Monthly summary: Below are all known daily coalition military reports relating to the air war against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for December 2014. We have also included relevant video and photo releases, as well as indicating where possible civilian or ‘friendly fire’ casualties may have occurred.
More than 460 airstrikes targeted Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria, with 1,867 bombs and missiles dropped. The cities and towns of Syria and Iraq continued to be a focus for airstrikes, leading to rising concerns over civilian deaths.
More than 50 civilians died in a single incident in Syria on December 28th – deaths which the coalition denies having caused. Many other incidents of concern were also reported, involving as many as 28 additional civilian fatalities and up to 19 ‘friendly fire’ deaths.
[Airwars note: Between October 21st and December 17th 2014, the coalition shifted from daily reporting to issuing reports every two days – and three days at weekends. Daily reporting then resumed under CJTF-OIR.]
DECEMBER 1st-3rd 2014
Iraq 11 strikes (625-635)
Syria 14 strikes (496-509)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
2 civilians reported killed Dec 2nd at Maya’la, Syria
From CENTCOM:
‘December 3rd 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec 1-3 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct 14 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 11 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 1-3 using fighter, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, 14 airstrikes near Kobani destroyed an ISIL vehicle, 17 ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL staging area. Also, those airstrikes suppressed eight other fighting positions and struck a large ISIL unit.
In Iraq, four airstrikes near Mosul destroyed five ISIL bunkers, two ISIL-occupied buildings, an ISIL vehicle, a ISIL fighting position and two heavy weapons. In addition, those airstrikes also struck a large ISIL unit and a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed four ISIL vehicles.
Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an excavator and struck a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Sinjar an airstrike destroyed four ISIL-occupied buildings and two ISIL tractor trailers.
Near Hit, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
Near al Qaim, an airstrike destroyed four ISIL vehicles.
Near Fallujah an airstrike destroyed 12 ISIL vehicles, two ISIL weapon facilities and struck a tactical ISIL unit. [British]’
From UK MoD:
‘Royal Air Force aircraft struck a large concentration of ISIL vehicles last night [December 2nd-3rd] as the UK continued its work as part of an international coalition in the fight against terrorism. Two RAF Tornado GR4s were tasked to investigate reported ISIL activity near Fallujah. A group of ISIL vehicles, including armed pick-up trucks and lorries, was identified and, having confirmed that there were no civilians or friendly forces in close proximity, the jets dropped a cluster of Paveway IV precision guided bombs on the vehicle group.
A single truck appeared to survive the initial strike, but was accounted for by a Brimstone missile.
A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft also saw action over Iraq, attacking an ISIL vehicle with a Hellfire missile.’
[Airwars note: From December 5th media reporting switched from CENTCOM to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve or CJTF-OIR]
DECEMBER 3rd-5th 2014
Iraq 14 strikes (636-649)
Syria 6 strikes (510-515)
Confirmed actions: US, France, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 5th 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec 3-5 using attack and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 14 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 3-5 using fighter, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, five airstrikes near Kobani destroyed six ISIL fighting positions and a heavy weapon.
Near Dayr Az Zawr, an airstrike destroyed three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL excavator and struck a ISIL training camp.
In Iraq, four airstrikes near al-Qaim destroyed four ISIL checkpoints, four ISIL armored vehicles, four ISIL bunkers, five ISIL fortifications and struck a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL-occupied building, two vehicle IEDs and struck three tactical ISIL units.
Near Samarra, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and struck two tactical ISIL units.
Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL bunkers and an ISIL fortification.
Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed 11 ISIL bunkers, nine heavy weapons, an ISIL vehicle and struck two ISIL units.
Near Fallujah an airstrike struck a tactical ISIL unit [British]
From French MoD:
[Paris describes participation in a major air raid: ‘Two Rafales joined an Allied air operation comprising 15 aircraft from seven countries. It aimed to neutralize 20 goals consist of Daesh support points; shooting positions; bunkers; and command posts – all about 20 kilometers north-east of Mosul.]
‘Le 5 décembre 2014, la force Chammal a de nouveau participé à un raid aérien planifié de la coalition, dans le Nord-Est de l’Irak, visant à détruire des positions de combat de l’organisation terroriste autoproclamée Daech.
Tôt ce matin (7h00, heure de Paris), une patrouille de deux Rafale équipés de missiles AASM s’est jointe à une opération aérienne interalliée regroupant une quinzaine d’avions de sept pays de la coalition.
Elle visait à neutraliser une vingtaine d’objectifs constitués de points d’appui, de postes de tir, de bunkers et de postes de commandement utilisés par Daech à environ 20 kilomètres au Nord-Est de Mossoul. Au cours d’un vol de près de six heures, les Rafale français ont attaqué les trois objectifs qui leur étaient assignés appuyant ainsi directement les unités irakiennes engagées au combat au sol contre Daech.’
Image of a French Rafale issued December 5th 2014 (Ministère de la Défense )
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 5 December, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces ground operations conducted in an area north-east of Mosul, two Canadian Armed Forces CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIL fighting positions consisting of two bunkers and two heavy machine gun emplacements by using precision-guided ammunition.’
From UK MoD:
‘RAF aircraft struck a large concentration of ISIL vehicles last night [December 4th-5th] as the UK continued its work as part of an international coalition in the fight against terrorism. Two RAF Tornado GR4s were tasked to investigate reported ISIL activity near Fallujah. A group of ISIL vehicles, including armed pick-up trucks and lorries, was identified and, having confirmed that there were no civilians or friendly forces in close proximity, the jets dropped a cluster of Paveway IV precision guided bombs on the vehicle group.
A single truck appeared to survive the initial strike, but was accounted for by a Brimstone missile.
A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft also saw action over Iraq [presumably Mosul given France says 7 nations participated in strikes there], attacking an ISIL vehicle with a Hellfire missile. Combined with the targeted military action in northern Iraq, a British Army training team continues to provide infantry training to Kurdish peshmerga.’
DECEMBER 5th-8th 2014
Iraq 31 strikes (650-680)
Syria 15 strikes (516-530)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 8th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 5-8 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct 15 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 31 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 5-8 using fighter, bomber, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, 14 airstrikes near Kobani destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL-occupied buildings, two ISIL staging areas, two ISIL tanks, a motorcycle, a mortar and struck eight tactical ISIL units and two ISIL fighting positions.
Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike struck an electronic warfare garrison.
[Airwars note: Reuters, citing a US official, says 2 strikes at Ar Raqqah were by Arab allies, although CJTF-OIR makes no mention of any such action in its summary report.]
In Iraq, six airstrikes near Kirkuk destroyed two excavators, a bulldozer, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL ammunition dump and struck another excavator and an overpass servicing the ammunition dump.
These airstrikes also suppressed an ISIL fighting position and struck a tactical ISIL unit near Kirkuk.
Near al-Biaj, four airstrikes destroyed four armored vehicles, an ISIL checkpoint and two ISIL storage containers.
Near Sinjar, four airstrikes [including by British] destroyed six ISIL-occupied buildings, seven ISIL storage containers, two ISIL fighting positions, an excavator and struck an ISIL bunker.
Near Mosul, four airstrikes destroyed an excavator, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL heavy weapon and struck two ISIL tactical units.
Also in Iraq, three airstrikes near al-Qaim destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles and struck an ISIL observation point.
Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL armored vehicles, a bulldozer and an excavator.
Near Ramadi, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL-occupied building, a front-loader and struck two ISIL units.
Near Bayji, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL-occupied building [British] and struck two tactical ISIL units.
Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tank [British]. Near Hit, an airstrike was conducted, but there was no damage.’
From UK MoD:
‘December 8th 2014 – Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado GR4s have struck further ISIL targets over the weekend while flying in support of Iraqi ground forces.On Friday [December 5th], an armed reconnaissance patrol of GR4s investigated a reportedISIL position near Rawa in western Iraq. An observation tower and nearby equipment were located and attacked with Paveway IV guided bombs.
In the early hours of Saturday morning [December 6th], a further GR4 patrol in the same area also successfully attacked an ISIL armoured personnel carrier using a Brimstone missile.
On Sunday [December 7th], 2 Tornados were on reconnaissance when Iraqi troops reported coming under fire from terrorists in the vicinity of Bayji. The RAF aircraft responded rapidly, and when they arrived on the scene were able to spot the ISIL position. Since the target was in a built-up area, a very careful assessment was made in cooperation with another coalition surveillance aircraft, and the aircrew used the small and extremely precise Brimstone missile to carry out a successful attack which struck the enemy position.
Early this morning [December 8th], a fourth Tornado patrol operating in north-western Iraq, around Mount Sinjar, located 2 ISIL armoured personnel carriers and hit them with Brimstone missiles.’
From Netherlands MoD:
[Reports 22 new missions which dropped 10 bombs, against targets which included ‘fuel trucks, bunkers and fortified positions.’ More than 100 munitions in total now released.]
‘Nederlandse F16’s vlogen 22 missies in Irak, waarbij ze 10 bommen gooiden. Daarmee schakelden ze onder meer brandstoftrucks, bunkers en versterkte posities van terreurorganisatie ISIS uit. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties van 1 tot en met 7 december 2014.
De Air Task Force Middle East is nu meer dan 7 weken actief in het missiegebied. De F16’s maakten meer dan 1.000 vlieguren en wierpen ongeveer 100 bommen af.’
From French MoD for 6 Dec:
[Reports that on December 6, two Mirage 2000D aircraft took off from Jordan in their first armed reconnaissance mission over Iraq.]
‘ Premier vol opérationnel des Mirage 2000D sur le théâtre irakien
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Mise à jour : 06/12/2014 20:07
Ce matin, le 6 décembre, deux avions Mirage 2000D ont décollé de Jordanie pour leur première mission de reconnaissance armée au-dessus de l’Irak.
Premier vol opérationnel des Mirage 2000D sur le théâtre irakien
Neuf semaines après le début de l’opération Chammal, les armées françaises ont déployé un détachement de chasse en Jordanie avec le soutien des autorités du pays. Ce dispositif permet d’adapter l’engagement français dans la lutte contre Daech en réduisant les délais de transit des avions de chasse jusqu’à la zone d’opérations. Le détachement est actuellement articulé autour de trois Mirage 2000D, arrivés en Jordanie le 28 novembre. Trois autres appareils complèteront ce détachement dans les jours à venir.
Parallèlement, les Rafale déployés dans le golfe arabo-persique (GAP) vont poursuivre leurs missions en les orientant principalement sur le renseignement dans la profondeur. Ils pourront cependant renforcer à tout moment la capacité de frappe de la France.
Les militaires de la force Chammal poursuivent quotidiennement leurs missions de reconnaissance armée et de renseignement, afin d’appuyer l’action des forces armées irakiennes au sol.
Lancée le 19 septembre 2014 sous contrôle du contre-amiral Beaussant, commandant la zone océan Indien (Alindien), l’opération interarmées Chammal vise, à la demande du gouvernement irakien et en coordination avec les alliés de la France présents dans la région, à assurer un soutien aérien aux forces armées irakiennes dans leur lutte contre le groupe terroriste autoproclamé Daech.’
DECEMBER 8th-10th 2014
Iraq 13 strikes (681-693)
Syria 7 strikes (531-537)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
8 to 9 civilians reported killed Dec 9th at Fallujah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 10th 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec 8-10 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 8-10 using fighter, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, seven airstrikes near Kobani destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and struck three other ISIL fighting positions and a large ISIL unit.
In Iraq, four airstrikes near Sinjar destroyed four ISIL-occupied buildings, three ISIL storage containers and two ISIL fighting positions and also struck an ISIL guard tower [British].
Near al-Qaim, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL storage container and an ISIL armored vehicle, and also struck two ISIL bunkers [Canadian], two ISIL armored vehicles and two ISIL armored personnel carriers.
Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and a heavy weapon, and also struck a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL-occupied buildings, an ISIL bunker and struck a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Samarra, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and struck a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck a tactical ISIL unit.’
From UK MoD:
‘December 9th 2014 – Military support to the Iraqi government in their fight against ISIL continues, with Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft conducting further strikes overnight [December 8th/9th].
In the north-west of the country, a patrol of RAF Tornado GR4s was tasked by coalition air controllers to investigate an ISIL site near Mount Sinjar.
The aircraft identified an observation tower and guard room in use by the terrorists at a checkpoint controlling a road junction. These were being used to deny the local population any freedom of movement and both were attacked with Brimstone missiles.
Elsewhere in Iraq, a RAF Reaper providing surveillance for Iraqi ground forces observed a hostile armoured personnel carrier and successfully attacked it with a Hellfire missile.’
Additional UK MoD release:
‘Early on Wednesday [December 10th] RAF Tornado GR4s attacked an ISIL storage compound near Rawah in Anbar province with a Paveway IV precision guided bomb.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On December 10, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) ground operations conducted in an area east of Al Qa’im, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL fighting position consisting of a bunker by using precision guided munitions.’
DECEMBER 10th-12th 2014
Iraq 20 strikes (694-713)
Syria 7 strikes (538-544)
Confirmed actions: US
1 civilian reported killed Dec 11th at Al Maskaneh, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 12th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec 10-12 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 20 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 10-12 using fighter, bomber, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, five airstrikes near Kobani destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and also struck another ISIL fighting position.
Near Aleppo, an airstrike struck five ISIL-occupied buildings.
Near al-Qaim, on the Syrian border, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL fortifications.
In Iraq, four airstrikes near Sinjar destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and two ISIL storage containers and also struck another ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL checkpoint.
Near Ramadi, four airstrikes destroyed an excavator and five ISIL vehicles and also struck an ISIL-occupied building and three ISIL units.
Near Ar Rutbah, three airstrikes destroyed two bulldozers and an ISIL storage container.
Near Mosul, three airstrikes destroyed a bunker and a bulldozer and also struck an excavator.
Near al-Qaim, three airstrikes destroyed four ISIL vehicles, two ISIL-occupied buildings, an ISIL storage container, and an ISIL guard tower and also struck an ISIL bunker.
Near Samarra, an airstrike struck a large ISIL unit. Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL guard shack [British].
Near Al Asad an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.’
From Danish MoD
[Reports 19 new missions dropping 14 bombs since November 26th, mostly in Close Air Support roles.]
På de missioner, hvor flyene 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.
Derudover har de danske fly også gennemført Air Interdiction missioner. Her planlægges et specifikt angreb mod et på forhånd defineret mål udførligt og detaljeret hjemmefra, og flyene flyver direkte frem til målet, kaster bomber og flyver retur. Ved denne type missioner har de danske fly primært bombet bygninger.
I løbet af de seneste 19 missioner har de danske fly kastet 14 bomber mod fjendtlige styrker, køretøjer og bygninger.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 93 missioner og anvendt 74 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige at de styres mod deres mål af enten laser eller GPS.’
DECEMBER 12th-15th 2014
Iraq 9 strikes (714-722)
Syria 9 strikes (545-553)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, France
2 civilians reported killed Dec 12th at Khashish, Syria
1 possible child death Dec 13th at Ramadi, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 15th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec 13-15 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct nine airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 13-15 using fighter, bomber, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, eight airstrikes near Kobani destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings, two ISIL staging positions and also struck another ISIL fighting position.
Near abu-Kamal, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
In Iraq, three airstrikes near Mosul destroyed an ISIL fighting position and struck three tactical ISIL units and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun position [includes France Dec 12th].
Near Sinjar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL compound and struck a second ISIL compound.
Near Hit, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle, a trailer and an excavator.
Near al-Qaim, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck two ISIL vehicles [British].
Near Samarra, an airstrike stuck a tactical ISIL unit.
Near Kirkuk, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and bunker and struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From UK MoD:
‘December 12th 2014 – A RAF Reaper conducted armed reconnaissance in northern Iraq, where ISIL are facing increasing pressure from the Kurdish peshmerga.The Reaper’s mission focused on engineering equipment being used by the terrorists to construct defensive positions to hold up peshmerga advances.The remotely piloted aircraft was able to locate 2 of these engineer vehicles, and attacked them with Hellfire missiles.
Further south, another Reaper identified an ISIL armed pick-up truck and engaged it with a Hellfire missile.
RAF Tornado GR4s were also providing surveillance for the Iraqi army in Anbar province, and were able to assist Iraqi soldiers engaged in a firefight with terrorists near Ramadi. Paveway precision guided bombs and Brimstone missiles were used to deal with ISIL fighting positions and 3 vehicles, including 2 armoured personnel carriers.’
From French MoD:
‘Le 12 décembre, les aéronefs ont porté trois frappes au Nord de l’Irak, dans la région Ouest et Nord-Est de Mossoul, permettant la destruction de caches de munitions ainsi que de groupes de combattants de Daech. ‘
From Netherlands MoD
[Reports 12 new missions which dropped 7 bombs on Daesh ‘buildings, vehicles and combat formations.’]
‘Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties van 8 tot en met 14 december.
Irak
Nederlandse F-16’s van De Air Taks Force Middle East vlogen 12 missies boven Irak. Ze gooiden 7 bommen op gebouwen, voertuigen en gevechtsopstellingen van terreurorganisatie ISIS.’
A Mirage 2000D in Jordan, part of the French anti-ISIL campaign (Ministère de la Défense)
DECEMBER 15th-17th 2014
Iraq 61 strikes ( 723-783)
Syria 6 strikes (554-559)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada, France and 3 other nations
4 civilians possibly injured Dec 16th at Mosul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 17th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 15-17 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 61 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 15-17 using fighter, bomber, attack, and remotely-piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, five airstrikes near Kobani destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL staging area, an ISIL bunker, and an ISIL mortar and struck two ISIL tactical units, two additional buildings and two ISIL fighting positions.
Near Abu Kamal, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle.
In Iraq, eight airstrikes near Mosul [including by French] destroyed two ISIL heavy machine guns, three ISIL buildings, one ISIL mortar position, one ISIL bulldozer and an ISIL bunker and also struck a large ISIL unit and an ISIL tactical unit.
Near Tal-Afar, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building and three ISIL bridges and also struck an ISIL tactical unit [British strike reported between Mosul and Tal Afar].
Near Sinjar, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL vehicles, two ISIL guard towers, three ISIL containers and one ISIL storage container [one strike French].
Near Hit, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle and an excavator.
Near Rawa, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL building and a storage container [British].Near Irbil, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and struck an ISIL tactical unit. Near Ramadi, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL building.
An additional 45 strikes were conducted in support of the Peshmerga (KSF) and Iraqi security forces operating in the region [France defines this as Mount Sinjar while the UK refers to an area between Mosul and Tal Afar]. Precision airstrikes from 15 coalition aircraft destroyed approximately 50 targets, to include bulldozers, vehicles, checkpoints, enemy fighting positions, enemy fighters, and equipment [operation includes France, UK, Canada].’
From UK MoD:
‘The early hours of Wednesday morning [December 17th 2014] saw UK Tornados join other coalition aircraft as the peshmerga mounted a further offensive. They conducted a carefully coordinated attack, again using Paveway IV bombs, on a line of trenches, bunkers and gun emplacements constructed by ISIL between Mosul and Tal Afar in an attempt to hold up the Kurdish advance.
The same Tornado patrol then flew 150 miles south to provide support for an additional offensive against ISIL in Anbar province. They were tasked to destroy a checkpoint near Rawah, used by the terrorists to deny local people any freedom of movement along a major road.An attack was conducted with a Brimstone missile on a guard room and equipment store used by those manning the checkpoint.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 17 December, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces ground operations conducted in an area north-west of Mosul, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck two ISIL fighting positions with precision-guided munitions.’
From French MoD:
[France reports raids on three consecutive days, including a major operation involving 17 aircraft from seven coalition nations in Iraq, in the Mount Sinjar region.]
‘Le 15 décembre, une patrouille a été sollicitée afin de détruire une cible d’opportunité sur les contreforts du Mont Sinjar dans le Nord-Ouest de l’Irak, où les combattants irakiens, kurdes et yézidis s’unissent pour défendre la zone convoitée par les terroristes du groupe Daech.
Enfin, le 16 décembre, une patrouille a de nouveau été sollicitée par le CAOC afin de détruire un objectif dans la région de Mossoul.
Le 17 décembre, deux chasseurs ont participé à un raid de la coalition dans la région du Mont Sinjar. Ce raid aérien, planifié, regroupait 17 avions de la coalition et visait la destruction d’une ligne de défense de Daech avec la neutralisation de près d’une soixantaine d’objectifs. Au cours de ce vol d’environ 3h20, les deux chasseurs ont porté leurs frappes sur les objectifs qui leur étaient assignés.’
DECEMBER 17th/18th 2014
Iraq 5 strikes (784-788)
Syria 6 strikes (560-565)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 18th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 18 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted five airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 18 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft [and RPAS] against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani – six airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL building and also struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
* Near Tal Afar– [French?] two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul- two airstrikes struck two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL Tactical unit [1 British?].
* Near Ramadi- an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Thursday [Dec 18th], remotely piloted Reapers flew armed reconnaissance missions over Iraq in support of both the Iraqi Army and the Kurdish peshmerga. One Reaper patrol was tasked to locate a group of ISIL terrorists who had fired on advancing Iraqi troops. The Reaper spotted the terrorists planting a number of improvised explosive devices and successfully attacked with a Hellfire missile.’
From French MoD:
[30 Islamic State fighters are killed in a French night airstrike in the Mount Sinjar, Iraq region.]
‘Le 18 décembre, au cours d’une mission de reconnaissance armée au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes, deux avions de chasse français sont intervenus dans la région du Mont Sinjar. Une trentaine de combattants de Daech prenait à partie des Peshmergas, combattants kurdes. « Equipés de jumelles à vision nocturne, nous avons constaté des tirs de balles traçantes ainsi qu’un groupe posant des engins explosifs improvisés, explique le pilote. En coordination avec les alliés présents dans la zone, la patrouille a neutralisé ces combattants de Daech grâce à deux frappes.’
DECEMBER 18th/19th 2014
Iraq 11 strikes (789-799)
Syria 4 strikes (566-569
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 19th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 19 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted eleven airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 19 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft [and RPAS according to the UK] against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL staging area and struck two ISIL tactical units.
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike damaged an ISIL training compound.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building and mortar and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle and damaged an ISIL bridge.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL tactical vehicles.
* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit [but see UK below]
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike [Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit’
From UK MoD:
‘December 19th 2014 – The peshmerga offensive has been assisted by considerable coalition air support, including from the RAF. A Reaper played its part last night by providing surveillance for an advancing Kurdish unit. The Reaper conducted three strikes this morning [December 19th] with Hellfire missiles on ISIL fighting positions.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On December 19, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIL elements including vehicles and a fortified rocket emplacement with precision guided munitions in the vicinity of Tal Afar which is located between Sinjar and Mosul. The airstrikes were part of a larger coalition mission in the Sinjar region to support Iraqi security forces’ efforts to reach internally displaced civilians stranded in the Sinjar Mountains.’
Coalition strike on VB-IED near Sinjar, Iraq Dec 18th 2014.
DECEMBER 19th/20th 2014
Iraq 8 strikes (800-807)
Syria 5 strikes (570-574)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK, France
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 20th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 20 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct five airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted eight airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 20 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
Near Kobani, five airstrikes destroyed eight ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL mortar, six ISIL technical vehicles and struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL checkpoint.
Near Ar Rutbah, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL checkpoint and four ISIL tactical vehicles [British] and damaged an ISIL storage container.
Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed seven ISIL machine guns and two ISIL bunkers [possibly Canadian? See below].
Near Bayji, an airstrike [French] destroyed three ISIL buildings and struck a large ISIL unit.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On December 20, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces ground operations in an area northwest of Mosul, two CF-188 Hornets used precision guided munitions to damage an ISIL Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED). The VBIED was positioned on a roadside, posing a direct threat to the safety and security of Iraqi security forces operating in the region.’
[Airwars note: This strike most closely appears to match a Dec 21st reported event as described by CJTF-OIR]
From UK MoD*:
‘In Anbar province, where the Iraqi army is conducting a number of offensive operations, RAF Tornados GR4s on an armed reconnaissance mission were tasked to investigate a group of vehicles near Ar Rutbah in the early hours of Saturday morning [December 20th]. Four ISIL armoured personnel carriers were identified and successfully attacked with Brimstone missiles.’
[* Airwars note: This event was later removed by the MoD from its tally of strikes.]
From French MoD:
‘Deux jours plus tard [December 20th 2014], à la demande des forces de sécurité irakiennes prises à partie au sol par des combattants de Daech, deux avions de combat sont à nouveau intervenus dans la région de Baïji, dans le Nord de l’Irak. Les équipages ont tout de suite identifié les combattants de Daech faisant feu sur les forces de sécurité irakiennes.
La patrouille a poursuivi sa surveillance et informé la chaîne de commandement en temps réel. Après accord du CAOC (Coordination Air Operation Center), un des deux appareils a fait feu sur un poste de combat terroriste afin de neutraliser la menace.’
DECEMBER 20th/21st 2014
Iraq 13 strikes (808-820)
Syria 3 strikes (575-577)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 21st 2014 – US and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 21 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted thirteen airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 21 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL staging position and two ISIL fighting positions and struck two ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Sinjar, four airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL mortar position and three ISIL tactical vehicles and struck a large ISIL unit and two ISIL tactical units.
* Near Bayji, two airstrikes destroyed three ISIL buildings and struck a large and a tactical ISIL unit.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL VBIED.
* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed three ISIL vehicles and struck a large ISIL unit and a tactical ISIL unit.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed three ISIL bunkers and struck three ISIL bunkers.
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL building.
* Near al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical vehicle.’
From Netherlands MoD:
[Reports that between 10-20 new missions dropped munitions, including in the Mount Sinjar area.]
‘De Nederlandse F-16’s die meedoen aan de strijd tegen ISIS vlogen tussen de 10 en 20 missies boven Irak. Ze zetten daarbij geregeld wapens in tegen doelen van de terroristische organisatie. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties in de week van 15 tot en met 21 december.
Nederland stelt 8 F-16’s beschikbaar voor aanvallen op ISIS op Iraaks grondgebied. Daarmee draagt de Koninklijke Luchtmacht bij aan de internationale strijd tegen ISIS. Nederlandse jachtvliegtuigen zijn de afgelopen dagen voortdurend ingezet voor de strijd tegen de terreurorganisatie om de bevolking op Mount Sinjar een vrije doorgang te geven. Koerdische Peshmerga brachten strijders van ISIS met steun van de coalitie hier de afgelopen dagen een nederlaag toe.
De 250 Nederlandse militairen kregen bezoek van Commandant Luchtstrijdkrachten luitenant-generaal Sander Schnitger. “Vanuit het Midden-Oosten, 24 uur per dag, 7 dagen per week, zorgt u ervoor dat de opmars van ISIS een halt wordt toegeroepen. Die opmars vormt een directe bedreiging voor de regio en veroorzaakt instabiliteit aan de grenzen van Europa”, zei hij aan het begin van zijn kerstbezoek.
Vanuit Nederland vertrokken de eerste militairen naar Irak om de komst van de trainers voor te bereiden. Dat gebeurde op locaties in Erbil en Bagdad.’
Air Force Commander Lt Gen Sander Schnitger addresses Dutch F-16 crews, Dec 18 2014 (Dutch MoD)
DECEMBER 21st/22nd 2014
Iraq 10 strikes (821-830)
Syria 12 strikes (578-589)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
3 civilians reported killed at Al Bab, Syria
Woman and child possibly injured Dec 21st at Fallujah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 22nd 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 22 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct twelve airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted ten airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 22 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. These engagements were in support of the 7th Iraqi Army, local police and tribal fighters engaged in fighting with ISIL forces in the vicinity of Dulab. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes destroyed six ISIL fighting positions and struck four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Aleppo, three airstrikes destroyed artillery equipment and struck ten ISIL buildings.
* Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle, two ISIL trucks, an ISIL building, and two ISIL storage containers.
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL checkpoint complex.
Iraq
* Near Sinjar, three airstrikes destroyed three ISIL tactical vehicles, three ISIL trucks, five ISIL buildings and struck two large ISIL units and an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Asad, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle and struck two ISIL tactical units.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL checkpoint.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL buildings and struck a weapons factory complex [Canada].’
From Canadian MoD*:
‘On 21 December [Dec 22nd, according to the US], two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL weapons facility in Fallujah with precision-guided munitions. These buildings function as production and storage facilities for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices – weapons commonly used by ISIL against Iraqi security forces.’
[Airwars note: Canada has since deleted reference to this event in its public records.]
Coalition strike on ‘ISIL buildings’ nr Aleppo, Syria Dec 21st 2014.
DECEMBER 22nd/23rd 2014
Iraq 3 strikes (831-833)
Syria 7 strikes (590-596)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 23rd 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 23 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted three airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 23 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL building and struck several ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Barghooth, an airstrike struck ISIL oil collection equipment.
Iraq
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes [1 British] destroyed an ISIL vehicle and struck a mortar and an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.’
From UK MoD:
‘On 23 December, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s, operating out of RAF Akrotiri, conducted an armed reconnaissance mission near Al Qaim, close to the border between Syria and Iraq. 4 ISIL armed pick-up trucks were identified, widely dispersed, near a quarry. They were successfully engaged using a combination of Brimstone missiles and Paveway IV guided bombs.’
DECEMBER 23rd/24th 2014
Iraq 7 strikes (834-840)
Syria 10 strikes (597-606)
Confirmed strikes: US, Jordan, France
3 civilians reported killed at Dayr az Zawr, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 24th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 24 using fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct ten airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 24 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, eight airstrikes destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL building, an ISIL staging position, and also struck three ISIL tactical units, an ISIL tactical vehicle and an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Dayr az Zawr, an airstrike struck a crude oil collection point.
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike struck an ISIL weapons stockpile.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, three airstrikes [one Canada] destroyed eight ISIL tactical vehicles and an ISIL storage container.
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes [including France?] destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle and struck an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL technical vehicle.
All aircraft returned to base safely [this line was later removed with confirmation that a Jordanian F-16 had crashed at Ar Raqqah]. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.’
From French MoD:
[An airstrike ‘neutralised’ a building in Kirkuk reportdly containing Daesh fighters.]
‘Le 24 décembre, deux chasseurs appelés en renfort au-dessus de la ville de Kirkouk dans le nord de l’Irak, ont porté assistance aux Peshmergas pris à partie au sol par des combattants de Daesh. Après accord du CAOC (Coordination Air Operation Center), l’un des chasseurs a fait feu sur le bâtiment neutralisant ainsi les terroristes ce qui a mis fin à l’attaque.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On December 24, two CF-188 Hornets fighter aircraft successfully struck an ISIL position located in the vicinity of Al Qa’im, approximately 330 km north west of Baghdad, with a precision guided munition.’
From UK MoD:
‘Wednesday [Dec 24th] saw both Tornados and Reaper aircraft providing support to the Kurdish peshmerga, as they consolidated their recent victories over ISIL. A Tornado patrol identified an ISIL armed vehicle at a large former Iraqi military compound, and attacked it with a Brimstone missile.
Meanwhile, a Reaper provided overwatch to a US air strike that destroyed a truck which had been converted into a large suicide bomb vehicle, then fired a Hellfire missile at a pick-up truck being used by ISIL to build a road-block of burning tyres.’
DECEMBER 24th/25th 2014
Iraq 15 strikes (841-855)
Syria 15 strikes (607-621)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 25th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 25 using fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 15 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 15 airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 25 using fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, thirteen airstrikes destroyed three ISIL buildings, one ISIL vehicle, 17 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL staging positions and struck two ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL large units and four ISIL tactical units.
* Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike struck an ISIL drilling tower and destroyed 2 ISIL support vehicles
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike struck an ISIL assembly area.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, three airstrikes [1 British] destroyed ISIL equipment, struck two ISIL tactical vehicles and one ISIL checkpoint.
* Near Al Asad, three airstrikes [1 British?] destroyed two ISIL technical vehicles, an ISIL mortar position, an ISIL rocket system, destroyed 2 ISIL vehicles, an ISIL covered revetment and struck two ISIL tactical units.
* Near Mosul, three airstrikes destroyed five ISIL vehicles, an ISIL fighting position and struck two ISIL tactical units.
* Near Sinjar, three airstrikes destroyed 3 ISIL vehicles and struck three ISIL tactical units.
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck a large ISIL unit.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL technical vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Christmas Day [December 25th 2014], a Tornado patrol returned to the Al Qaim area, tasked with investigating a checkpoint used by ISIL to stop the local civilian population from moving around freely. 2 Brimstone missiles were used to attack a fortified position and a shipping container which had been converted into a guard room.
A second pair of GR4s operated further east, and located two armed ISIL vehicles concealed amidst trees on farmland close to the Euphrates, south of the Hadithah Dam. Both vehicles were struck with Brimstones.’
DECEMBER 25th/26th 2014
Iraq 5 strikes (856-860)
Syria 4 strikes (622-625)
Confirmed actions: US, France
8 to 40 reported killed by ‘friendly fire’ at Bayji, Iraq
2 civilians alleged killed at Fallujah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 26th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 26 using fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted five airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 26 using fighter, bomber, attack aircraft, and remotely piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of those strikes:
Syria
* Near Kobani, four airstrikes destroyed three ISIL buildings and two ISIL vehicles.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL technical vehicle and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL modular refinery and struck an ISIL tactical vehicle.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike [France] destroyed two ISIL technical vehicles and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL armored personnel vehicle.’
From French MoD:
[One strike ‘neutralised a Daesh pick-up truck’ while another was part of a massed coalition air raid near Kirkuk to destroy an ISIL ‘logistics complex’]
‘Le vendredi 26 décembre lors d’une patrouille de reconnaissance armée dans le centre de l’Irak, deux chasseurs français sont intervenus en soutien des forces de sécurité irakiennes prises à partie au sol par des combattants deDaech. Les deux avions de chasse ont traqué les terroristes qui tentaient de repositionner leur pick-up et les ont neutralisés par une bombe guidée laser GBU 12.
Le même jour, la France a participé à un raid aérien dans la région de Kirkouk visant à détruire un complexe logistique de l’organisation terroriste. Après avoir décollés de nuit afin de rallier le territoire irakien et se joindre à d’autres avions de la coalition, les chasseurs français ont ciblé et détruit trois bâtiments au moyen de bombes AASM.’
DECEMBER 26th/27th 2014
Iraq 6 strikes (861-866)
Syria 6 strikes (626-631)
Confirmed actions: US
7 civilian deaths claimed at Mosul, Iraq
Possible civilian deaths at Al Bab, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 27th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 27 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted six airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 27 using fighter, attack aircraft, and remotely piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes destroyed two ISIL buildings, five ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and struck an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL building and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL technical vehicles and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes struck an ISIL refinery and an ISIL tactical vehicle.
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck three ISIL buildings.’
French forces takes delivery of supplies for Operation Chammal, Dec 2014 (Ministère de la Défense)
DECEMBER 27th/28th 2014
Iraq 5 strikes (867-871)
Syria 8 strikes (632-639)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 28th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 28 using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted five airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 28 using fighter and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, eight airstrikes destroyed an ISIL building, thirteen ISIL fighting positions, one ISIL heavy machine gun and struck three ISIL fighting positions and a large ISIL unit.
Iraq
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike [Canadian] destroyed an ISIL fighting position and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes destroyed three ISIL guard shacks.
* Near Ar Rutbah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL bunker and an ISIL vehicle.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 28 December, two CF-188 Hornets struck ISIL staging positions by using precision guided munitions in the vicinity of Sinjar while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces (ISF) ground operations.’
From UK MoD:
‘On 28 December, an RAF Reaper again provided support to the Kurdish peshmerga in the north of the country. Having conducted overwatch for a coalition air strike on 3 ISIL buildings known to have been fortified as heavy machine-gun positions, the Reaper then mounted 2 strikes of its own using Hellfire missiles against enemy fighting positions.’
No weekly update was published by the Netherlands MoD to cover the period December 22nd-28th 2014.
During a visit by the Defence Minister Dec. 27th, Belgium revealed that its six F-16s had so far carried out 298 sorties. No updates were given on airstrikes (Belgian MoD)
DECEMBER 28th/29th 2014
Iraq 6 strikes (872-877)
Syria 12 strikes (640-651)
Confirmed actions: US
58 to 65 civilian fatalities reported at Al Bab, Syria
3 civilian deaths reported at Jarablos, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 29th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria Dec. 29 using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 12 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted six airstrikes in Iraq Dec. 29 using fighter, remotely piloted and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, ten airstrikes destroyed eleven ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings, an ISIL storage container and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Day az Zawr, an airstrike struck several ISIL buildings.
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike struck several ISIL buildings.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL vehicles and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL buildings and struck a large ISIL unit.’
DECEMBER 29th/30th 2014
Iraq 8 strikes (878-885)
Syria 7 strikes (652-658)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 30th 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, Dec. 30, using fighter aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted eight airstrikes in Iraq, Dec. 30, using fighter, remotely piloted and attack aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes destroyed three ISIL buildings, damaged an ISIL building, and struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Dayz ar Zawr, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL shipping container.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes destroyed four ISIL excavators and two ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes destroyed four ISIL buildings and three ISIL tactical vehicles and struck an ISIL tactical unit and a large ISIL unit.
* Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Bayji, one airstrike struck two ISIL buildings.
* Near Mosul, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL tactical vehicles and two ISIL checkpoints and struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
Coalition strikes ‘ISIL warehouse’, Fallujah Iraq Dec 29th 2015.
Coalition hits ‘ISIL warehouses,’ Fallujah Iraq Dec 29th 2014.
DECEMBER 30th/31st 2014
Iraq 3 strikes (886-888)
Syria 7 strikes (659-665)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘December 31st 2014 – U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, Dec. 31, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted three airstrikes in Iraq, Dec. 31, using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes destroyed four oil derricks.
* Near Kobani, five airstrikes destroyed five ISIL buildings and six ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Fallujah, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL tactical units.
* Near Mosul, one airstrike struck one ISIL fighting position, destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, and struck one ISIL tactical unit.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 31 December, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces (ISF) ground operations conducted west of Fallujah, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIL fighting positions using precision guided munitions.’
DECEMBER 31st 2014/JANUARY 1st 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (889-900)
Syria 17 strikes (666-682)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘January 1st 2015: U.S. and partner nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, [Jan 1st 2015], using fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 17 airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, Dec. 31, 2014, using fighter, attack, and remotely piloted aircraft against the ISIL terrorists. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Raqqah, two airstrikes destroyed five ISIL checkpoints and struck an ISIL staging area.
* Near Dayr az Zawr, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and struck an ISIL shipping container.
* Near Kobani, 13 airstrikes destroyed 12 ISIL buildings, four ISIL fighting positions, one ISIL vehicle and struck two ISIL tactical units and two large ISIL units.
Iraq
* Near Mosul, seven airstrikes destroyed six ISIL buildings and an ISIL fighting position and struck three ISIL fighting positions, five ISIL tactical units, two buildings, and a large ISIL unit.
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes [1 Canadian?] destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and struck two ISIL tactical units and a large ISIL unit.
* Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Taji, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and one ISIL mortar system and struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
Australian Ministry of Defence
Monthly data for December 2014
Aircraft |
Sorties |
Hours |
Munitions/Fuel (lbs) |
| E7 | 15 | 157 | N/A |
| KC-30 | 37 | 294 | 3,246,495 |
| F/A 18F | 76 | 586 | 61 |
US Air Force Central Command
Monthly Air Power Summary for December 2014
