Monthly summary: Below are all known daily coalition military reports relating to the air war against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for September 2015. We have also included relevant video and photo releases, as well as indicating where alleged civilian or ‘friendly fire’ casualties have been reported.
September 1st-2nd 2015
Iraq 8 strikes (4,081-4,088)
Syria 5 strikes (2,469-2,473)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
11 civilians reported killed at Makhul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 1, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“In the last two days, coalition airstrikes near Bayji have removed a number of Daesh terrorists from the battlefield,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR public affairs officer. “Daesh may persist on sending reinforcements, and we will continue to eliminate them.”
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 front end loader.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bunker.
• Near Mar’a, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL buildings, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Washiyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL artillery piece.
Iraq
• Near Al Qaim, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL vehicles and an ISIL homemade explosives facility.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Qayyrah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike [Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL light machine gun.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position.’
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 UK MoD:
‘Tuesday 1 September saw a Reaper patrolling in western Iraq, where it spotted a vehicle check-point close to the Syrian border being used by the terrorists to prevent the movement of traffic. The Reaper’s crew conducted a successful strike with a Hellfire.’
September 2nd-3rd 2015
Iraq 16 strikes (4,089-4,104)
Syria 7 strikes (2,474-2,480)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 2, 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, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
“The battle to liberate Ramadi continues with Iraqi security forces clearing significant amounts of explosives and complex obstacles constructed by Daesh,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “Yesterday, coalition airstrikes permanently eliminated Daesh terrorists from the battlefield along with a Daesh tank. This frees up Iraqi explosive ordnance teams to methodically clear areas in order to completely secure them and prepare for the next operational phases.”
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 bunker.
• Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL bridge.
• Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL bunker entrances.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL staging area and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL light machine gun firing position.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL excavators.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL boat [British?] and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL VBIEDs and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL mortar tubes.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL bunkers.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes [1 British] struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL observation tower and destroyed two ISIL checkpoints, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL tank.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 2 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 UK MoD:
‘Another Reaper provided air support on Wednesday 2 September to Iraqi army units operating in western Iraq. The aircraft conducted four successful attacks on terrorist targets. With the ISIL in Ramadi increasingly cut-off and isolated by the Iraqi security forces, terrorists were spotted loading hundreds of mortar and rocket rounds onto a boat, which then attempted to smuggle the ammunition down the Euphrates river. A direct hit by one of the Reaper’s Hellfires sank the boat and its cargo.
The Reaper then destroyed three vehicles – two armoured trucks and a bull-dozer – using a pair of Hellfire missiles and a Paveway guided bomb, with significant secondary explosions confirming large quantities of explosives. Elsewhere in Iraq, a second Reaper successfully attacked a terrorist position with a Hellfire, whilst GR4s located an enemy engineering vehicle near Mosul, constructing a fortified position, and destroyed it with a Paveway.
UK Reaper destroys a boat September 2, most likely near Habbaniyah
From Danish MoD
[Denmark reports that its aircraft may have been involved in a civilian casualty incident in Iraq on August 30th 2015]
‘Mulige civile tab i Irak
IRAK: Danske F16-fly har muligvis forårsaget civile tab i Irak
03-09-2015 – kl. 20:35
De danske F16 fly, der er indsat i kampen mod ISIL, gennemførte den 30. august et angreb mod godkendte mål. Alle procedurer for gennemførelse af angreb i henhold til koalitionens retningslinjer blev overholdt.
Den danske styrke gennemfører rutinemæssigt en evaluering af alle udførte missioner med detaljeret fokus på konkrete angreb. I denne forbindelse har den danske styrke vurderet, at der er risiko for, at angrebet muligvis har forårsaget civile tab.
Den danske styrke har videreformidlet vurderingen til koalitionens lufthovedkvarter. Koalitionen har nu igangsat en undersøgelse.
Den danske styrke vil gennemgå de interne operationsprocedurer med henblik på at vurdere, om der er behov for ændringer.
Forsvaret vil løbende orientere om resultaterne af de igangsatte undersøgelser og vurderinger på denne hjemmeside.’
Additional Coalition report:
‘SOUTHWEST ASIA – The Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government and Coalition Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq established a Joint Coalition Coordination Center (JCCC) near Erbil on September 02, 2015.
The JCCC will facilitate closer collaboration between the Combined Joint Operations Command – Baghdad and the Combined Joint Operations Command – Erbil to fight Daesh across all of northern Iraq. The new center will also set the conditions to relocate the Ninewa Operations Center from Baghdad to northern Iraq to coordinate future operations in Ninewa and Mosul.
Daesh continues to be a threat to all citizens of Iraq. The establishment of the JCCC is another tangible sign of the united effort of governmental security forces across northern Iraq and the coalition working together towards the shared goal of defeating Daesh and returning stability to the region.
The center will be manned by an equal number of representatives from the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government and the coalition forces.’
September 3rd-4th 2015
Iraq 15 strikes (4,105-4,119)
Syria 6 strikes (2,481-2,486)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
13 civilians reported killed at Mosul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 3, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using attack, 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.
“Yesterday, the coalition struck and eliminated Daesh terrorists, along with weapon systems, in the vicinity of Tuz,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR public affairs officer. “The coalition continues to assist Peshmerga fighters to clear Daesh terrorists from the area, free the local people and reestablish local governance.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL excavators.
• Near Ar Raqqah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Mar’a, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL staging area.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL rocket firing position.
• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Haditha, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL mortar firing position and an ISIL rocket firing position and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL command and control facility.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 10 ISIL rockets and an ISIL vehicle.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 3 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 UK MoD:
‘On Thursday 3 September, a Reaper observed another load of mortar and rocket ammunition being prepared for transport and destroyed it with a Hellfire.’
From French MoD:
Summary for week ending September 3rd 2015
[Reports 18 new missions and ‘several’ strikes]
‘La ligne de front entre Daech et les forces de sécurité intérieures reste stable en Irak.
Les avions de l’opération Chammal, patrouilleur maritime Atlantique 2, Mirage 2000 D&Net Rafale, ont réalisé cette semaine 18 missions, avec un effort dans la région de Kirkouk et de Baïji. Les missions de reconnaissance armée ont abouti à plusieurs frappes visant des forces du groupe terroriste Daech qui harcelaient les forces de sécurité irakiennes.
À l’occasion d’une de ces missions de renseignement, l’avion de patrouille maritimeAtlantique 2 a exécuté sa 100ème mission, tous types confondus, depuis le début de l’opération Chammal.
En Irak, dans le secteur de Bagdad, le détachement d’instruction opérationnel français poursuit un stage de 8 semaines de formation aux techniques « commando » auprès des militaires de l’ICTS, l’Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service. De son côté, 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.’
A French combat aircraft lands in the Middle East, September 2015 (Ministère de la Défense)
September 4th-5th 2015
Iraq 25 strikes (4,120-4,144)
Syria 8 strikes (2,487-2,494)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 4, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 25 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using 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 Ar Raqqah, one airstrike had inconclusive results.
• Near Mar’a, six airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL mortar tube, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Tal Abyad, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike had inconclusive results.
• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL building, an ISIL tunnel entrance and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL sniper firing position and destroyed an ISIL building.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kisik, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, seven airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL tactical units, five ISIL staging areas and destroyed an ISIL motorcycle, an ISIL building and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Rawah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives facility.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Tuz, two airstrikes destroyed 48 ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 4 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 Ramadi using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘A Reaper patrol supported two coalition air strikes on terrorist positions on Friday 4 September, then conducted its own attack on an ISIL team armed with rocket-propelled grenades, after they had fired on Iraqi forces.’
Pentagon press brief by Coalition’s Brigadier General Kevin Killea
September 4th 2015
September 5th-6th 2015
Iraq 17 strikes (4,145-4,161)
Syria 4 strikes (2,495-2,498)
Confirmed actions: US
1 civilian reported killed at Tal Brak, Syria
2 civilians reported killed at Anah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 5, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using 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 Mar’a, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bulldozer, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL front end loader and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Tal Abyad, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and terrain features denying ISIL a tactical advantage and destroyed four ISIL buildings.
• Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck three ISIL staging areas and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Hit, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives cache.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL training facility and an ISIL rocket firing position and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Tuz, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 26 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL weapons caches and an ISIL VBIED.
September 6th-7th 2015
Iraq 11 strikes (4,162-4,172)
Syria 4 strikes (2,499-2,502)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
1 reported civilian fatality at Dayr az Zawr, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 6, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 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 Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Tamakh, two airstrikes destroyed five ISIL excavators.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Ar Rutbah, one airstrike struck an ISIL checkpoint.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL motorcycle.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL artillery piece.
• 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, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL recoilless rifle.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL light machine guns and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike destroyed 49 ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL tunnels and an ISIL weapons cache.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 6 September, two Tornado GR4s conducted four Paveway strikes on a series of machine-gun nests near Sinjar, neutralising the threat these presented to the Kurds.’
September 7th-8th 2015
Iraq 14 strikes (4,173-4,186)
Syria 5 strikes (2,503-2,507)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 7, 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 14 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 [September 7th 2015], a Reaper destroyed an ammunition truck, whilst the reconnaissance work of another Reaper discovered a large terrorist network of bunkers and trenches [Fallujah?]: our aircraft provided targeting support to three successful attacks by coalition fast and conducted five attacks with its own weapons.
Near Bayji, a pair of Tornado GR4s flew close air support for Iraqi troops, and used Paveway IVs to destroy three buildings held by terrorist teams.’
September 8th-9th 2015
Iraq 14 strikes (4,187-4,200)
Syria 5 strikes (2,508-2,512)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 8, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using attack, bomber fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 14 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets.
In coordination with the Government of Iraq, the Coalition conducted airstrikes against an ISIL operating base located near Ramadi.
“Coalition strikes targeted and destroyed a large Daesh staging facility that housed weapons caches, combat equipment and included a multitude of prepared defensive positions” said Col. Michael Indovina, spokesman, CJTF-OIR. “This facility was a key Daesh command and supply hub in the Ramadi region and was being used to store large amounts of homemade explosives, as well as VBIED components. Destroying this facility enables Iraqi security forces activities in and around Ramadi while degrading Daesh command and control capability throughout the area.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted against ISIL since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hawl, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL bunkers.
* Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and an ISIL training camp and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL motorcycle.
* Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL front end loader.
Iraq
* Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Bayji, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL VBIED.
* Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.
* Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL homemade explosives cache and an ISIL rocket rail.
* Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck two ISIL heavy machine gun firing positions and an ISIL mortar firing position.
* Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes [1 British] struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL operating base and an ISIL staging area and destroyed five ISIL homemade explosives caches, two ISIL boats, an ISIL motorcycle and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL heavy machine guns.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position and destroyed an ISIL bunker, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL trench and an ISIL weapons cache.’
Additional CJTF-OIR Report:
‘September 9th: In coordination with the Government of Iraq, the Coalition conducted airstrikes Sept. 8 against an ISIL operating base and staging area located in a stadium near Ramadi.
The stadium was a key ISIL command and supply hub in the Ramadi region and was being used to store large amounts of homemade explosives, weapons and ammunition as well as VBIED components. ISIL used the stadium as a base of operations to control fighters across the Ramadi region, and as a central node for lethal aid funneled down the Euphrates River Valley. Destroying this hub will significantly disrupt ISIL’s ability to conduct operations and resupply their fighters in Ramadi.’
From French MoD:
[France announces first anti-Daesh reconnaissance flights over Syria, as an expected prelude to airstrikes]
‘C’est une patrouille de Rafale qui a décollé depuis son terrain de stationnement dans le golfe arabo-persique pour effectuer la première mission « ISR » au-dessus du territoire syrien. La mission du 8 septembre a duré plus de 6h30 ce qui a été rendu possible grâce au concours d’un avion ravitailleur C 135. Avec leurs pods “RECO NG” accrochés sous l’appareil et permettant la prise de vue à grande vitesse de jour comme de nuit et la surveillance vidéo, les Rafale ont pu acquérir du renseignement sur le groupe terroriste Daech et renforcer la capacité d’appréciation autonome de la situation de la France.
Ces missions aériennes sont réalisées dans le cadre de l’opération de la coalition contre DAECH qui mène la mission Inherent Resolve. Elles viennent en complément des vols de l’opération française Chammal sur l’Irak. A l’instar des vols conduits en Irak, les vols français sont intégrés dans l’Air Task Order, le plan de vol de tous les avions de la coalition, élaboré au CAOC 1d’Al Udeid au Qatar, où sont déployés des militaires français de l’opération Chammal.
Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal vise à lutter contre le groupe terroriste Daech en Irak et en Syrie avec la coalition internationale. Forte de 700 militaires, cette opération repose sur deux volets : une composante actions aériennes (frappes, renseignement) et une composante actions de formations, conseil et assistance au profit des forces irakiennes. Le dispositif de l’opération Chammal est constitué de : douze avions de chasse de l’armée de l’Air dont six avions de type Rafale dans le GAP ainsi que trois de type Mirage 2000 D et trois Mirage 2000 N projetés en Jordanie, d’un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique 2 présent dans le GAP, une centaine de militaires déployés en Irak (région de Bagdad et d’Erbil) fournissant une aide opérationnelle immédiate aux militaires irakiens dans le domaine de la formation, du conseil et de l’assistance.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Tuesday 8 September, a Reaper patrolling over western Iraq discovered several large stockpiles of explosives close to the Euphrates River. It destroyed one of the stockpiles with its own Hellfire missile – a skiff waiting to transport the explosives was sunk in the blast – and helped coalition fast jets target three more. The Reaper’s crew also provided support to successful air strikes on a terrorist-held compound and a fighting position.’
From Dutch MoD:
Summary for week ending September 8th 2015
[Reports 15 new missions, with 6,000 flight hours in total now logged]
‘Nederlandse F-16’s ingezet tegen ISIS in het Midden-Oosten voerden 15 missies uit. Daarbij gebruikten zij wapens om voertuigen, gebouwen en vuurposities van ISIS-strijders uit te schakelen. Sinds het begin van de missie maakten de F-16’s al ruim 6.000 vlieguren.
In Erbil zetten instructeurs de diverse trainingen aan Peshmerga’s voort, terwijl in Bagdad de opleidingen aan de commando’s doorgingen.’
From Danish MoD:
Summary for week ending September 8th 2015
[Reports 10 new missions, with 5 bombs dropped, in Nineveh, Salah Al Din and Al Anbar provinces]
‘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.
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 508 missioner og anvendt 469 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.
Det er besluttet at hjemtage bidraget fra d. 1. oktober 2015.’
From CJTF-OIR:
‘AUSTRALIA to extend air operations against Dash into Syria
Joint Press release: The Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Prime Minister
The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Defence
The Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into Syria. This marks the next phase of Australia’s contribution to the international coalition effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat the Daesh death cult.
The decision to expand air operations into Syria has been given careful consideration. It follows Iraq’s requests for international assistance to strike Daesh strongholds, and a formal request from the Obama Administration.
The legal basis for these operations is the collective self-defence of Iraq.
The Daesh death cult does not respect borders and threatens the security of Iraq and the international community from its safe havens in Syria.
Daesh controls a large amount of territory in eastern Syria that serves as a source of recruitment and oil revenues, and as a base from which it continues to launch attacks in both Syria and Iraq.
From Syria, Daesh has been able to operate training bases, conduct planning and preparation for attacks, and move fighters and materiel into, and out of, Iraq.
The extension of the Australian Defence Force’s operations into Syria will help protect Iraq and its people from Daesh attacks inside Iraq and from across the border in Syria.
The Daesh death cult is reaching out to Australians, as terrorist incidents and disrupted attacks here have demonstrated.
Australia joins a number of other nations – including the United States, Canada, Arab countries and Turkey – which are already contributing to the effort against Daesh in Syria.
Australia’s Air Task Group, deployed to the Middle East region, consists of six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
Australia remains committed to the international effort to counter Daesh, which threatens stability in Iraq and the Middle East and the security of Australians at home and in our region.
As the Government has stated before, the size and nature of Australia’s overall commitment to defeat Daesh will remain under regular review.
This is a decision that is firmly in Australia’s national interest. It reflects the Government’s steadfast commitment to keeping Australians safe from terrorism, preventing the spread of violent extremism to our shores and responding to a deepening humanitarian crisis.’
September 9th-10th 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (4,201-4,218)
Syria 10 strikes (2,513-2,522)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
30-40 civilians reported killed at Tabaqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 9, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 18 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 9 September 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck two ISIS fighting positions in Sinjar using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘The following day [September 9th 2015], a Reaper used Hellfires to destroy two vehicles being prepared as car-bombs.’
From French MoD:
[France announces further reconnaissance missions by the Navy over Syria]
‘Le 9 septembre 2015, une nouvelle mission de survol de la Syrie a été réalisée par un équipage d’Atlantique 2, en vue d’acquérir du renseignement sur le groupe terroriste Daech et renforcer la capacité d’appréciation autonome de la situation de la France.
Tous les capteurs embarqués dans l’avion de la Marine Nationale ont été utilisés pour cette mission : caméra infra-rouge jour et nuit, appareils photo à grosse focale et forte résolution et moyens de veille électronique et électromagnétique.
L’ATL2 peut accueillir un équipage allant jusqu’à 17 personnes qui se répartissent l’utilisation des moyens embarqués. Les différents opérateurs en guerre électronique, détecteurs acousticiens ou navigateurs aériens, contrôleurs avancés, mécaniciens de bord et interprétateurs photo travaillent ainsi pendant toute la mission sous les ordres du commandant de bord, pour récupérer, analyser et transmettre toutes les données reçues en imagerie (IMINT) ou en électromagnétique (ELINT).
Cette mission, comme celle réalisée le 8 septembre, a été conduite dans le cadre des opérations de la coalition contre le groupe terroriste Daech. Elles ont été planifiées, coordonnées et contrôlées depuis le CAOC d’Al Udeid au Qatar.
Enfin, le dispositif de l’opération Chammal est inchangé (voir carte de présentation Chammal). Il permet de mener aussi bien des missions de reconnaissance que des frappes aériennes contre Daech en Syrie.’
Strike at Abu Kamal, Syria on oil facility Sept 9th 2015
Strike at Abu Kamal, Syria on oil facility [part 2] Sept 9th 2015
September 10th-11th 2015
Iraq 27+1 strikes (4,219-4,246)
Syria 3 strikes (2,523-2,525)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 10, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 27 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
Additional CJTF-OIR note (issued September 24th 2015)
‘Finally, on Sept. 10, Coalition forces conducted a previously unreported airstrike near Tal Afar, Iraq, which struck an ISIL tactical unit and resulted in a destroyed vehicle and the death of a senior ISIL leader.’
Pentagon announces Sept 10th killing of Abu Bakr al-Turkmani
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 10 September 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position northeast of Mosul using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Thursday 10 September, another Reaper patrol identified a group of heavily armed ISIL fighters gathering in a building. Both the building and a vehicle used by the terrorists were destroyed with Hellfires, and the Reaper also assisted coalition aircraft in 13 successful attacks on further terrorist positions nearby. Elsewhere in the country, a second Reaper conducted two attacks on extremists attempting to attack Iraqi troops, whilst in northern Iraq, a pair of Tornado GR4s used a Paveway IV precision guided bomb to destroy a building from which the terrorists had been firing a heavy weapon at the Kurdish peshmerga.
From French MoD:
[Reports 20 new missions – 5 of them ISR including in Syria. Of these, ‘five strikes led to the destruction of 7 goals in the areas of Fallujah, Mosul and Sinjar: buildings, vehicles and river barges used by the terrorist group Daesh’]
‘La semaine a été marquée par l’extension de la zone d’opérations des forces armées françaises engagées au Levant jusqu’à la Syrie, avec le survol des zones contrôlées par Daech. Le 8 septembre 2015, au lendemain de l’annonce du Président de la République, une patrouille de Rafale a conduit une première mission de reconnaissance (missions ISR – Intelligence, surveillance et reconnaissance) depuis le golfe arabo-persique. Une deuxième a été réalisée le 9 septembre par un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique2 de la Marine nationale.
L’objectif de ces missions aériennes consiste à acquérir du renseignement sur le groupe terroriste Daech et à renforcer notre capacité d’appréciation autonome de la situation dans les zones survolées. Elles sont conduites en coordination avec la coalition et en complément des actions déjà menées par cette dernière en Syrie. La coordination des vols est assurée depuis le centre des opérations aériennes (CAOC) de la coalition situé à Al Udeid, au Qatar. Ces missions aériennes s’inscrivent dans la continuité de celles menées depuis septembre 2014 dans le cadre de l’opération Chammal, sans entraîner de changement de la composition de la force.
L’activité aérienne hebdomadaire des avions de Chammal en Irak et en Syrie s’est traduite par 20 missions, dont 5 missions ISR. Cinq frappes ont abouti à la destruction de 7 objectifs dans les régions de Fallujah, Mossoul et Sinjar : des bâtiments, véhicules et barges fluviales du groupe terroriste Daech.
En Irak, dans le secteur de Bagdad, le détachement conseil et assistance a effectué des stages de topographie, lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés et de secourisme au combat, tout en poursuivant la formation et l’accompagnement des officiers de l’état-major de la 6th Infantry Division. Le Détachement d’instruction opérationnel (DIO) 13 termine le 10 septembre 2015 une formation en techniques commando et un stage “formateur des formateurs”, commencés fin juillet 2015, au profit des militaires de l’ICTS, l’Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service. Un stage de lutte contre les engins explosifs, commencé en août 2015, se termine en début de semaine prochaine.
Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal mobilise 700 militaires. Elle 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 irakiennes dans la lutte contre le groupe terroriste Daech. Le dispositif complet est actuellement structuré autour de douze avions de chasse de l’armée de l’Air (six Rafale, trois Mirage 2000D et trois Mirage 2000N) et d’un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique2. Il comprend également des militaires projetés à Bagdad et Erbil pour la formation et le conseil des militaires irakiens.’
French anti-Daesh resources in the Middle East, September 2015
From Danish MoD:
[Denmark updates on its civilian casualty investigation, with no fresh developments]
‘Mulige civile tab i Irak
Irak: Koalitionens undersøgelse af mulige civile tab er endnu ikke afsluttet.
10-09-2015 – kl. 14:56
Af Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando
Forsvaret offentliggjorte den 3. september, at de danske F16 fly, der er indsat i kampen mod ISIL, under et angreb mod godkendte mål den 30. august, muligvis havde forårsaget civile tab. Den danske styrke videreformidlede denne vurdering til koalitionens lufthovedkvarter, der igangsatte en undersøgelse af hændelsen. Denne undersøgelse er endnu ikke afsluttet.
Forsvaret afventer således fortsat konklusionen af koalitionens undersøgelse og vil herefter orientere om resultatet når det foreligger.
Man kan læse mere om de processer der ligger til grund, når danske fly går på vingerne i Irak, ved at klikke her.‘
September 11th-12th 2015
Iraq 22 strikes (4,247-4,268)
Syria 3 strikes (2,526-2,528)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
Friendly forces reported killed at Fallujah, Iraq
3 reported civilian fatalities at Al Toub, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 11, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 22 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 Abu Kamal, two airstrikes struck two ISIL crude oil collection points.
• Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL VBIED.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Hit, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL building.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Kisik, two airstrikes struck an ISIL heavy machine gun firing position and an ISIL rocket firing position and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL armored personnel carrier and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL IED.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL rocket firing position.
• Near Tuz, eight airstrikes struck six ISIL tactical units and destroyed 22 ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL vehicles, one ISIL heavy machine guns, an ISIL ammunition cache, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL motorcycle.’
From UK MoD:
‘RAF support to the peshmerga continued into Friday 11 September; a Reaper supported a Kurdish offensive operation to clear an ISIL-held village, in the course of which it engaged a defensive position with a Hellfire.’
From Australian MoD:
‘The Australian Air Task Group (ATG) completed its first operational mission in Syria overnight, retuning to base in the Middle East without incident. No weapons were released during the mission.
The mission provided on-call interdiction and dynamic targeting support as part of the international coalition’s effort to disrupt and degrade Daesh.
Two Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornets, a KC-30A air-to-air refuelling aircraft and E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft combined during the mission.
ATG Commander, Air Commodore Stu Bellingham said the Hornets searched points of interest for enemy activity in eastern Syria, reporting to the international coalition’s Combined Air Operations Centre through the E-7A aircraft.
“Daesh controls a large amount of territory in eastern Syria that serves as a source of recruitment and oil revenues, and as a base from which it continues to launch attacks into Iraq”, Air Commodore Bellingham said.
“The Hornets were also prepared for any short notice high priority tasking which could include surveillance and weapons release,” Air Commodore Bellingham said. The KC-30A provided air-to-air refuelling support to the F/A-18A Hornets throughout the mission.
The ATG is part of Operation OKRA, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international effort to combat the Daesh terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria. The Australian ATG will continue to plan and conduct air strikes against Daesh in Iraq and Syria as part of coalition strike operations aimed at disrupting and degrading Daesh strongholds.’
An F/A-18A Hornet on Australia’s first mission over Syria, September 11th 2015 (Australian MoD)
September 12th-13th 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (4,269-4,286)
Syria 7 strikes (2,529-2,535)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 12, 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 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 Al Hawl, two airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL tank.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL artillery piece.
• Near Mar’a, three airstrikes struck an ISIL staging facility and destroyed four ISIL buildings an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL weapons cache.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.
• Near Fallujah, six airstrikes struck two ISIL VBIED facilities, two ISIL weapons caches, an ISIL command and control facility and an ISIL staging area.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL truck.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL mortar firing position an ISIL rocket firing position and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings and an ISIL homemade explosives cache.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Tuz, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL bunker.’
September 13th-14th 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (4,287-4,304)
Syria 4 strikes (2,536-2,539)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
0-2 civilians reported killed at Ma’adan, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 13, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using fighter and 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 Dayr Ar Zawr, two airstrikes struck an ISIL crude oil collection point and destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Kobani, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL artillery piece.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL trenches.
• Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL buildings, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL ant-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL structure.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bunker.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL motorcycle.
• Near Kisik, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL staging area and destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL trenches, an ISIL bulldozer and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed four ISIL weapons caches, an ISIL armored personnel carrier and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL sniper firing position.
• Near Tuz, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 13 September, again in northern Iraq, near to Sinjar, a Paveway from a Tornado mission destroyed a terrorist group, armed with rocket-propelled grenades.’
September 14th-15th 2015
Iraq 15 strikes (4,305-4,319)
Syria 3 strikes (2,540-2,542)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Australia
Friendly forces reported killed at Bayji, Iraq
5 civilians reported killed at Ar Rutbah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 14, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter 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
Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely. The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international community.
The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Iraq include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the U.S.’
From UK MoD:
‘Monday [September 14th 2015] saw the Tornado GR4s patrolling near Mosul, where they attacked a rocket-firing position, while a Reaper operating over Anbar province, struck a pair of terrorists who had been spotted preparing a booby-trap, then supported two further coalition air strikes in the area. ‘
September 15th-16th 2015
Iraq 11 strikes (4,320-4,330)
Syria 3 strikes (2,543-2,545)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 15, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 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 Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Abu Kamal, two airstrikes struck two ISIL oil field wellheads.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL rocket rails.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical units, and destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL rockets.
• Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and 12 ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL motor tube and three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.‘
From UK MoD:
‘On Tuesday 15 September, a Reaper assisted coalition strikes on ISIL rocket launchers in western Iraq, then used Hellfires to attack an ISIL team as they attempted to arm a “daisy-chain” of linked improvised explosive devices and a GBU-12 guided bomb against a hostile fighting position.’
From Australian MoD:
Statement to Parliament by Defence Minister Kevin Andrews MP
‘Since my last Defence Force operations update to the Parliament, we’ve seen further atrocities and terrorist attacks either conducted, or inspired by, the terrorist movement known as Daesh.
Beyond Iraq and Syria, Australia’s thoughts and condolences are with the people of France, Kuwait, Tunisia, Turkey and, most recently, Saudi Arabia whose countries have suffered at the hands of Daesh terrorists.
These attacks reaffirm that Daesh is a threat not only to the Middle East, but to all countries, including Australia.
It is for this reason that the Australian Government remains committed to the international effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh.
This commitment is underscored by the Government’s decision to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes against Daesh into eastern Syria. This is a logical extension of our existing commitment in the Middle East.
As the Government announced last week, this marks the next phase of Australia’s contribution to our important campaign against Daesh.
Daesh does not respect borders and threatens the security of Iraq and the international community from its safe havens and command centres in Syria.
It controls a large amount of territory in eastern Syria that serves as a source of recruitment and oil revenues. From Syria, Daesh has been able to operate its training bases, conduct planning and preparation for attacks, and move fighters and equipment into, and out of, Iraq.
Royal Australian Air Force efforts in eastern Syria will are being directed solely at Daesh – we will not be engaging in the broader conflict in Syria.
The legal basis for Australia’s air operations in Syria remains the collective self-defence of Iraq. We strongly believe Iraq should not be left to face this horrendous threat alone.
This is why Australia is continuing its Advise and Assist and Building Partner Capacity missions to develop the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces, and continues to contribute an Air Task Group, at the request of, and to support, the Iraqi Government….
Australia’s Air Task Group remains a leading contributor of platforms, support personnel and missions flown in the coalition air campaign against Daesh.
As at 13 September, the Air Task Group had completed a total of 408 ADF airstrike missions over Iraq.
Specifically,
As has been reported, the Air Task Group has completed its first strike against a Daesh target in eastern Syria, destroying an Armoured Personnel Carrier. Two of our F/A-18 Hornets identified the Personnel Carrier, hidden in a Daesh compound.
The information was reported back to the Combined Air Operations Centre via the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail. Upon receiving authorisation to proceed, one of the Hornets employed a precision guided weapon to destroy the target.’
Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail refuels from a US Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker over Iraq, Sept. 16, 2015. (US.Air Force/ Alexandre Montes)
From Danish MoD:
Summary for week ending September 15th 2015
[Reports nine new missions [[later corrected to 11]] and three bombs dropped which included an Air Interdiction mission: ‘This week, the objectives of the bombs been buildings used by ISIL.’]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 8. september fløjet 9 missioner og anvendt 3 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 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 en Air Interdiction-mission. Her gennemføres et specifikt angreb mod et på forhånd defineret mål, hvor flyene flyver direkte til målet, anvender bomber og flyver retur. I denne uge 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 517 missioner og anvendt 472 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 September 15th 2015
[Reports more than 10 missions in which ‘weapons were used against vehicles, buildings and firing positions ISIS fighters’]
‘De Nederlandse F-16’s, actief in de strijd tegen ISIS in het Midden-Oosten, voerden meer dan 10 missies uit. Daarbij werden wapens ingezet tegen voertuigen, gebouwen en vuurposities van ISIS-strijders. In Bagdad ronden Iraakse troepen een scherpschuttersopleiding af.’
September 16th-17th 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (4,331-4,351)
Syria 1 strike (2,546)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
6-8 civilians reported killed at Jadid Akidat, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 16, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted one airstrike using 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 Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
* Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical units, an ISIL backhoe, an ISIL tunnel and destroyed 14 ISIL vehicles, three ISIL support positions, and an ISIL armored bulldozer.
* Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL rocket rail.
* Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes struck two ISIL mortar firing positions.
* Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Mosul, eight airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and destroyed 35 ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL armored vehicle.
* Near Ramadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and struck two ISIL mortar firing positions and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.’
From UK MoD:
‘GR4s bombed two terrorist positions, including a heavy-machine gun, which were firing on Kurdish troops on Wednesday 16 September, and in western Iraq a Reaper destroyed an engineering vehicle and a large car-bomb which ISIL were positioning to attempt to hold up Iraqi advances.’
September 17th-18th 2015
Iraq 9 strikes (4,352-4,360)
Syria 5 strikes (2,547-2,551)
Confirmed actions: US
5 civilians reported killed at Hawijah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 17, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrike using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using, 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 Ar Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL cache, three ISIL fighting positions and one ISIL motorcycle.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint.
• Near Manbij, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL mortar tube.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck a large ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike with inconclusive results.
• Near Baji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, one ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Rawah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and one ISIL excavator.’
From French MoD:
Summary for week ending September 17th 2015
[France reports 6 ISR missions over Syria and 9 new missions above Iraq, which resulted in three strikes at Mosul and Bayji]
‘Depuis le 8 septembre 2015, la zone d’opérations des forces armées françaises engagées dans la région du Levant, s’est étendue jusqu’à la Syrie, avec le survol de zones contrôlées par le groupe terroriste Daech.
Il s’agit de missions de reconnaissance (ISR – Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) dont l’objectif est d’acquérir du renseignement sur Daech et de compléter les informations sur des points d’intérêts militaires. Cette semaine a été marquée par la poursuite de ces missions de renseignement au-dessus de la Syrie, ainsi que par les frappes au-dessus de l’Irak. 6 missions ISR ont été réalisées au-dessus des zones contrôlées par Daech en Syrie. Au total, la force Chammal a conduit cette semaine 14 missions aériennes dont 9 missions de reconnaissance armée ayant abouti à 3 frappes en Irak, dans les régions de Mossoul et Baïji.
Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal mobilise 700 militaires. Elle vise, à la demande du gouvernement irakien et en coordination avec les alliés de la France présents dans la région, à assurer un appui (aérien et formation) aux forces irakiennes dans la lutte contre le groupe terroriste autoproclamé Daech. Le dispositif complet est actuellement structuré autour de douze avions de chasse de l’armée de l’Air (six Rafale, trois Mirage 2000D et trois Mirage 2000N) et d’un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique 2.’
French combat aircraft in the Middle East, September 2015 (Ministère de la Défense)
September 18th-19th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (4,361-4,372)
Syria 5 strikes (2,552-2,556)
Confirmed actions: US
43-58 civilians reported killed at Senyah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sep. 18, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrike using fighter and ground-attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using, 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 Tal Abyad, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Al Hawl, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL bunkers.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL check point.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one vehicle.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL sniper position and two ISIL buildings.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike suppressed ISIL mortar fire.
• Near Kisik, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed ISIL mortars, an ISIL cache, an ISIL fighting position, and two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL fighting position and suppressed ISIL rocket fire.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL motorcycle
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL light machine gun and four ISIL fighting positions and suppressed light machine gun fire.‘
September 19th-20th 2015
Iraq 11 strikes (4,373-4,383)
Syria no strikes
Confirmed actions: US, UK
7 civilians reported killed at Kubais, Iraq
2 reported civilian fatalities at Raqqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘‘On Sept. 19, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq. Coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using, strike, 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:
Iraq
• Near Bayji, one airstrike resulted in terrain denied to ISIL fighters.
• Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL bunker.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes [1 British] struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.
• Near Sinjar, three airstrikes [1 British] struck two ISIL tactical units, destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun fighting position, an ISIL vehicle, and five ISIL bunkers.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike, struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘Tornado GR4s, supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, provided close air support on Saturday 19 September to Kurdish peshmerga as they conducted offensive operations. Near Sinjar, the peshmerga came under fire from a heavy machine-gun positioned in a building. This was destroyed by our aircraft using a Paveway IV precision guided bomb.
The GR4s then flew east to the area around Mosul, where another Kurdish unit was being engaged by a terrorist mortar team; this too was neutralised by a Paveway IV.’
<>
Australia releases rare footage of its airstrikes in Iraq
September 20th-21st 2015
Iraq 22 strikes (4,384-4,405)
Syria 5 strikes (2,557-2,561)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
4 civilians reported killed at Mosul, Iraq
7 civilians reported killed at Khalidiya, Iraq
1 reported civilian fatality at Raqqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 20, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using fighter and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 22 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using, 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, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier.
• Near Al Hawl, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL rocket launcher.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL checkpoints.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL mortar.
Iraq
• Near Al Huawayjah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.
• Near Habbaniya, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL buildings, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece, and an ISIL technical vehicle.
• Near Kisik, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL light machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mosul, nine airstrikes struck a large ISIL tactical unit, three ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL VBIED facility, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL building, an ISIL C2 node and wounded an ISIL fighter.
• Near Qayyarah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes [1 British?] destroyed an ISIL homemade explosive chache, an ISIL vehicle and ISIL mortar system.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike destroyed eight ISIL bunkers and suppressed two ISIL mortar positions.’
From UK MoD:
‘The next day [September 20th 2015], an RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft on patrol over western Iraq launched a Hellfire missile which destroyed a stockpile of explosives.’
Coalition strike on ‘VBIED’ facility, Mosul Sept 20th 2015
Coalition strike on ‘VBIED’ facility [Part 2], Mosul Sept 20th 2015
September 21st-22nd 2015
Iraq 16 strikes (4,406-4,421)
Syria 6 strikes (2,562-2,567)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
1 reported civilian fatality at Ar Raqqah, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 21, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six 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, 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, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL cache, two ISIL motorcycles, and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL vehicle, and wounded an ISIL fighter.
Iraq
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck separate ISIL tactical units, and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL command and control node, and suppressed an ISIL rocket position.
• Near Qayyarah, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroyed two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL checkpoint, and wounded an ISIL fighter.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle, three ISIL buildings, and an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL cache.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.‘
From UK MoD:
‘On Monday 21 September, another Reaper, operating over north-west Iraq, identified two vehicles carrying ISIL terrorists which were successfully tracked and destroyed with Hellfire missiles.’
Sunrise yoga class on USS Theodore Roosevelt, September 2015 (US Navy/ Chris Liaghat)
September 22nd-23rd 2015
Iraq 24 strikes (4,422-4,445)
Syria 6 strikes (2,568-2,573)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘ On Sept. 22, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using fighter, ground-attack, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 24 airstrikes coordinated with the government of Iraq using, 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, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL staging facility.
• Near Al Hawl, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
• Near Manbij, two airstrikes struck separate ISIL tactical units, and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL bulldozer.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL checkpoint and ten ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL buildings, four ISIL mortar systems, an ISIL heavy machine gun, and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike destroyed eight ISIL rocket rails.
• Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL weapons cache while a second strike produced inconclusive results.
• Near Hit, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and suppressed ISIL mortar fire.
• Near Kisik, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL fighting position, and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Qayyarah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL rocket system, three ISIL vehicles, eight ISIL boats, three home-made explosive caches, and an ISIL sniper position.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL fighting position, and suppressed ISIL mortar fire.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike destroyed six ISIL fighting positions.
From Danish MoD:
Summary for week ending September 22nd 2015
[Reports 12 new missions with two bombs dropped]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 15. september fløjet 12 missioner og anvendt 2 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 våbenstillinger og køretøjer 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.
Der er en rettelse til sidste uges tal, hvor der blev fløjet 11 missioner og ikke 9 som skrevet.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 531 missioner og anvendt 474 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.’
From Dutch MoD:
Summary for week ending September 22nd 2015
[Reports ‘about 10 missions, with weapons used against vehicles, buildings and firing positions of ISIS fighters.’]
‘De Nederlandse F-16’s in het Midden-Oosten voerden ongeveer 10 missies uit. Daarbij werden wapens ingezet tegen voertuigen, gebouwen en vuurposities van ISIS-strijders.
Lt Colonel Gert Strick of the Netherlands in Irbil (Dutch MoD)
Luitenant-kolonel Gert Strick droeg het commando over de Capacity Building Mission Iraq (CBMI) in Erbil over aan ranggenoot Henk de Boer. “Train Pesh (Peshmerga) to fight DA’ISH (ISIS)” is het devies van de internationale trainingsmissie. De Boer is met de aanstelling ook de Senior National Representative van het Nederlandse detachement en chef-staf van het Kurdis Training Coordination Centre.
Afgelopen week ontvingen de geslaagde leerlingen van de Commando Course 61 van de Irakese Special Operations Forces hun certificaat. Daarbij was de Nederlandse ambassadeur, Jan Waltmans, aanwezig.
Tijdens de cursus zijn Irakese instructeurs begeleid bij het zelf instructie geven aan hun eigen leerlingen. Ook zijn er extra instructeurs opgeleid. Uiteindelijk moeten de Irakese strijdkrachten zelf de opleiding gaan verzorgen.
Vorige week arriveerde de tweede groep van CBMI rotatie 3 in Erbil. De militairen, merendeels van de marine en de landmacht, namen de werkzaamheden over van rotatie 2.
Afgelopen week zijn de Infantry Battle Course en de opleiding tot Schutter Lange Afstand voor 2 Peshmerga-bataljons afgerond. Dat gebeurde in de omgeving van Erbil.’
September 23rd-24th 2015
Iraq 16 strikes (4,446-4,461)
Syria 4 strikes (2,574-2,577)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 23, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using fighter, bomber, and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using 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, two airstrikes struck separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL motorcycle.
• Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike destroyed one ISIL towed artillery piece.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, one airstrike destroyed 16 ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL anti-air artillery pieces.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Mosul, six airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL VBIED facilities, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL cache, an ISIL bunker, and suppressed an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL light machine gun, and two ISIL mortar positions.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL buildings, an ISIL excavator, and three ISIL mobility obstacles.
• Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed and ISIL light machine gun and six ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike suppressed ISIL mortar fire.
Strike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely. The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community.
The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Iraq include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S.
Finally, on Sept. 10, Coalition forces conducted a previously unreported airstrike near Tal Afar, Iraq, which struck an ISIL tactical unit and resulted in a destroyed vehicle and the death of a senior ISIL leader.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 23 September 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory in Mosul using precision guided munitions.’
Additional Coalition report:
‘Coalition airstrikes continued destruction of key portions of the Daesh vehicle-borne IED network near Mosul, Iraq September 23, 2015, in coordination with the Government of Iraq.
These airstrikes eliminated two significant VBIED production facilities that contributed to the VBIED network fueling ISIL’s terrorist activities in the region.
“We will continue to systematically target and attack the Daesh VBIED network to increase security for the Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi population,” said Col. Christopher Garver, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs Officer.
This airstrike is part of a broader effort by the Coalition to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria.’
Fresh Coalition strike on Mosul ‘VBIED factory’ Sept 23 2015
From French MoD:
Summary for week ending September 24th 2015
[Reports 17 missions over both Iraq and Syria, including 5 ISR flights in Syria, and 10 strikes leading to 15 targets destroyed around Mosul and Baiji]
‘Les aéronefs des forces françaises engagées au Levant dans le cadre de l’opération Chammal poursuivent leurs missions opérationnelles au-dessus des zones contrôlées par le groupe terroriste Daechen Irak et en Syrie. Au total, 17 missions aériennes ont été effectuées, dont 5 missions de renseignement au-dessus de la Syrie. En Irak, 10 frappes ont été réalisées au cours de la semaine qui ont conduit à la destruction d’une quinzaine d’objectifs dans les régions de Mossoul et de Baiji.
A Bagdad, les militaires français poursuivent les actions de formations et de conseil au profit des forces irakiennes. Le détachement d’instruction opérationnel 13 conduira jusqu’au début du mois d’octobre deux instructions spécifiques : le « Leadership course »et le « Selection Course »réalisés au profit des soldats irakiens de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service).’
September 24th-25th 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (4,462-4,482)
Syria 1 strike (2,578)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 24, 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 21 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using 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 Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes destroyed 37 ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL rocket rail.
• Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL vehicles, and wounded three ISIL fighters.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes [1 British] struck four separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL cache, and an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Qayyarah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Ramadi, five airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL buildings, an ISIL light machine gun, an ISIL resupply truck, an ISIL dump truck, an ISIL cache, and cratered a road to deny ISIL use.
• Near Rawah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL vehicle, and wounded an ISIL fighter.’
From UK MoD:
‘Tornado GR4s were again on patrol near Mosul on Thursday 24 September, when they were called upon to assist a Kurdish unit under fire from an ISIL mortar; the terrorist position was hit in a Paveway strike.’
September 25th-26th 2015
Iraq 24 strikes (4,483-4,506)
Syria 1 strike (2,579)
Confirmed actions: US
2 reported civilian fatalities at Ramadi, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 25, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted one airstrike using bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 24 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using 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 an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
• Near Al Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache and an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Al Huwayjah, four airstrikes destroyed eight ISIL fighting positions and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Al Qaim, one airstrike had inconclusive results.
• Near Albu Hayat, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL training facility and two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL buildings, an ISIL VBIED, and wounded two ISIL fighters.
• Near Habbaniya, two airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL rocket rails and an ISIL excavator.
• Near Mosul, five airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL staging positions, and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle, and an ISIL cache.
• Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle, and an ISIL bunker.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL observation post.‘
September 26th-27th 2015
Iraq 20 strikes (4,507-4,526)
Syria 3 strikes (2,580-2,582)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 26, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrike using bomber and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 20 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using 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, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL structure.
• Near Abu Kamal, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL staging area.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 27 ISIL fighting positions [see video below].
• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area and damaged an ISIL artillery piece.
• Near Hit, five airstrikes destroyed an ISIL VBIED facility, an ISIL command and control facility, and an ISIL headquarters.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
• Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL armored vehicle, and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and denied terrain to ISIL forces.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL armored vehicles.
• Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL mortar tubes, an ISIL fighting position, and an ISIL vehicle.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 26 September 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, four CF-18 Hornets successfully struck an Improvised Explosive Device factory in Hit using precision guided munitions.
On 26 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 Mosul using precision guided munitions.’
Additional Coalition release:
‘ Coalition airstrikes destroyed multiple enemy targets near Hit and Kubaysah, Iraq in coordination with and in support of the Government of Iraq Sept. 26, 2015. The strikes attacked key ISIL targets in the Anbar province, including two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) production facilities, an ISIL headquarters building, and an ISIL staging area at the Kubaysah cement factory.
“The Coalition continues to attack Daesh tactical capability in Iraq,” said Col. Christopher Garver, Public Affairs Officer for CJTF-OIR. “By degrading Daesh’s capacity to produce dangerous IEDs and stage resources, we are setting the conditions in Anbar for the eventual liberation of the province by Iraqi Security Forces.”
The Coalition continues to systematically target the Daesh IED network because these weapons are a key component of ISIL tactics. IEDs of all types pose a major threat to ISF and indiscriminately kill civilians, which makes reducing Daesh’s capability to produce them that much more important.
The Coalition targeted only portions of the Kubaysah cement factory because those portions were being used by Daesh as a staging area for their fighters, equipment, and weapons. The Coalition takes great care to reduce collateral damage and preserve Iraqi infrastructure.
The destruction of these targets will further degrade ISIL’s ability to conduct operations in the Euphrates River Valley. These strikes are part of ongoing coalition operations in Anbar province to assist the Government of Iraq to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh terrorists.’
From UK MoD
‘September 26th 2015: The UK will extend its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) commitment to Coalition operations in Iraq and Syria, the Defence Secretary has announced.
The deployment of RAF Sentinel aircraft, the most advanced airborne surveillance system of its kind in the world, will be extended until 2016. It is the RAF’s only long-range wide area battlefield surveillance aircraft, using two types of radar it is able to identify and track multiple targets over great distances. Flying three missions a week, the aircraft will continue to provide critical information which allows British and coalition forces to hit ISIL targets on the ground.
The announcement comes as the UK’s involvement in counter-ISIL operations reaches the one year point. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
“The fight against ISIL is our top operational priority and Britain is playing a vital role. Our armed forces have conducted more than 300 strikes, flown almost a third of all coalition surveillance flights and trained over 2,000 local troops.
In 2014 ISIL enjoyed near total freedom of movement across much of Iraq but we’ve helped stop the jihadist advance, reclaiming a quarter of ISIL-held territory.
Now we must build on this progress. We will not let up until we have defeated this barbaric terrorist organisation.”
On the 26th September 2014 Parliament voted to assist the Iraqi government in their fight against ISIL terrorists. The UK joined a 62 nation Global Coalition made up of international partners including nations from the Middle East, all united in a determination to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL.
Since then the UK has provided forces and equipment that few other nations can. Currently there are around 800 personnel, including the Coalition Deputy Commander, supporting the campaign:
With the support provided by Britain, at the heart of the Coalition, Iraqi forces have regained 25 per cent of the territory that ISIL held after its advance last summer. They have taken back 200 square kilometres in the North; retaken Tikrit in the centre, with 100,000 citizens now having returned to the city; and have pushed ISIL out of Diyala province in the East.’
Strike on ISIL ‘VBIED facility and HQ’ at Hit, Iraq Sept 26 2015
Strike on ‘ISIL staging area’ at Kubaysah cement factory,
Sept 26 2015
Multiple strikes at Huwaijah, Iraq Sept 26th 2015
September 27th-28th 2015
Iraq 20 strikes (4,527-4,546)
Syria 3 strikes (2,583-2,585)
Confirmed actions: US, France, UK
12-50 alleged civilian fatalities at Jala’a, Syria
13-16 reported civilian fatalities at Mosul, Iraq
7-8 reported civilian fatality at Daquq, Syria
4 reported civilian fatalities at Hit, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 27, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using remotely piloted and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 20 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using 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 Abu Kamal, one airstrike [French] struck an ISIL training area.
* Near Ar Raqqah, one airstrike resulted in inconclusive results.
* Near Mar’a, one airstrike suppressed an ISIL mortar system.
Iraq
* Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL checkpoint and an ISIL bunker.
* Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and two ISIL caches.
* Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL weapons cache, and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL tunnel, and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building, four ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL boats, an ISIL home-made explosive cache, and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Sultan Abdallah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
* Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 27 September, an RAF Reaper on a surveillance mission over northern Iraq observed a number of armed terrorists as they moved between buildings in a pair of compounds and successfully attacked three terrorist positions, using Hellfire missiles.’
From French MoD:
[France reports conducting its first airstrike in Syria: a five hour mission targeting a Daesh training camp south of Dayr ez Zour]
‘Le 27 septembre 2015, les forces françaises ont mené leur premier raid aérien en Syrie contre Daech. Cinq Rafale, un Atlantique 2 et un avion de ravitaillement C-135 ont été engagés dans cette mission qui visait un camp d’entraînement de l’organisation terroriste.
Depuis le 8 septembre 2015, les forces françaises conduisent des missions de reconnaissance au-dessus des zones contrôlées par Daech en Syrie. Au total, jusqu’au 24 septembre inclus, 12 missions ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) ont ainsi été menées.
Ces missions de reconnaissance renforcent la capacité d’appréciation autonome de la France sur la situation des régions contrôlées par l’organisation terroriste en Syrie. Elles ont permis d’identifier des cibles d’intérêt situées au cœur du sanctuaire de Daech.
Le 27 septembre 2015, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont mené un raid aérien contre un camp d’entraînement de Daech situé dans la vallée de l’Euphrate, au Sud de Deir Ez Zor. Il s’agit d’une frappe délibérée sur un objectif reconnu préalablement. Nos renseignements recoupés avec ceux de la coalition ont clairement établi que ce camp est occupé et actif.
Ce raid a été mené depuis les deux bases aériennes de l’opération Chammal situées en Jordanie et dans le Golfe Arabo-Persique.
Les armées françaises ont débuté leurs frappes à 6h30 (heure française). L’objectif ciblé a été détruit. Le raid a duré environ cinq heures.
La neutralisation de Daech s’inscrit dans le temps long. Cette première frappe constitue la suite logique des missions de reconnaissances engagées depuis le 8 septembre. La poursuite du processus d’acquisition du renseignement sur l’organisation de Daech permettra de lui infliger de nouveaux coups.
Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal mobilise 700 militaires. Elle vise, à la demande du gouvernement irakien et en coordination avec les alliés de la France présents dans la région, à assurer un appui (aérien et formation) aux forces irakiennes dans la lutte contre le groupe terroriste autoproclamé Daech. Le dispositif complet est actuellement structuré autour de douze avions de chasse de l’armée de l’Air (six Rafale, trois Mirage 2000D et trois Mirage 2000N) et d’un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique 2.’
French combat aircraft over the Middle East, Sept 2015 (Ministère de la Défense)
First French airstrike against Daesh in Syria, Sept 27th 2015
September 28th-29th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (4,547-4,558)
Syria 5 strikes (2,586-2,590)
Confirmed actions: US
1-2 reported civilian fatalities at Ma’adan, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 28, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using remotely piloted and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using bomber, 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 Abu Kamal, two airstrikes destroyed a crude oil collection point.
• Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mar’a, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL rockets, an ISIL vehicle, and an ISIL mortar system.
Iraq
• Near Al Asad, one airstrike struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.
• Near Al Huwayjah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL bunkers, and five ISIL tunnels.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL weapons cache.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike destroyed three ISIL weapons caches and two rocket positions.
• Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL tunnel and two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL fighting position.’
Strike on ‘ISIL defensive position’ near Kirkuk, Sept 28 2015
September 29th-30th 2015
Iraq 26 strikes (4,559-4,584)
Syria 4 strikes (2,591-2,594)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
11-29 reported civilian fatalities at Mosul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 29, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using remotely piloted, bomber, and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 26 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using bomber, fighter, attack, fighter-attack, ground-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 Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL excavators.
• Near Washiyah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator and damaged two other ISIL excavators.
• Near Palmyra, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL tactical vehicles.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, eight airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL staging area, 45 ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL buildings, six ISIL vehicles, an ISIL trailer, and denied ISIL terrain.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings, eight ISIL fighting positions, and five ISIL weapons caches.
• Near Habbaniyah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, nine rocket rails, and an ISIL recoilless rifle.
• Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 10 ISIL rocket rails, an ISIL cache, five ISIL vehicles, and an ISIL VBIED.
• Near Kisik, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL cache, and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL obstacle belt, and denied use of an ISIL resupply point.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, two airstrikes suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle and an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Tuesday 29 September, again in northern Iraq, a Reaper tracked a car carrying a number of ISIL extremists to a building, which was destroyed with a Hellfire.
The Reaper was also able to support two other coalition air strikes in the immediate area, which destroyed a vehicle and a fighting position.’
Additional report from CJTF-OIR:
‘Coalition forces are supporting a Peshmerga offensive operation against Daesh terrorists west of Kirkuk, Iraq that began Sept. 30, 2015. Peshmerga fighters successfully penetrated Daesh defensive positions, cleared fighters, liberated eight villages, and re-established government control over approximately 140 square kilometers between Huwayjah and Kirkuk.
Coalition aircraft conducted more than 50 airstrikes in support of this operation. Airstrikes against Daesh positions began several days before the ground operation in order to set favorable conditions for the Peshmerga by degrading Daesh’s ability to fight.
“The Peshmerga fighters continue to reduce Daesh’s initial gains in northern Iraq,” said Col. Christopher Garver, Public Affairs Officer for CJTF-OIR. “This was another important fight in the overall effort to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh”.
In the last four weeks, the Peshmerga have conducted three successful offensive operations against Daesh terrorists, returning more than 400 square kilometers of territory to government control, liberating 23 villages in the process, and helping to set the conditions for local citizens to return to their homes.‘
From Danish MoD
Update for week ending September 29th 2015
[Denmark’s final weekly report before its withdrawal from the Coalition reports 12 new missions and 19 bombs dropped during operations in Nineveh, Salah al Din and Anbar provinces. A total of 493 bombs were dropped in the year-long campaign]
‘Mission Update – RDAF F-16 Operation Inherent Resolve
De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 22. september fløjet 12 missioner og anvendt 19 bomber.
29-09-2015 – kl. 12:38
Af Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando
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 bygninger og våbenstillinger 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 planlægges et specifikt angreb mod et på forhånd defineret mål udførligt og detaljeret hjemmefra, og flyene flyver direkte frem til målet, kaster bomber hvis målene kan overvåges i real tid og flyver retur. Ved disse missioner har målene for bomberne været fjendtlige styrker og 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 543 missioner og anvendt 493 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 September 29th 2015
[Reports 15 new missions, including one Dutch-led mission involving other Coaltion partners, at an undisclosed location in Iraq]
‘Midden-Oosten
De Nederlandse F-16’s in het Midden-Oosten voerden 15 missies uit. Zij zetten wapens in tegen voertuigen, gebouwen en vuurposities van ISIS-strijders. Bij een van de coalitiemissies had een Nederlandse F-16 vlieger de leiding over een luchtaanval op verschillende ISIS-doelwitten. Er namen verschillende vliegtuigen van de coalitie hieraan deel.
De genie-eenheid heeft werkzaamheden afgerond ter voorbereiding voor de verbetering van de flightline op de uitzendlocatie waar de Nederlandse F-16’s zijn gestationeerd en de beveiliging van het leefkamp van het Nederlandse detachement. Zij maken sinds augustus deel uit van de Air Task Force Middle East.
Irak
Leerlingen van de Commando Course 61 van de Irakese Special Operations Forces ontvingen hun certificaat. Daarbij was de Nederlandse ambassadeur Jan Waltmans aanwezig.
Tijdens de cursus zijn Irakese instructeurs door militairen van de coalitielanden begeleid om zelf instructie te geven. Uiteindelijk moeten Irakese docenten de lessen geven zonder hulp van de coalitie. Nederland heeft de leiding bij de Commando Course en de Commando Instructor Course.
Er zijn nieuwe Nederlandse instructeurs in Bagdad aangekomen. Als zij zijn ingewerkt, start er een nieuwe commandocursus.’
September 30th-October 1st 2015
Iraq 21 strikes (4,585-4,605)
Syria 1 strike (2,595)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Sept. 30, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted one airstrike using remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 21 airstrikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using bomber, fighter, 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
• Near Mar’a, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL excavators.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, seven airstrikes struck a large ISIL tactical unit and an area of interest and destroyed three ISIL heavy machine guns, an ISIL light machine gun, eight ISIL fighting positions, suppressed ISIL mortar fire, and denied ISIL terrain.
• Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL tactical vehicle and an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL tunnel.
• Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL rocket system.
• Near Kirkuk, four airstrikes [1 British] struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL cache, two ISIL heavy machine guns, seven ISIL light machine guns, 22 ISIL fighting positions, and denied ISIL access to terrain.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL tactical vehicle and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL light machine gun and two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Sultan Abdallah, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position and suppressed an ISIL mortar position.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From UK MoD:
‘The following day, Wednesday 30 September, two Tornado GR4s from RAF Akrotiri, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, provided close air support to Kurdish peshmerga advancing west of Kirkuk, who had come under fire from two ISIL heavy machine-gun positions. Both positions were successfully hit using Paveway IVs, removing the threat posed to the Kurdish troops.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 30 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 Sinjar using precision guided munitions.’
From Australian MoD
Monthly report for September 2015
Aircraft |
Sorties |
Hours |
Munitions/Fuel (lbs) |
| E7 | 10 | 116 | N/A |
| KC-30 | 32 | 262 | 2,583,300 |
| F/A 18A | 78 | 597 | 39 |
From AFCENT
Monthly data for September 2015
