrorists in the vicinity of Mosul,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR, public affairs officer. “We eliminated a number of terrorists from the battle field, destroyed equipment and restricted their freedom of movement.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 20 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck two separate ISIS fighting positions, one west of Kirkuk and another west of Mosul, using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Thursday 20 August, a Tornado patrol located two mechanical excavator vehicles near Mosul, which the ISIL terrorists were using to construct fortified positions to defend against the Kurdish peshmerga’s recent successful offensives in the area. Both of the vehicles were destroyed by our aircraft using Brimstone missiles.
Further south, an RAF Reaper was providing support that day to Iraqi army units; a large truck-bomb was spotted, positioned on the central reservation of a major road to threaten any advance by the Iraqi security forces along that route. A Hellfire missile destroyed the vehicle.
The Reaper’s crew then conducted surveillance against a building suspected of being a bomb-making location, where armed terrorists were seen moving a large number of sacks of home-made explosives, and preparing improvised explosive devices. Successful Hellfire attacks were conducted against the facility and the bomb-makers.’
August 21st-22nd 2015
Iraq 22 strikes (3,895-3,916)
Syria 5 strikes (2,408-2,412)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
9 civilians reported killed at Mosul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 21, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using attack and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 22 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike destroyed four ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Al Hawl, three airstrikes struck an ISIL bunker and destroyed two ISIL excavators.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical units and terrain features denying ISIL a tactical advantage and destroyed five ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL boats, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Kisik, two airstrikes struck two ISIL staging areas.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, two ISIL rocket firing positions and an ISIL mortar firing position and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL mortar firing positions and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Tuz, three airstrikes destroyed 11 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and ISIL engineer equipment.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 21 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS staging area east of Tal Afar using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘Reapers continued to provide close air support to the Iraqi troops on Friday 21 August, and Hellfires were used to destroy two ISIL fighting positions, including one heavy machine-gun team that had opened fire on the Iraqi forces.
Separate UK announcement:
[As part of a non-Coalition action, an RAF Reaper drone also carried out the targeted killing of three alleged ISIL fighters at Raqaa in Syria – two of them British – as the Prime Minister later announced on September 7th 2015]
Extract: ‘Today I can inform the House that in an act of self-defence and after meticulous planning Reyaad Khan was killed in a precision air strike carried out on 21 August by an RAF remotely piloted aircraft while he was travelling in a vehicle in the area of Raqqah in Syria.
In addition to Reyaad Khan who was the target of the strike, 2 ISIL associates were also killed, 1 of whom – Ruhul Amin, has been identified as a UK national. They were ISIL fighters and I can confirm there were no civilian casualties.
Mr Speaker, we took this action because there was no alternative. In this area, there is no government we can work with. We have no military on the ground to detain those preparing plots. And there was nothing to suggest that Reyaad Khan would ever leave Syria or desist from his desire to murder us at home. So we had no way of preventing his planned attacks on our country without taking direct action.
The US administration has also confirmed that Junaid Hussain [also British] was killed in an American airstrike on 24 August in Raqqah.’
August 22nd-23rd 2015
Iraq 17 strikes (3,917-3,933)
Syria 9 strikes (2,413-2,421)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 22, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes using attack bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From UK MoD
‘The following day [August 22nd], a Tornado patrol near Ar Rutbah located another pair of engineering vehicles which were being used by the terrorists to construct defences, and these were both destroyed by direct hits from Brimstone missiles.’
August 23rd-24th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (3,934-3,945)
Syria 8 strikes (2,422-2,429)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 23, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, three strikes destroyed three ISIL excavators and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Al Hawl, two airstrikes struck an ISIL crude oil collection point and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL trench.
• Near Ayn Isa, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL motorcycles and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Washiyah, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL bunkers, two ISIL tunnels and an ISIL front end loader.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Qayyarah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL heavy machine guns.
• Near Tuz, three airstrikes destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL weapons cache.’
US guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill resupplies at sea – part of the large fleet working with the Coalition (US Navy/ Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josh Petrosino)
August 24th-25th 2015
Iraq 31 strikes (3,946-3,976)
Syria 5 strikes (2,430-2,434)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
1-7 civilian reported killed at Sinjar, Iraq
1 civilian reported killed at Mosul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 24, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 31 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
Iraq
From UK MoD:
‘On Monday 24 August, a Reaper helped a coalition fast jet to successfully target a well-concealed terrorist sniper who was firing on Iraqi security forces, and the next day saw another Reaper conduct three Hellfire attacks on terrorist positions.’
August 25th-26th 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (3,976-3,994)
Syria 2 strikes (2,435-2,436)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 25, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted two airstrikes using remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 18 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Ayn Isa, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and terrain features denying ISIL a tactical advantage.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL mortar resupply vehicle.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL mortar firing position and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece.
• Near Tuz, seven airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, multiple ISIL fighting positions and terrain features denying ISIL a tactical advantage and destroyed 12 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL weapons cache.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 25 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position south of Kirkuk [not listed by Coalition] using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Monday 24 August, a Reaper helped a coalition fast jet to successfully target a well-concealed terrorist sniper who was firing on Iraqi security forces, and the next day [August 25th 2015] saw another Reaper conduct three Hellfire attacks on terrorist positions.’
From Netherlands MoD:
Summary for week ending August 25th 2015
[Reports 10 or more new missions]
‘De Nederlandse F-16’s, actief in het Midden-Oosten in de strijd tegen ISIS, vlogen meer dan 10 missies. Daarbij werden wapens ingezet tegen gebouwen, voertuigen en vuurposities van ISIS. In Irak rondden 400 cursisten van de Infantry Battle Course de lessenreeks af. Ze horen bij verschillende Peshmerga-eenheden. Verder begon een train-the-trainercursus waarbij 20 Peshmerga-instructeurs les krijgen in het geven van basisinstructie. In Bagdad zijn commando-, sniper– en medische opleidingen in volle gang.’
From Danish MoD:
Summary for week ending August 25th 2015
[Reports 14 new missions dropped 23 bombs in ‘Nineveh, Salah Al Din, Kirkuk and Al Anbar provinces. The objectives of the bombs were hostile gun positions, hostile personnel, vehicles and buildings used by ISIL‘]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 18. august fløjet 14 missioner og anvendt 23 bomber.
Missionerne, som de danske fly har deltaget i, har været offensive, og de danske fly har i den forløbne periode deltaget i missioner i Ninawa, Salah Al Din, Kirkuk og Al Anbar provinserne. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige våbenstillinger, fjendtligt personel, køretøjer og bygninger anvendt af ISIL.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat som luftstøtte til styrker på landjorden. Her vil flyene patruljere over et bestemt område, hvorefter de vil kunne blive indsat af koalitionen, når der er behov for støtte. Luftstøtten vil variere afhængig af, hvad der er behov for. Det kan både dreje sig om overvågningsopgaver og bombninger af mål.
De danske fly har også gennemført Air Interdiction-missioner. Her gennemføres et specifikt angreb mod et på forhånd defineret mål, hvor flyene flyver direkte til målet, anvender bomber og flyver retur. Ved disse missioner har målene for bomberne været bygninger.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 490 missioner og anvendt 448 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.’
Additional note from Danish MoD
[Defence chief says he wants Denmark’s F-16s to finish their present role with Coalition by October 1st 2015]
‘Forsvarschef: F-16-bidraget skal have en pause
Forsvarschef, general Peter Bartram, mener, at det danske F-16-bidrag, som er indsat i kampen mod ISIL i Irak, skal have en pause og bør trækkes hjem.
Forsvarschefen er lige nu sammen med forsvarsminister Carl Holst på besøg hos det danske kampflysbidrag på Al-Jaber-base i Kuwait. Og under besøget løftede forsvarschefen sløret for sin militære anbefaling til regeringen angående F-16-bidraget.
– Jeg har i min militære anbefaling til regeringen sagt, at F-16-bidraget bør trækkes hjem, når mandatet udløber 1. oktober, siger forsvarschef, general Peter Bartram, og fortsætter:
– Vi har løst en stor og vigtig opgave, men jeg må også erkende, at støttestrukturen derhjemme er presset. Vi trænger til at få en pause, så vi kan blive klar igen. Der er også et behov for at tage højde for flyenes restlevetid, så de kan anvendes indtil de nye kampfly kan overtage.
Forsvarets støttestruktur er baseret på, at F-16-flyene er udsendt i en periode for derefter at komme hjemme igen og genopbygge.
– Det er klart, der er en masse faktorer, der spiller ind for, hvornår vi kan blive klar igen. Når Forsvarsministeren på et tidspunkt igen beder mig om en militær anbefaling, så vil vi i den konkrete situation analysere de mange variabler og fremlægge en anbefaling med beskrivelse af eventuelle konsekvenser. Og beder regeringen os om at genindsætte flyene, gør vi naturligvis det, siger forsvarschefen.’
Danish defence chief General Peter Bartram visiting his nation’s F-16s in Kuwait, as he announced the likely end of the mission by October 1st (Danish MoD)
August 26th-27th 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (3,995-4,015)
Syria 4 strikes (2,437-2,440)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 26, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using bomber and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 21 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hawl, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bunker complex, three ISIL bunkers and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, five airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, three ISIL small tactical units and denied ISIL an avenue of approach and destroyed 19 ISIL buildings, two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kisik, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL checkpoints and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings, two ISIL weapons caches and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL small tactical units and destroyed an ISIL light machine gun and three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Tuz, six airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, two ISIL small tactical units and three ISIL staging areas and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘The Reapers were particularly active on Wednesday 26 August supporting the Kurdish peshmerga, and conducted a total of five successful strikes on terrorist groups attempting to manoeuvre on foot and in vehicles in the open desert.’
Pentagon press briefing by Brig Gen Kevin Killea, Aug 26 2015
August 27th-28th 2015
Iraq 13 strikes (4,016-4,028)
Syria 7 strikes (2,441-2,447)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
12 civilians reported killed at Mosul, Iraq
6 civilians reported killed at Marwaj, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 27, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Aleppo, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL checkpoint.
• Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL ant-aircraft artillery piece.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Washiyah, three airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL IED.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL building.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL motorcycle.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Kisik, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL light machine guns.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL VBIED.’
Additional report from CJTF-OIR:
‘Peshmerga forces with the support of Coalition airstrikes, are conducting a successful offensive operation against Daesh terrorists near Tuz in Northern Iraq. Since Aug. 26, the Peshmerga have destroyed Daesh defensive positions and re-established control of more than 200 square kilometers, liberating seven villages, and straightening and shortening the Kurdish forward line of troops.
“The Peshmerga troops are conducting a significant operation east of Tuz in northern Iraq,” Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea chief of staff, CJTF-OIR. “In a short period of time the Peshmerga have physically cleared and secured a large amount of terrain, supported by Coalition air strikes.”
Coalition forces carried out 13 deliberate and 12 dynamic strikes over a three-day period in support of the Peshmerga operation. CJTF-OIR will continue to target and destroy ISIL fighting positions, infrastructure and equipment in support of the Peshmerga as they clear ISIL fighters from Iraqi villages and countryside.
Video footage of airstrikes in support of this operation, which is part of a broader effort by the Coalition to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria, is available at https://youtu.be/cSNPupGz_T8‘
From UK MoD:
‘On Thursday 27 August, an RAF Reaper flew an armed reconnaissance mission over northern Iraq, where offensives by the Kurdish peshmerga have forced the ISIL terrorists onto the defensive. The Reaper spotted a pick-up truck and a Hellfire missile scored a direct hit and a very large secondary blast confirmed that it had been loaded with explosives for use as a suicide truck-bomb.’
August 28th-29th 2015
Iraq 15 strikes (4,029-4,043)
Syria 7 strikes (2,448-2,454)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 28, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 15 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL bunkers, an ISIL air defense artillery system, an ISIL mortar position and an ISIL rocket launcher.
• Near Al Hawl, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Washiyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike [Canadian] destroyed two ISIL boats and two ISIL IED caches.
• Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL mortar tube.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL resupply vehicle.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL heavy machine guns.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position and destroyed two ISIL light machine guns, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position.
• Near Tuz, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 28 August 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS ammunition cache and ISIS boats used for transporting ammunition in the vicinity of Al-Baghdadi using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘The following day [August 29th 2015], again in northern Iraq, another RAF Reaper observed ISIL extremists forcing civilian occupants to flee from a village. Our aircraft observed groups of armed terrorists making their way to a building in the middle of the village; a Hellfire missile destroyed the building.’
From French MoD:
Fornightly update to August 28th 2015
[Confirming it had moved to a fortnightly reporting system, France noted that since August 14th it had carried out ’16 strikes to neutralize 23 goals including several weapons caches and buildings that the terrorist group used as logistic depots, command and control or improvised explosive devices factories.’]
‘Alors que l’opération Chammal entre dans son douzième mois, 32 sorties ont été réalisées par les avions de la force Chammal ces deux dernières semaines. Cinq missions ISR de renseignement dans la profondeur ont permis la réalisation de 23 missions de reconnaissance armée et 4 missions de frappes planifiées.
Ces missions ont abouti, avec 16 frappes, à la neutralisation de 23 objectifs dont plusieurs caches d’armes et bâtiments que le groupe terroriste utilisait comme dépôts logistiques, de commandement et contrôle ou fabriques d’engins explosifs improvisés. Approchant les 1100 missions, les avions français ont réalisé leur deux-centième frappe, tandis que l’Atlantique2 opérait une nouvelle capacité de mission en procédant à un tir dans le cadre d’une mission planifiée.
En Irak, dans le secteur de Bagdad, le détachement conseil et assistance continue sa formation au profit des officiers de l’état-major de la 6th Infantry Division et a participé à la mise en place et au suivi de stages de secourisme au combat et de lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés. Le Détachement d’instruction opérationnel (DIO) 13 poursuit le stage de 8 semaines en techniques commando auprès des militaires de l’ICTS, l’Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service commencé fin juillet 2015.’
French Mirage-2000 aircrew receiving sidearm training in Jordan (Ministère de la Défense)
August 29th-30th 2015
Iraq 13 strikes (4,044-4,056)
Syria 7 strikes (2,455-2,461)
Confirmed actions: US
Possible civilian casualties at Ar Raqqah, Syria
2 civilian casualties reported at Al Bab, Syria
1 civilian casualty reported at Manbij, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 29, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hawl, one airstrike struck three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL facility.
• Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and three ISIL excavators and destroyed five ISIL motorcycles, three ISIL structures, two ISIL guard shacks, two ISIL excavators and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Washiyah, one airstrike had inconclusive results.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position and destroyed seven ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Ramadi, five airstrikes struck three ISIL staging areas and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Tuz, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL vehicles, two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL mortar position.’
August 30th-31st 2015
Iraq 11 strikes (4,057-4,067)
Syria 1 strikes (2,462)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
0-4 civilian casualties reported at Irbil, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 30, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted one airstrike using fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hawl, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives cache and an ISIL resupply boat.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL barge.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL IEDs and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position.
• Near Tuz, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 30 August, a GR4 patrol identified an excavator being used by ISIL to prepare a defensive position east of Mosul; the vehicle was destroyed with a Paveway IV guided bomb.’
August 31st-September 1st 2015
Iraq 13 strikes (4,068-4,080)
Syria 6 strikes (2,462-2,468)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Aug. 31, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, fighter, fighter-attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hawl, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed eight ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL training camp and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mar’a, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL road grader and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL front end loader.
• Near Washiyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL VBIEDs.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL mortar tube.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL staging areas
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 1 September 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position in the vicinity of Sinjar using precision guided munitions.’
From Dutch MoD
Update for week ending September 1st 2015
[Citing a standard formula, Netherlands reports ‘more than 10 missions’ over the past week]
‘De Nederlandse F-16’s in het Midden-Oosten vlogen meer dan 10 missies. Daarbij werden wapens ingezet tegen gebouwen, vuurposities en verzamelplaatsen van terreurorganisatie ISIS.
In Erbil begon weer een nieuwe lichting aan de infanteriecursus. De train-the-trainercursus aan Peshmerga is in volle gang, evenals de verschillende opleidingen aan commando’s in Bagdad.’
From Danish MoD
Update for week ending September 1st 2015
[Reports eight new missions with 16 bombs released. Missions took place in Nineveh, Salah Al Din, Kirkuk, Irbil and Anbar provinces]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 25. august fløjet 8 missioner og anvendt 16 bomber.
Missionerne, som de danske fly har deltaget i, har været offensive, og de danske fly har i den forløbne periode deltaget i missioner i Ninawa, Salah Al Din, Kirkuk, Arbil og Al Anbar provinserne. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige våbenstillinger, fjendtligt personel, køretøjer og bygninger anvendt af ISIL.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat som luftstøtte til styrker på landjorden. Her vil flyene patruljere over et bestemt område, hvorefter de vil kunne blive indsat af koalitionen, når der er behov for støtte. Luftstøtten vil variere afhængig af, hvad der er behov for. Det kan både dreje sig om overvågningsopgaver og bombninger af mål.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 498 missioner og anvendt 464 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.’
From Australian MoD:
Monthly update for August 2015 [provisional figures]
Aircraft |
Sorties |
Hours |
Munitions/Fuel (lbs) |
| E7 | 10 | 130 | N/A |
| KC-30 | 37 | 280 | 2,368,105 |
| F/A 18A | 74 | 544 | 39* |
From AFCENT
Monthly summary for August 2015
