Monthly summary: Below are all known daily coalition military reports relating to the air war against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for March 2015. We have also included relevant video and photo releases, as well as indicating where possible civilian or ‘friendly fire’ casualties may have occurred.
MARCH 1st/2nd 2015
Iraq strikes 5 (1,468-1,472)
Syria strikes 4 (1,186-1,189)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On Mar. 1, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., Mar. 1, and 8 a.m., Mar. 2, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Dayr az Zawr, an airstrike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL bunker.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed three ISIL boats and two ISIL vehicles.
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike [British] struck multiple ISIL checkpoints and fighting positions.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position [VIDEO], two ISIL vehicles and two ISIL pieces of engineer equipment.
* Near Rawah, an airstrike struck an ISIL compound.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 1 March, a Reaper tracked an ISIL truck loaded with weapons and ammunition, and scored a direct Hellfire hit.
On the morning of Monday 2 March, a pair of RAF Tornado GR4s led other coalition aircraft in an attack on a series of ISIL fortified positions south of Kirkuk. These bunkers posed a potential threat to offensive operations by the Kurdish peshmerga, who have also benefitted from equipment and extensive training provided by British and coalition military instructors.’
Coalition targets ‘ISIL encampment,’ Mosul Iraq March 1st 2015
MARCH 2nd/3rd 2015
Iraq strikes 7 (1,473-1,479)
Syria strikes 7 (1,190-1,196)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, France
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 2, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 2, and 8 a.m., March 3, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL motorcycles.
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, three airstrikes [1 or more French] struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL boat and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike [French] struck an ISIL checkpoint.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL building.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy Machine Gun.’
From French MoD:
‘Une seconde frappe a été réalisée dans cette même région [al Baghdadi] par les aéronefs français le 2 mars. Dans la même journée, les aéronefs ont ciblé un groupe de combattants qui avaient pris position dans une palmeraie dans la région d’Al Assad, tandis qu’une frappe planifiée dans la région de Bashiqa a visé des miradors postés près d’un repère de Daech entre Mossoul et Erbil.’
From UK MoD:
‘Meanwhile, in western Iraq [on March 2nd], RAF Reapers provided close air support to an Iraqi Army offensive in Anbar province. The retreating ISIL terrorists sought to hold up the Iraqi advance with numerous improvised explosive devices. One vehicle-borne bomb posed a particular obstacle to the Iraqi ground forces, so a Reaper destroyed the vehicle with a Hellfire missile.
Later that night, another Reaper assisted Iraqi troops who had come under fire from the terrorists, carrying out an attack with a Hellfire missile on the ISIL position.’
MARCH 3rd/4th 2015
Iraq strikes 9 (1,480-1,488)
Syria strikes 3 (1,197-1,199)
Confirmed actions: US
3-12 civilians reported killed at Fallujah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 3, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 3, and 8 a.m., March 4, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck an IED factory, an ISIL VBIED factory, an ISIL weapons storage facility and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike on ISIL fighters was reported as ineffective.
* Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle and three ISIL vehicles.’
From Danish MoD:
[For week ending March 3rd 2015: Reports 11 fresh missions flying Close Air Support missions in Nineveh and Anbar provinces, Iraq, which saw 10 bombs dropped (c. 3 strikes)]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 24. februar fløjet 11 missioner og anvendt 10 bomber.
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 og Al Anbar. Målene for bomberne har været bygninger og køretøjer.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat direkte 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. Målene for bomberne har været køretøjer.
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 og flyver retur, såfremt det er muligt at overvåge målet under angrebet. Ved disse missioner har målene for bomberne været bygninger.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 219 missioner og anvendt 168 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:
For week ending March 3rd 2015: Reports 30 new missions in Iraq which saw 10 munitions dropped [c 3 strikes] against targetes including fighters and buildings.
‘Nederlandse F-16’s maakten 30 vluchten boven Irak. De toestellen zetten daarbij meer dan 10 keer wapens in tegen doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS, zoals strijders en gebouwen. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties in de week van 23 februari tot en met 1 maart.’
MARCH 4th/5th 2015
Iraq strikes 5 (1,489-1,493)
Syria strikes 7 (1,200-1,206)
Confirmed actions: US, France, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 4, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 4, and 8 a.m., March 5, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Kobani, four airstrikes destroyed 11 ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL VBIED.
* Near Tal Hamis, two airstrikes struck two ISIL fighting positions and destroyed an ISIL staging area and an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike [French] struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Fallujah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL artillery piece [British] and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Haditha, , an airstrike was conducted to help support friendly forces movement.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
From French MoD:
‘Un groupe de combattants a aussi été neutralisé le 4 mars, grâce à une frappe d’opportunité dans la région d’Ain al Assad, alors que celui-ci prenait à partie un convoi des forces irakiennes.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Wednesday 4 March, a Reaper, which was providing air support to Iraqi army units, spotted the muzzle flash of a heavy calibre weapon. Close investigation allowed the Reaper’s crew to locate an ISIL towed artillery piece, which was then destroyed with a Hellfire missile.’
MARCH 5th/6th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (1,494-1,505)
Syria 4 strikes (1,207-1,210)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
16 civilians reported killed near Mosul, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 5, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using attack and fighter aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 5, and 8 a.m., March 6, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Dayr az Zawr, an airstrike [UAE] struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
* Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Tal Hamis, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL bulldozer.
* Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL headquarters and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Haditha, an airstrike struck ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery system.
* Near Samarra, an airstrike neutralized an ISIL VBIED.
* Near Taji, an airstrike struck ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve delivered precise and effective airstrikes on enemy positions in and around Al Baghdadi, in support of the Iraqi Government’s fight against ISIL. Iraqi Security Forces and Tribal Fighters from the Anbar region have successfully cleared Al Baghdadi of ISIL, retaking both the police station and three Euphrates River bridges. The bridges have been held by ISIL since last September. Furthermore, the Iraqi Security Forces with Coalition support, succeeded in pushing ISIL from seven villages northwest of Al Baghdadi on the road to Hadithah.
From Feb. 22 – March 6, in support of the Government of Iraq’s (GOI) campaign to defeat ISIL, the Coalition executed 26 airstrikes to facilitate the maneuver of the Iraqi Security Forces and their successful attacks. In addition to airstrikes, the Coalition supported the operation with surveillance assets and Advise and Assist teams who provided operational and intelligence assistance to Iraqi Security Force Headquarters Elements, which helped to enable them to successfully conduct the offensive operation.
The CJTF-OIR Coalition will continue supporting efforts on behalf of all Iraqi Security Forces and the GoI, to attack and defeat ISIL. Iraqi Security Forces now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the Anbar region.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 5 March 2015, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces (ISF) in an area South-East of Mosul, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL transport vehicle carrying an artillery piece by using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘The following day [Thursday March 5th], other Reapers continued to provide close air support to Iraqi ground forces in the west of the country. An ISIL vehicle was destroyed during Thursday morning, and then in the evening a series of Hellfire engagements took place. An ISIL vehicle check-point was neutralised, an attempt by terrorists to launch an attack on Iraqi troops was disrupted by three successful missile strikes, and finally an armed pick-up truck was destroyed late that night. The Reapers also provided surveillance support to two further air strikes by coalition fast jets.’
From United Arab Emirates MoD:
[March 7th 2015 – Arabic. Via WMA official agency. Translated.]
‘Fighter aircraft of the United Arab Emirates F-16 squadron, stationed in one of the air bases in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, carried out airstrikes overnight against Da’esh terrorist sites, which show to the world horrific violations of all religious and human values.
Aircraft targeted a number of operating and extraction points and crude oil pipelines controlled by the organization, with the aim of depriving Daesh of sources of income and to dry up funding for terrorist operations.
All fighter aircraft returned safely to base.’
Emirates F-16s on night bombing run, Syria March 6th 2015
MARCH 6th/7th 2015
Iraq 11 strikes (1,506-1,516)
Syria 6 strikes (1,211-1,216)
Confirmed actions: US
4 to 6 civilian deaths reported at Bukamal, Syria
1 civilian reported killed at Fallujah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 6, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using attack and fighter aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 6, and 8 a.m., March 7, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck three tactical units, destroyed two fighting positions and damaged one heavy machine gun position.
Iraq
* Near Mosul, six airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroyed two buildings, two check points, two ISIL vehicles, and one mortar, damaged an anti-air defense artillery gun and a weapons cache, and neutralized an excavator.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed two anti-air defense guns.
* Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck two tactical units and destroyed one fighting position and one sniper position.
* Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck one tactical unit and destroyed one vehicle and one weapons cache.’
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘One CJTF-OIR member died and three were wounded in a friendly fire incident with Kurdish Security Forces in Northern Iraq March 6. These servicemembers were conducting an Advise & Assist mission with KSF supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The four were transported to a coalition medical facility for care where one servicemember died of wounds.
This incident is currently under investigation. It is CJTF-OIR policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.’
MARCH 7th/8th 2015
Iraq strikes 12 (1,517-1,528)
Syria strike 1 (1,217)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 7, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber aircraft to conduct an airstrike. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 7, and 8 a.m., March 8, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed six ISIL excavators and an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL fighting position and destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
* Near Haditha, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike [Canadian] struck multiple ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL excavators.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL IED factory and an ISIL tactical unit.’
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘One CJTF-OIR Canadian Soldier was killed in a friendly fire incident during an Advise & Assist mission with Kurdish Security Forces supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Northern Iraq on March 6. Sgt. Andrew Joseph Doiron was a member of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, based at Garrison Petawawa, Ontario. “The Combined Joint Task Force wishes to express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our Canadian brother,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, CJTF commander. “His loss is felt across the Coalition and we honor him for the way he valiantly served in order to preserve basic human rights of people everywhere.”
Three other Canadian Soldiers were wounded in the incident and are being treated for their injuries. One was transported to Landstuhl, Germany for further medical care. This incident is under investigation.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 7 March 2015, while taking part in coalition missions in support of Iraqi security forces ground operations conducted south of Kirkuk, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIL fighting positions using precision guided munitions.’
Carriers USS Carl Vinson & FS Charles de Gaulle, March 8th 2015
MARCH 8th/9th 2015
Iraq 9 strikes (1,529-1,537)
Syria 6 strikes* (1,218-1,223)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
5 to 6 civilians reported killed at Atmeh, Syria
14-15 civilians reported killed at Tal Abyad, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 8, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter aircraft to conduct five airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 8, and 8 a.m., March 9, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL modular oil refinery and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
* Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL large tactical units, an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed nine ISIL vehicles,two ISIL buildings [VIDEO], two ISIL armored vehicles and an ISIL storage facility.
* Near Haditha, an airstrike [Canadian?] struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL bunker.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.’
Additional note from CJTF-OIR*:
‘Separately, near Aleppo on March 8 U.S. military forces attacked with bomber aircraft a staging area of a network of veteran al Qa’ida operatives sometimes called the “Khorasan Group,” who are plotting external attacks against the United States and our allies. The airstrike struck a large tactical unit and destroyed four buildings and three tents.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 8 March, a Reaper armed reconnaissance patrol provided surveillance for a coalition attack on an armed terrorist truck, then conducted an Hellfire attack on a second vehicle.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 8 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck two ISIL ammunition caches southeast of Haditha using precision guided munitions.’
Coalition targets ‘ISIL compound,’ Fallujah Iraq March 8th 2015
MARCH 9th/10th 2015
Iraq 8 strikes (1,538-1,545)
Syria 4 strikes (1,224-1,227)
Confirmed action: US, UK, Canada
8 civilians reported killed at Tilkaif, Syria
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 9, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 9, and 8 a.m., March 10, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL large tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
* Near Kirkuk, four airstrikes [1 Canadian?] struck three ISIL large tactical units, an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL buildings, three ISIL vehicles, three ISIL VBIEDS, an ISIL culvert crossing and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike suppressed an ISIL vehicle.’
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘Anti-ISIL forces supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes seized key terrain late last week in North-East Syria near Tal Hamis. These forces overcame ISIL resistance in this section of Syria, and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area. The two-week operation, which ended March 7, also denied ISIL access to primary travel routes historically used to move its personnel and materials into Iraq – namely Tal Afar and Mosul. During the operation, anti-ISIL forces were able to seize critical portions of Route 47 in Syria, a key ISIL communications and supply line leading into Iraq. In addition, key terrain was seized in the Jazera region and 94 nearby villages were liberated. Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes, resulting in multiple ISIL weapons systems, vehicles and fighting positions being destroyed. “This operation demonstrated the ability of anti-ISIL forces to further degrade Daesh influence in this region,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve commander. “The determination of these anti-ISIL forces and our precision airstrikes enabled us to deny Daesh this key terrain in Syria.”‘
From UK MoD:
‘Monday afternoon [March 9th] saw a pair of Tornado GR4s conduct close air support for Kudish peshmerga on the offensive south of Kirkuk. When the peshmerga came under fire from ISIL terrorists the GR4s were able to conduct successful strikes with Paveway IV guided bombs.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 9 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck a series of ISIL staging areas and fighting positions west of Kirkuk using precision guided munitions.’
Coalition targets ISIL firing from Kirkuk building, March 9th 2015
Coalition targets ‘ISIL vehicle’ near Kirkuk, Iraq March 9th 2015
MARCH 10th/11th 2015
Iraq 13 strikes (1,546-1,558)
Syria 2 strikes (1,228-1,229)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 10, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter aircraft to conduct two airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 10, and 8 a.m., March 11, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL oil pump jacks.
* Near Kobani, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, three airstrikes [1 British] struck an ISIL artillery piece and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL artillery piece.
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes destroyed three ISIL vehicles.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Mosul, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL outpost and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.
* Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.’
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘Peshmerga Fighters supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, seized a key ridgeline in Northern Iraq west of Kirkuk. These forces overcame ISIL resistance in this section of Iraq, and denied the terrorist group its freedom of maneuver in the area. The one day operation, which began and ended March 9, also pushed ISIL further away from the Kirkuk oilfields.
During the operation, Peshmerga forces were able to seize critical portions of Route 80 in Iraq. In addition, the Peshmerga forces pushed ISIL three to five km back over a wide front liberating 70 square kilometers of terrain formerly held by ISIL. Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes, resulting in the destruction of ten enemy fighting positions, five tactical units and ten ISIL weapons systems.
“This operation is another step on the path to ultimately defeating Daesh. It clearly demonstrates the ability of Peshmerga forces to degrade Daesh influence in Northern Iraq,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve commander.
The CJTF-OIR coalition will continue to support efforts to attack and defeat ISIL. Peshmerga fighters now hold the gains they have made and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL in the region.’
From UK MoD:
‘In the early hours of Wednesday 11 March, a Tornado patrol located a camouflaged 130mm heavy artillery piece near Al Qaim in western Iraq, and destroyed it with Brimstone missiles.’
From Danish MoD:
[For week ending March 10th 2015: Reports 13 missions deploying 10 bombs [c.3 strikes] targeting buildings in Nineveh, Kirkuk, Karbala and Al Anbar, all in Iraq.]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 03. marts fløjet 13 missioner og anvendt 15 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 regionerne Ninawa, Kirkuk, Karbala og Al Anbar. Målene for bomberne har været bygninger.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat direkte 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 og flyver retur, såfremt det er muligt at overvåge målet under angrebet. Ved disse missioner har målene for bomberne været bygninger.
På de missioner, hvor de danske F-16 ikke har anvendt våben, har de bidraget med overvågning og indhentning af efterretninger. På sådanne overvågningsmissioner er flyene dog altid klar til at anvende våben, hvis der er behov for det.
Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 232 missioner og anvendt 183 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:
For week ending March 10th 2014: 30 new missions dropped 20 munitions in Iraq [est. 6 strikes]
‘Met inzet van de gevechtsvliegtuigen helpt Nederland mee de slagkracht van terreurorganistatie ISIS te breken. De toestellen maakten afgelopen week 30 vluchten boven Irak. Ze zetten daarbij bijna 20 keer wapens in tegen doelen van ISIS, zoals strijders en gebouwen.’
Netherlands Ambassador to Iraq Jeanette Seppen with a Dutch F-16 in the Middle East (Dutch MoD)
US Hornets land and take off from French carrier Charles de Gaulle
March 10th 2015
MARCH 11th/12th 2015
Iraq 13 strikes (1,559-1,571)
Syria : no strikes
Confirmed: US and UK
29 to 50 killed in possible ‘friendly fire’ incident at Ramadi, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 11, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using fighter, attack and remote aircraft to conduct 13 airstrikes. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 11, and 8 a.m., March 12, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* CJTF-OIR conducted no airstrikes in Syria between 8 a.m., March 11, and 8 a.m., March 12, local time.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Kirkuk, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL excavators, three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL VBIED.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL armored vehicles.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike [British] struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Wednesday 11 March, Tornado GR4s, along with Sentry surveillance and Voyager tanker aircraft, provided close air support to Kurdish peshmerga engaged in eliminating ISIL strongholds in and around the city of Sinjar. An ISIL position was identified – they were using a building to fire at close range on the advancing Kurdish unit. Working closely with the Kurdish forces the Tornado crews conducted a precision attack with a Paveway IV guided bomb which successfully destroyed the position.
A little later, a second stronghold was identified – a base being used by a terrorist heavy machine-gun team – this too was successfully attacked with a Paveway IV.
Later that same day, an RAF Reaper provided similar support to Iraqi military units in Anbar province. The Reaper’s crew tracked ISIL vehicles moving at speed on the open road and destroyed two with Hellfire missiles. The Reaper then worked closely to designate targets and provide surveillance support for a further five strikes by other coalition aircraft on enemy positions in the area.’
RAF Reaper drone strike, Anbar province Iraq, March 11th 2015
MARCH 12th/13th 2015
Iraq 6 strikes (1,572-1,577)
Syria 5 strikes (1,230-1,234)
Confirmed: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 12, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct five airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 12, and 8 a.m., March 13, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, five airstrikes destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery piece.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
* Near Rawah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.’
Additional CJTF-OIR release:
‘March 13th [archived] – Iraqi Security Forces supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, successfully defeated an ISIL attack on Ramadi in the Anbar Region. The Iraqi forces were simultaneously attacked in several locations in Ramadi and the surrounding areas with small arms fire, vehicle-borne IED’s and indirect fire during the morning of March 11.
Iraqi air and ground security forces responded in force and successfully defeated the attacks. ISIL gained no ground.
“The successful defense of Ramadi by Iraqi Security Forces is another example of their increasing ability to defeat Daesh in multiple locations and prevent the terrorist group from gaining ground,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, CJTF-OIR commander. “The ISF continues to hold terrain in some locations while making gains in others.”
Iraqi Security Forces in Ramadi continue to hold all positions previously held by friendly forces before the attack. The CJTF-OIR coalition will continue to support the Government of Iraq efforts to attack, defend and defeat ISIL.’
From French MoD:
Week ending March 12th 2015 – Reports 6 new airstrikes in vicinity of Fallujah, Mosul and Kirkuk during 57 sorties.
‘Cette semaine, la force Chammal a réalisé 57 missions aériennes au-dessus de l’Irak, lesquelles ont abouti à six frappes au sol dans les régions de Fallujah, Kirkouk et Mossoul.
L’une de ces frappes a notamment permis la destruction d’un véhicule suicide, un camion blindé rempli d’explosifs, stationné sur une route, qui avait pour but d’exploser au prochain passage des forces de sécurité irakiennes.
Par ailleurs, le 8 mars, le général d’armée Pierre de Villiers, chef d’état-major des armées, a accueilli son homologue américain, le général Marin Dempsey, à bord du porte-avions Charles de Gaulle engagé dans la lutte contre Daech en Irak.’
MARCH 13th/14th 2015
Iraq 8 strikes (1,578-1,585)
Syria 2 strikes (1,235-1,236)
Confirmed: US, UK
4 or more confirmed civilian deaths at Hatra, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 13, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct two airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 13, and 8 a.m., March 14, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Hasakah, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Kirkuk, four airstrikes [2 or 3 British] struck one large ISIL unit and two ISIL tactical units and destroyed four buildings, three ISIL machine guns, and three ISIL vehicles.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck one tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL vehicles and one structure.
* Near Fallujah, one airstrike neutralized an ISIL rocket tube.
* Near Rawah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles.’
From UK MoD:
‘Friday 13 March saw Tornado GR4s patrolling ahead of the latest peshmerga offensive near Kirkuk. An armed ISIL truck, which had been firing on the Kurds was destroyed with a Brimstone missile.
The GR4s then used Paveways in successful attacks on two buildings in which terrorists had taken up position.’
MARCH 14th/15th 2015
Iraq 7 strikes (1,586-1,592)
Syria 4 strikes (1,237-1,240)
Confirmed: US and UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 14, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately, U.S. military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 14, and 8 a.m., March 15, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Al Hawayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL staging area.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.’
From UK MoD:
‘The following day [March 14th], Tornadoes flew in support of the Iraqi army to the north-west of Haditha. An ISIL armoured personnel carrier and another armed terrorist vehicle were identified, and both were struck by Brimstone missiles.’
MARCH 15th/16th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (1,593-1,604)
Syria 5 strikes (1,241-1,245)
Confirmed: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 15, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, attack and bomber aircraft to conduct five airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 15, and 8 a.m., March 16, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL excavator and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL machine gun.
* Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Al Hawayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Haditha two airstrikes [1 British] struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Hit in Al Anbar Province, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes [1 British] struck an ISIL IED factory and destroyed two ISIL excavators, three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL bulldozer.
* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, an ISIL building, an ISIL sniper and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL front end loader.
* Near Rawah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL excavators and destroyed an ISIL front end loader and an ISIL excavator.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Sunday 15 March, a GR4 patrol was back in northern Iraq, operating over Mosul. Knowing that the Iraqi forces plan at some point to launch an offensive to retake the city from the terrorists, ISIL have been making efforts to construct defences in and around Mosul, and the GR4s were able to disrupt some of this engineering work with Paveway and Brimstone strikes.
In a similar fashion, a further Tornado mission in the early hours of Monday morning [March 16th] conducted a Brimstone attack on a vehicle being used to create defences at Anah, near the Haditha Lake.’
MARCH 16th/17th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (1,605-1,616)
Syria 7 strikes (1,246-1,252)
Confirmed: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 16, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 16, and 8 a.m., March 17, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
* Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, four ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL checkpoint.
* Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL weapons storage facility, two ISIL crossing points and destroyed two different ISIL crossing points.
* Near Hit in Al Anbar Province, an airstrike had inconclusive results.
* Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed eight ISIL vehicles, three ISIL buildings and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.’
MARCH 17th/18th 2015
Iraq 11 strikes (1,617-1,627)
Syria 2 strikes (1,253-1,254)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 17, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and attack aircraft to conduct two airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 17, and 8 a.m., March 18, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike struck an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL tunnel system.
* Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Al Asad, an airstrike denied ISIL an avenue of approach.
* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL rocket storage facility.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL remotely piloted aircraft and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL excavators.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL excavators and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Ramadi, five airstrikes struck two ISIL bridges, an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL excavator and destroyed an ISIL sniper position and an ISIL vehicle.’
From UK MoD:
‘On Tuesday 17 March, a Tornado GR4 patrol conducted extensive reconnaissance work before investigating reports of engineering equipment in use by ISIL to build defensive positions. Two excavators were located and destroyed with a Brimstone missile and a Paveway IV guided bomb.’
From Danish MoD:
For week ending March 17th 2015: Reports 11 new missions targeting enemy vehicles and buildings, with 9 bombs dropped in Anbar province and Karbala, Iraq (c 3 new strikes)
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 10. marts fløjet 11 missioner og anvendt 9 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 områderne omkring Al Anbar provinsen og Karbala. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige køretøjer og bygninger.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat direkte 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 nogle af disse missioner har de danske fly kastet bomber mod fjendtlige køretøjer.
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 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 243 missioner og anvendt 192 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:
For week ending March 17th 2015: Reports 20 new missions tho gives no weapon release figures for the week. Overall says 350 weapons now dropped.
‘Nederlandse F-16’s vlogen 20 missies boven Irak. Ze zetten daarbij meerdere keren wapens in tegen doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS. Het F-16-detachement in het Midden-Oosten klokte het 3.000e vlieguur boven Irak sinds de eerste missie op 5 oktober. Inmiddels zijn er meer dan 620 missies gevlogen en ruim 350 keer wapens ingezet. De eenheid levert een bijdrage aan de internationale strijd tegen ISIS.’
MARCH 18th/19th 2015
Iraq 12 strikes (1,628-1,639)
Syria 7 strikes (1,255-1,261)
Confirmed: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 18, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 18, and 8 a.m., March 19, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units.
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL tank and an ISIL armored personnel carrier.
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Ar Rutbah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL-controlled bridge and destroyed a different ISIL-controlled bridge.
* Near Hit in Al Anbar Province, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Kirkuk, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building [Canadian] and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL pieces of engineer equipment [Canadian?] and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL bridges, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL building and an ISIL tunnel system.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike had inconclusive results.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 19 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL Improvised Explosives Device (IED) factory west of Kirkuk by using precision guided munitions.
On 19 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIL equipment and fighting positions northeast of Mosul by using precision guided munitions.’
MARCH 19th/20th 2015
Iraq 7 strikes (1,640-1,646)
Syria 1 strike (1,262)
Confirmed: US and UK
Possible civilian casualties at Hawijah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 19, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber aircraft to conduct an airstrike. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq, using attack and fighter aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 19, and 8 a.m., March 20, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Al Hawayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL IED factory.
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL weapons assembly area.
* Near Haditha, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL rocket site, an ISIL heavy machine gun [British] and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL excavators.’
From UK MoD:
‘Overnight on 19/20 March, another GR4 patrol came to the assistance of peshmerga advancing north-east of Mosul. Working closely with the Kurdish forces, despite difficult weather, our aircraft were able to conduct precision attacks with two Paveway IV bombs against an ISIL heavy machine gun and weapon positions.’
From French MoD:
Week ending March 19th 2015: Reports 117 new sorties and 10 strikes, including one at Kirkuk
‘Cette semaine, la force Chammal a réalisé 117 sorties aériennes, dont dix ont abouti à des frappes au sol. Plusieurs véhicules armés et logistiques ont été détruits par les aéronefs français, ainsi qu’un véhicule suicide dans la région de Kirkouk. Les avions français ont également ciblé des combattants à plusieurs reprises ainsi que du matériel d’artillerie.
Parallèlement, un avion E-3F Awacs a rejoint Al Udeid, au Qatar, dimanche 15 mars, avant de réaliser sa première mission trois jours plus tard. Sous contrôle opérationnel américain et en collaboration avec les pays alliés, il assure des fonctions de Command and Control au sein de la coalition. Il s’agit du deuxième déploiement de cet aéronef qui a déjà été engagé dans l’opération Chammal de fin octobre à mi-novembre 2014.
Concernant le volet terrestre de l’opération Chammal, les actions de formation ont débuté le 7 mars au profit d’une cinquantaine de stagiaires de l’Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS).’
French attack aircraft onboard the carrier Charles de Gaulle, March 20th 2015 (Ministère de la Défense)
MARCH 20th/21st 2015
Iraq 7 strikes (1,647-1,653)
Syria 3 strikes (1,263-1,265)
Confirmed: US, France
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 20, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber aircraft to conduct three airstrikes. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq, using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 20, and 8 a.m., March 21, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions, one ISIL vehicle, one large ISIL machine gun, and one ISIL machine gun.
Iraq
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed one ISIL storage facility and neutralized one ISIL rocket site, one ISIL RPG position, one ISIL large machine gun, and one ISIL mortar.
* Near Kirkuk, one airstrike destroyed one ISIL fighting position, one ISIL tank and one ISIL excavator.
* Near Hit in Al Anbar Province, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Ramadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL building.
* Near Taji, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles.
* Near Bayji, one airstrike destroyed two tactical units.’
From French MoD:
‘Le 20 mars, une patrouille a tiré sur un bâtiment abritant une fabrique d’IED dans la région de Ramadi, alors qu’une seconde patrouille a détruit deux camions suicides dans la région de Bagdad.’
MARCH 21st/22nd 2015
Iraq strikes 5 (1,654-1,658)
Syria strikes 4 (1,266-1,269)
Confirmed actions: US, France
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 21, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes approved by the Iraq Ministry of Defense, using attack and fighter aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 21, and 8 a.m., March 22, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike destroyed an armored personnel carrier.
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, three ISIL vehicles and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Mosul, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL excavators and an ISIL shipping container.
* Near Ramadi, two airstrike [1 French] destroyed an ISIL homemade explosive cache, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL building.’
From French MoD:
‘Le lendemain [March 21st 2015], les avions français, en appui des forces irakiennes au contact au sol, ont neutralisé un poste de combat situé sur un immeuble dans la région de Ramadi.
MARCH 22nd/23rd 2015
Iraq 6 strikes (1,659-1,664)
Syria 8 strikes (1,270-1,277)
Confirmed: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
“On March 22, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using fighter aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 22, and 8 a.m., March 23, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, eight airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed 12 ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Rawah, an airstrike struck an ISIL trailer.
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL staging area and an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.”
From Canadian MoD:
“On 22 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL staging area in Sinjar using precision guided munitions.”
From French MoD:
Enfin, le 22 mars, la force Chammal, en appui de Peshmergas, a neutralisé une trentaine de combattants qui étaient abrités dans un immeuble dans la région de Sinjar.
MARCH 23rd/24th 2015
Iraq 8 strikes (1,665-1,672)
Syria 6 strikes (1,278-1,283)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
2 reported killed in ‘friendly fire’ incident at Tikrit, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 23, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using fighter and attack aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 23, and 8 a.m., March 24, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL checkpoint.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL shipping containers.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike struck an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed two ISIL excavators.
*Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL IED and VBIED storage facility and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.”
From UK MoD:
‘Earlier in the week, on Tuesday 24 March, an RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft provided support to Iraqi units operating in the western province of Anbar. Hellfire missiles were used against an ISIL vehicle and two positions.’
MARCH 24th/25th 2015
Iraq 14 strikes (1,673-1,686)
Syria 5 strikes (1,284-1,288)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 24, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter aircraft to conduct five airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 14 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 24, and 8 a.m., March 25, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, an ISIL vehicle and destroyed 10 ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL armored vehicle.
* Near Fallujah, five airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck four ISIL tactical units, an ISIL vehicle and destroyed two ISIL excavators and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL modular oil refinery, an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL machine guns and an ISIL building.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, an ISIL tactical unit, two ISIL machine guns and destroyed an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL building.’
Additional release from CJTF-OIR:
‘March 25th – CJTF-OIR operations to support Iraqi Security Forces in Tikrit have commenced after a request from the Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi. The Coalition is now providing direct support to Iraqi Security Forces conducting operations to expel ISIL from the city. CJTF-OIR is providing air strikes, airborne intelligence capabilities, and Advise and Assist support to Iraqi Security Force headquarters elements in order to enhance their ability to defeat ISIL.
“These strikes are intended to destroy ISIL strongholds with precision, thereby saving innocent Iraqi lives while minimizing collateral damage to infrastructure,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, CJTF-OIR commanding general. “This will further enable Iraqi forces under Iraqi command to maneuver and defeat ISIL in the vicinity of Tikrit.”
Iraqi Security Forces have ISIL in Tikrit encircled. Renewed efforts on the ground supported by the Coalition are aimed at dislodging ISIL fighting elements from Tikrit and once again placing the town under the Government of Iraq control. The CJTF-OIR Coalition will continue supporting the Iraqi Security Forces and the GoI, to degrade and defeat ISIL.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 24 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and heavy engineering equipment north of Fallujah by using precision guided munitions.’
From Danish MoD:
For week ending March 24th 2015: Reports 10 new sorties, mostly in Anbar area, during which 2 bombs were dropped [c. 1 strike]
‘De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 17. marts fløjet 10 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 primært deltaget i missioner i Al Anbar. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige styrker.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat direkte 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 de 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 253 missioner og anvendt 194 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:
For week ending March 24th 2015: Reports 20 new missions which dropped 9 bombs [c. 3 strikes]
‘Het Nederlandse F-16-detachement in het Midden-Oosten stond tijdens een bijzonder appel stil bij de in Mali verongelukte collega’s.
Afgelopen week vlogen de gevechtstoestellen 20 missies boven Irak. Ze zetten 9 keer wapens in tegen doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS.’
March 25th/26th 2015
Iraq 24 strikes (1,687-1,710)
Syria 5 strikes (1,289-1,293)
Confirmed actions: US, UK, Canada
7 civilian deaths reported at Fallujah, Iraq
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 25, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, attack and bomber aircraft to conduct five airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 24 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 25, and 8 a.m., March 26, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Ar Raqqah, an airstrike struck an ISIL military garrison.
* Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, five ISIL fighting positions and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and two ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL checkpoint and an ISIL staging area.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Tikrit, 17 airstrikes struck multiple ISIL buildings, two ISIL bridges, three ISIL checkpoints, two ISIL staging areas, two ISIL berms, an ISIL roadblock and an ISIL command and control facility.’
Additional release from CJTF-OIR:
‘March 26th 2014 – Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces in Tikrit commenced last night after a request from the Government of Iraq. In Tikrit, Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
Tikrit, Iraq
* In Tikrit, 17 airstrikes struck an ISIL building, two ISIL bridges, three ISIL checkpoints, two ISIL staging areas, two ISIL berms, an ISIL roadblock and an ISIL controlled command and control facility.
“The ongoing Iraqi and Coalition air strikes are setting the conditions for offensive action to be conducted by Iraqi forces currently surrounding Tikrit,” said Lt. Gen. James Terry. “Iraqi Security Forces supported by the Coalition will continue to gain territory from Daesh.”
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. The destruction of ISIL targets in Iraq further limits the terrorist group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations.’
Further additional report from CJTF-OIR:
‘March 26th 2014 – Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) defeated four separate ISIL attacks across Iraq March 24. The ISF carried out these successful counterattacks in the areas of Kisik, western Kirkuk, Bayji and Habbaniyah. In Habbaniyah, ISIL unsuccessfully employed two VBIEDs and 12 suicide bombers in an effort to retake the Habbaniyah Bridge, based on initial reports. No ground was gained by ISIL in these attempts.
“The tables are turning,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR spokesman. “ISF is gaining ground and their capabilities continue to improve.”
Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve supported the ISF and Peshmerga fighters’ defense through airstrikes, ongoing advise and assist operations, airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR.
Meanwhile, In Syria, anti-ISIL forces seized several ISIL-controlled villages just south of Kobani.
The CJTF-OIR Coalition will continue supporting efforts on behalf of all Iraqi Security Forces and the Government of Iraq, to attack and defeat ISIL. Iraqi Security Forces continue to make gains throughout Iraq and are postured to retake additional territory from ISIL.’
From UK MoD:
‘Overnight on Wednesday 25 March the UK and other coalition nations provided support to Iraqi ground forces in western Tikrit who are continuing their offensive against ISIL. Tornado GR4s, supported by a Voyager tanker, used Paveway IV precision guided bombs to attack three ISIL strongholds.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 25 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL compound northeast of Mosul using precision guided munitions.’
Coalition strikes a bridge in Tikrit, Iraq March 25th 2015
Coalition strikes second bridge at Tikrit, March 25th 2015
Coalition bombs former Saddam palace and ISIL HQ, Tikrit March 25th 2015
Coalition strikes ‘ISIL compound’, central Tikrit March 25th 2015.
Coalition bombs ‘ISIL defensive position’, Tikrit March 25th 2015.
Coalition strikes 2nd ISIL defensive position, Tikrit March 25th 2015.
Another ISIL position is bombed by the coalition March 25th 2015.
A further coalition strike on an ISIL position, Tikrit, March 25th 2015.
An ISIL roadblock is bombed, Tikrit March 25th 2015.
Second reported ISIL roadblock bombed, Tikrit March 25th 2015.
Third ‘ISIL roadblock’ bombed by the coalition, Tikrit March 25th 2015
Alleged ISIL staging area, Tikrit March 25th 2015
Coalition strikes another ‘Daesh staging area,’ Tikrit, March 25th 2015.
MARCH 26th/27th 2015
Iraq 10 strikes (1,711-1,720)
Syria 6 strikes (1,294-1,299)
Confirmed actions: US
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 26, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 26, and 8 a.m., March 27, local time.
Syria
* Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles, two ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapons and an ISIL excavator.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL building.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL buildings, an anti-aircraft artillery weapon and an ISIL mortar position.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Tikrit, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL VBIED.’
MARCH 27th/28th 2015
Iraq 18 strikes (1,721-1,738)
Syria 4 strikes (1,300-1,303)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 27, coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 18 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 27, and 8 a.m., March 28, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroyed two anti-aircraft artillery machine guns, three ISIL vehicles, one excavator, and damaged one ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Tikrit, eight airstrikes struck two large ISIL units and one ISIL tactical unit, destroyed one ISIL vehicle, one ISIL vehicle borne explosive device, and destroyed 11 and damaged one fighting positions.
* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two anti-aircraft artillery guns and an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Mosul, three airstrikes destroyed two IED construction/facilitation buildings, one other building, an armored vehicle, and one fighting position [British].
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes destroyed one machine gun, one building and one excavator.
* Near Ar Rutbah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Bayji, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 27 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIL fighting positions southwest of Fallujah by using precision guided munitions.’
From UK MoD:
‘Tornado GR4s from RAF Akrotiri conducted an armed reconnaissance mission on Friday 27 March in the Mosul area, in the course of which they identified an excavator being used by ISIL to construct defensive positions against continuing Iraqi and Kurdish offensives to liberate the local population from oppression by the terrorists. A Brimstone missile made a direct hit on the vehicle, destroying it.’
MARCH 28th/29th 2015
Iraq 14 strikes (1,739-1,752)
Syria 1 strike (1,304)
Confirmed actions: US
Possible civilian fatalities at Tal Afar, Iraq
FROM CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 28, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter aircraft to conduct an airstrike. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 14 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 28, and 8 a.m., March 29, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
* Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL building.
* Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, an ISIL storage facility, an ISIL fighting position and destroyed an ISIL building and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
* Near Tikrit, six airstrikes struck six ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon.’
MARCH 29th/30th 2015
Iraq 7 strikes (1,753-1,759)
Syria 0 strikes
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 29, U.S. and Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using fighter, attack and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 29, and 8 a.m., March 30, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* CJTF-OIR conducted no airstrikes in Syria between 8 a.m., March 29, and 8 a.m., March 30, local time.
Iraq
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck multiple ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL rocket launcher and an ISIL building.
* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building.
* Near Tikrit, three airstrikes struck multiple ISIL buildings and destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles [1 British strike].’
From UK MoD:
‘Another Tornado patrol, on Sunday 29 March, provided close air support to Iraqi forces near Tikrit, and the accuracy of the Brimstone missile system allowed a successful attack to be conducted on a terrorist armoured personnel carrier positioned under a road bridge.’
MARCH 30th/31st 2015
Iraq 7 strikes (1,760-1,766)
Syria 1 strike (1,305)
Confirmed actions: US, Canada
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 30, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber aircraft to conduct an airstrike. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
“The strategy has not changed,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer. “The focus remains to drive ISIL out of Iraq. We have struck at ISIL’s command and control, supply lines, fighters and leaders, and military and economic infrastructure and resources. We have debilitated ISIL’s oil producing, processing and transportation infrastructure. We are seeing successes in this fight. It will take time, but we will succeed in our mission.”
All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 30, and 8 a.m., March 31, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Iraq
* Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit [Canadian?], one ISIL checkpoint [see videos] and destroyed 31 ISIL vehicles and two ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapons.
* Near Ramadi, an airstrike [Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.
* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL building and suppressed ISIL movement.
* Near Tikrit, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL buildings.’
From Canadian MoD:
‘On 30 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces in the vicinity of Ramadi, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck two ISIL fighting positions using precision guided munitions.
On 31 March 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces west of Mosul, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL fighting position using precision guided munitions.’
From Danish MoD:
[Reports 10 new missions dropping 8 bombs, with focus on Anbar and Nineveh provinces.]
‘31-03-2015 – kl. 15:51 – De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 24. marts fløjet 10 missioner og anvendt 8 bomber. Missionerne, som de danske fly har deltaget i, har været offensive, og de danske fly har i den forløbne periode primært deltaget i missioner i Al Anbar og Ninawa. Målene for bomberne har været fjendtlige styrker.
De danske fly har fløjet Close Air Support-missioner (CAS), hvor flyene er indsat direkte 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 263 missioner og anvendt 202 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:
[Reports 10 new missions dropping an unspecified number of munitions against ‘terrorist targets.‘]
‘Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties van 23 tot en met 29 maart.
Irak
Nederlandse F-16’s vlogen meer dan 10 missies boven verschillende provincies van Irak. Ze zetten daarbij wapens in tegen doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS.
Nederlandse instructeurs begonnen in Erbil een tweede infanteriecursus voor een nieuwe lichting Peshmerga. Marine- en landmachtinstructeurs zetten de commando-opleiding in Bagdad voort.’
Strike against ISIL checkpoint, Mosul, Iraq March 30 2015
Strike against ISIL checkpoint, Mosul, Iraq March 30 2015
MARCH 31st/ APRIL 1st 2015
Iraq 7 strikes (1,767-1,773)
Syria 7 strikes (1,306-1,312)
Confirmed actions: US, UK
From CJTF-OIR:
‘On March 31, Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using fighter, attack and bomber aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 31, and 8 a.m., April 1, local time. The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
* Near Al Hasakah, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions.
* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, three ISIL vehicles and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.
Iraq
* Near Hit in Al Anbar Province, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike [French] struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and two ISIL heavy machine guns
* Near Mosul, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL artillery piece.
* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit and an ISIL tactical unit.
* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL tent shelter.’
From UK MoD:
‘RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft have also continued their work to provide overwatch to Iraqi forces, and on Tuesday 31 March, a Reaper supported Iraqi army operations in Anbar province. As well as providing invaluable surveillance coverage, the aircraft was able to assist the Iraqi ground forces with a Hellfire missile strike on a terrorist position that was directing small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire onto an advancing army unit.’
Australia: monthly data for March 2015
Aircraft |
Sorties |
Hours |
Munitions/Fuel (lbs) |
| E7 | 12 | 157 | N/A |
| KC-30 | 34 | 277 | 2,790,184 |
| F/A 18F | 61 | 496 | 55 |
| F/A 18A | 22 | 160 | 8 |
US Air Force Central Command
Monthly Air Power Summary for March 2015
