SOUTHWEST ASIA – The Iraqi air force air dropped four million letters to the long-suffering residents of Mosul Dec. 22, to provide them courage and support while they await liberation from ISIL.

This air drop is the culminating event of The Institute for War and Peace Reporting initiative named, Letters to Mosul.

IWPR digitally launched their campaign on Oct. 17, 2016, the same day as the operation to liberate Mosul began. They photocopied and distributed 2,160 hand written letters to the people still held captive by ISIL.

The letters of empathy and support for Mosul residents were written by Iraqis from all over the country. This initiative by the people of Iraq reassures the residents of Mosul, held hostage by ISIL for more than two years, that they have not been forgotten and that the rest of Iraq is standing with them, waiting to welcome them back in solidarity when ISIL is defeated.

The Iraqi security forces are more than two months into operations to liberate Mosul. The government of Iraq initiated offensive operations on Oct. 17, 2016 to liberate Iraq’s second largest city, which has been held by ISIL for more than two years.

The Iraqi security forces are making deliberate progress each day placing the safety of citizens above their own as they conduct operations to liberate the people of Mosul.

Below are a sample of some of the letters dropped over Mosul:

“In the name of God the Merciful”
To our dear people, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, we are with you in everything and our hearts to you, and we feel what you feel of cold, hunger, and the harshness of days and you should be patient and endured that victory is close, God willing, what remained little but hold on to advocate Mosul. We ask you that you keep on your faith with God because he is alone capable of that removes this ordeal and to relieve you, your concerns and always night comes after day, God willing, your sun will shine and we will see the smile and joy on your faces and in the near, we will embrace each other and join each other and return Mosul to Iraq.
Daughter of Anbar

—————————

Dear Mosul you will be liberated soon by our heroes Our people in Mosul, we are with you in our hearts and souls, I do not find the right words to express to you but do not forget you are part of Iraq, and we will not abandon you, no matter how grown enemies. Victory will come soon, God willing. PMF, ISF, and Peshmerga are coming.

You will liberate Mosul by standing together as one hand. To who reads my letter if is from Mosul and its people, we want to say we love you, do not be sad nor afraid everything will end soon and if was one of ISF or PMF, we want to say you are our heroes our hope and you will liberate Mosul be strong.

———————–

My city Mosul
My love and respect and appreciation to you my family
You have my respect and affection
You are part of us no matter what happens we will keep you in the heart
You folks of patience and endurance, and know that no matter what happens you stay at the heart and we will fight to free you, and Whatever happens don’t give up in life, we’re fighting for you.

——————

My hand, trembling and my pen incapable of including internal words of longing and love to this beautiful city of the Prophet Yunis, the city that I wished to live in or visit …
You will return to your most beautiful days with your family and you will hear the prays of the mosques in Mosul sky, the culture and science will return because everything been robbed from you will come back to you.

——————–

Greeting to the land of Rabiein (Two springs)
To the green city
To both banks left and right …
You have all our love for your good land …
Thousands of greeting to you and peace …
To your aromatic forests …
Where have you been all this time …
Who betrayed you, sweetheart .. ??
Behold, we are coming for you when you called us …
Behold, we have paid our blood for your love …
We gave you a lot … a thousand spirit of the martyr …
And the blood of lovers and enamored …
Is this enough to the right of your love to gather us again…
Long as you are safe in the arms of your children …
The peace and love may bend to you again…

Dans leur recul global sur le théâtre, les combattants de Daech continuent de faire preuve d’une combativité qui freine la progression des troupes engagées contre eux. En Irak, l’effort de la Coalition et l’attention restent concentrés sur les combats pour la reprise de Mossoul, gênés par une météo défavorable. Ailleurs en Irak les forces irakiennes poursuivent leurs actions de sécurisation contre des groupes isolés de Daech, notamment dans la région de Sharqat. Dans le centre du pays, l’organisation terroriste maintient sa logique de harcèlement en poursuivant sa campagne d’attentats, en particulier à Bagdad. En Syrie, après la reprise de la ville de Palmyre par l’organisation, la Coalition a réalisé plusieurs frappes afin de neutraliser des concentrations de combattants et de matériels. AVANCÉE SUR LA BATAILLE DE MOSSOUL Cette semaine, des conditions météorologiques peu propices ont limité les avancées militaires au sol. Les FSI ont utilisé cette pause opérationnelle pour consolider les quartiers sous leur contrôle, dans lesquels Daech poursuit ses actions de harcèlement aux moyens de SVBIED et de tireurs isolés. Plusieurs contre-attaques ont encore été menées par des groupes de combattants djihadistes pour tenter de rependre des quartiers à l’ICTS et à la 9e division irakienne, mais se sont soldées par des échecs. ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL

• Appui aérien au Levant

Les deux Rafale déployés en renfort sur la base aérienne projetée ont réalisé leur première mission opérationnelle dès le 16 décembre. Depuis le 14 décembre 2016, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont poursuivi leurs missions aériennes contre Daech en réalisant 58 sorties dont 50 de reconnaissances armées, 4 de recueil de renseignement par l’Atlantique 2 et des Rafale, 3 de ravitaillement. Au total les 10 frappes menées par les Rafale contre Daech ont détruit 16 objectifs. Les frappes réalisées se sont concentrées dans la région de Mossoul et d’Hawijah en Irak et dans la région de Raqqah en Syrie. Une mission de frappe planifiée dans la profondeur a été conduite dans la région d’Hawijah, détruisant une fabrique de véhicules blindés explosifs improvisés.

• Focus sur Mossoul

Cette semaine les missions d’appui aérien conduites par les aéronefs de Chammal en appui des forces irakiennes ont abouti à la réalisation de 7 frappes, concentrées dans les quartiers au Sud et Est de la ville. Elles ont participé notamment à l’arrêt de plusieurs contre-attaques menées par Daech.

• Appui feu – TF Wagram

La Task Force Wagram est toujours engagée dans la protection de la base de Qayyarah-West, ainsi que dans l’appui aux opérations de sécurisation de la région de Sharqat. La TF Wagram a conduit cette semaine 15 missions d’éclairement au profit de la 60e brigade irakienne, en appui des opérations de sécurisation le long du Tigre entre Qayyarah et Sharqat.

On Dec. 21, Coalition military forces conducted 16 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets.

Syria



. Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an oil well head.

. Near Al Shadaddi, one strike destroyed a decoy tactical vehicle.

. Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL mortar system and suppressed a tactical unit.

. Near Ayn Isa, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed three oil well heads, three oil tanker trucks, an excavator, and a crane.

. Near Palmyra, one strike destroyed two bunkers and an ISIL artillery system.

Iraq

. Near Al Qaim, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

. Near Bashir, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and a tunnel.

. Near Bayji, one strike [1 British] engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building and a generator.

. Near Haditha, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building.

. Near Kisik, one strike destroyed an ISIL held building.

. Near Mosul, three strikes [1 British] engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three mortar systems, an ISIL headquarters, a tactical vehicle, a command and control node, a munitions production factory, and an IED factory; damaged seven ISIL supply routes; and suppressed five tactical units and three mortar teams.

Wednesday 21 December – Tornados destroyed another machine-gun position in eastern Mosul, while Typhoons dealt with a stockpile of Improvised Explosive Devices north-east of Bayji…Wednesday 21 December saw Typhoons tasked with the destruction of a Daesh-held building some miles to the north-east of Bayji, where intelligence reports indicated a number of improvised explosive devices had been stockpiled by the terrorists. A Paveway IV levelled the building. In eastern Mosul, Iraqi troops came upon a heavy machine-gun team, once again fortified inside a building, and sought assistance from a Tornado patrol which was able to destroy the target with a Paveway IV.

On Dec. 20, Coalition military forces conducted 25 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 20 strikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack and fighter aircraft as well as rocket artillery against ISIL targets.



Syria

. Near Ar Raqqah, 11 strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed three oil storage tanks, two oil well heads, two oil tanker trucks, two fighting positions, two tactical vehicles, a financial storage facility, an artillery system, and a VBIED; and damaged a supply route.

. Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed seven oil well heads and an oil pump jack.

. Near Palmyra, five strikes destroyed four ISIL-held tanks, three hardened aircraft shelters, an excavator, and an air defense artillery system.

Iraq

. Near Al Huwayjah, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL-held buildings, a tunnel, and a supply cache.

. Near Mosul, three strikes [1 British?] destroyed eight fighting positions, five ISIL-held buildings, two land bridges, a VBIED factory, an artillery system, an anti-air artillery piece, and a weapons storage facility; damaged 11 supply routes; and suppressed a mortar team and two ISIL tactical units.

. Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed a weapons storage facility.

Tuesday 20 December – Tornados bombed a machine-gun team firing on Iraqi forces in north-eastern Mosul…Operating again in challenging conditions over Mosul on Tuesday 20 December, two Tornados were still able to support Iraqi forces as they engaged a Daesh light machine-gun team defending a building in the north-eastern area of the city. As with the attacks a few days earlier, the Iraqi troops were very close to the target, but our aircrew carried out a successful attack with a Paveway IV.

On Dec. 19, Coalition military forces conducted 16 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft as well as rocket artillery against ISIL targets.



Syria

. Near Ar Raqqah, three strikes destroyed one oil tanker truck and damaged an ISIL supply route.

. Near Ayn Isa, five strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two VBIEDs and an ISIL-held building.

. Near Palmyra, three strikes destroyed an ISIL-held tank, a tactical vehicle, and an artillery piece.

Iraq

. Near Al Huwayjah, one strike destroyed an ISIL command control node.

. Near Kisik, one strike destroyed an ISIL-held building.

. Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed 11 fighting positions, three ISIL-held buildings, an anti-air artillery piece, and a tunnel; suppressed three ISIL tactical units and a mortar team; and damaged four ISIL supply routes.

. Near Tal Afar, one strike [1 British] destroyed an ISIL-held building.

Monday 19 December – Typhoons struck terrorist accommodation east of Tall Afar…The following day [19 Dec], two Typhoons armed with Paveway IV guided bombs attacked two buildings east of Tall Afar, which intelligence had revealed were being used by Daesh as accommodation blocks. One building was completely demolished, the other set ablaze by the strike.

Sunday 18 December – A Reaper destroyed a Daesh armoured truck as it attempted to attack Iraqi troops on the northern outskirts of Mosul…A Reaper operated over the northern outskirts of Mosul on Sunday 18 December. Its crew observed a number of Daesh fighters on board an armoured truck which proceeded to drive at speed towards Iraqi positions just north of the city. A Hellfire missile from the Reaper brought the attempted attack to an immediate halt, knocking out the truck.

On Dec. 18, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft as well as rocket artillery against ISIL targets.

Syria

* Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three fighting positions.

* Near Ar Raqqah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.

* Near Ayn Isa, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

Iraq

* Near Mosul, four strikes [1 British] engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three ISIL-held buildings, two vehicles, an ISIL headquarters building, a media center, a land bridge, a tunnel, a bunker, a front-end loader, and a mortar system; damaged five supply routes and a tunnel; and suppressed four tactical units and a mortar system.

On Dec. 17, Coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes using attack and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets.



Syria

* Near Ayn Isa, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an anti-air artillery system, an ammunition storage facility, and two buildings.

* Near Dawr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed two oil well heads.



Iraq

* Near Al Huwayjah, one strike destroyed a VBIED facility.

* Near Bayji, one strike destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL-held building, and an ISIL supply boat.

* Near Mosul, four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed three tactical vehicles, a supply cache, two front-end loaders, a VBIED, five fighting positions, three ISIL-held buildings, a communications tower, an anti-air artillery system; damaged five ISIL supply routes; and suppressed three mortar teams, a bunker, and an ISIL tactical unit.

* Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an ISIL bunker.

On Dec. 16, Coalition military forces conducted 13 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using fighter, rotary, and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery against ISIL targets.

Syria

* Near Ar Raqqah, one strike damaged two bridges and a water control system.

* Near Ayn Isa, four strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position, an ammunition storage facility; and damaged two supply routes.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, one strike destroyed an oil well head.

* Near Palmyra, four strikes destroyed seven aircraft shelters and four weapons storage bunkers.

Iraq

* Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed six ISIL-held buildings, two fighting positions, two heavy machine guns, and a front-end loader.

* Near Rawah, one strike destroyed two bunkers.

Chammal : deux Rafale supplémentaires pour la base aérienne projetée

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Mise à jour : 16/12/2016 19:05

Le 12 décembre 2016, aux alentours de 16h30, deux Rafale en provenance de la 30ème escadre de chasse de Mont-de-Marsan et de la 4ème escadre de Saint-Dizier, convoyés par un Boeing C-135 FR d’Istres, se sont posés sur la base aérienne projetée au Proche-Orient.

Lors de la dernière conférence de génération de force de la coalition tenue fin novembre, les pays membres ont été sollicités pour fournir des moyens aériens supplémentaires pour prendre en compte, notamment, les désengagements du porte-avions Charles de Gaulle et du porte-avions américain Eisenhower.

A ce titre, la France a décidé d’engager deux Rafale supplémentaires dans l’opération Chammal pour plusieurs mois. La base aérienne projetée en Jordanie voit ainsi le nombre de ses Rafale passer de six à huit et pourra, dans les prochaines semaines, augmenter son nombre de missions quotidiennes contre Daech. Avec ce renfort, la France porte à quatorze le nombre total de ses chasseurs engagés au Levant par l’armée de l’Air et marque ainsi sa détermination à continuer le combat contre le groupe terroriste.

Pièce maîtresse du pilier appui de l’opération Chammal, la base aérienne projetée monte en puissance avec l’arrivée de ces deux nouveaux avions de combat, et ce dans une période d’activité opérationnelle intense alors que la bataille de Mossoul bat son plein et que celle de Raqqah pourrait s’intensifier dans les prochains jours. Pas moins de 29 objectifs ont ainsi été frappés cette semaine avec un engagement remarqué du dispositif de la BAP.

Pièce maîtresse du dispositif de l’opération Chammal, pion tactique de projection de puissance de la composante aérienne, la base aérienne projetée monte ainsi en puissance avec l’arrivée de ces deux nouveaux avions de combat. Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal représente la participation française à l’Opération Inherent Resolve et mobilise aujourd’hui près de 1 200 militaires. A la demande du gouvernement irakien et en coordination avec les alliés de la France présents dans la région, l’opération Chammal repose sur deux piliers complémentaires : un pilier « formation» au profit d’unités de sécurité nationales irakiennes et un pilier « appui » consistant à soutenir l’action des forces locales engagées au sol contre Daech et à frapper en profondeur les capacités militaires du groupe terroriste.

A ce jour, le dispositif complet de l’opération Chammal est structuré autour de 14 Rafale de l’armée de l’air, d’un C135FR, d’un Atlantique 2 et d’un détachement d’artillerie CAESAR. Il comprend également une centaine de militaires projetés à Bagdad et Erbil pour la formation et le conseil des états-majors et unités irakiennes.

On Dec. 15, Coalition military forces conducted 18 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 15 strikes using attack, bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted three strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using fighter aircraft and rocket artillery against ISIL targets.

Syria

. Near Ayn Isa, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL-held building, and damaged two supply routes.

. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes damaged a modular oil refinery and an excavator.

. Near Palmyra, 10 strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed 14 tanks, three artillery systems, two ISIL-held buildings, two tactical vehicles, and an air defense artillery system.

Iraq

. Near Al Huwayjah, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building.

. Near Haditha, one strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building and a vehicle.

. Near Mosul, one strike [1 British] engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed five ISIL-held buildings, two fighting positions, a heavy machine gun, a bulldozer, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher; and suppressed three tactical units and a mortar.

Thursday 15 December – Tornados provided close air support in difficult weather to Iraqi forces fighting in eastern and northern Mosul…

Despite very heavy cloud over Mosul, Royal Air Force and other coalition aircraft have continued to provide support to the Iraqi ground forces advancing into the city.

On Thursday 15 December, Iraqi troops engaged a large group of Daesh fighters in close combat in eastern Mosul. A pair of Tornados worked in very close coordination with the Iraqi unit to establish both their precise positions and those of the terrorists. As a result, two Paveway IV guided bombs were dropped with great accuracy through the clouds. The Iraqis reported that they had scored direct hits, killing their opponents. The Tornados then provided assistance to troops fighting in the north of the city, who had encountered a building from where Daesh were directing rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine-gun fire. As before, the Tornado crews were unable to see the target themselves but were able to demolish the building with an Enhanced Paveway II guided bomb without injury to the nearby Iraqi forces.

Airstrikes destroy ISIL’s captured tanks

SOUTHWEST ASIA – On Thursday, Dec. 15, Coalition aircraft from CJTF-OIR destroyed 14 ISIL tanks and other equipment captured near Palmyra, Syria.

ISIL seized the tanks and other military hardware from Tiyas Military Airfield near Palmyra, Syria, between 11-13 Dec.

“The CJTF-OIR commanding general, Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, made it clear during his Dec.14th press conference that we would strike the equipment before it posed a threat to counter-ISIL operations,” said Col. John “J.D.” Dorrian, the CJTF-OIR spokesperson. “We will not allow ISIL to maintain capabilities that threaten Coalition or partner forces.”

The attacks occurred during daylight hours from late morning to early evening on Thursday. In addition to the 14 tanks, three artillery systems, two ISIL-held buildings, two tactical vehicles, and an air defense artillery system were also destroyed in the strike. The equipment was destroyed in the vicinity of the airfield, northeast of the city along a highway.

During the operation, 16 Coalition aircraft fired 22 munitions destroying 22 targets.

Video footage of airstrikes in support of this operation can be found at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/500972/coalition-airstrike-destroys-daesh-tank-and-artillery-piece-near-palmyra-syria

On Dec. 14, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes using attack and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using bomber and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets.

Syria

. Near Ar Raqqah, one strike damaged six canal bridges and a minor water control network.

. Near Ayn Isa, two strikes engaged a tactical unit, destroyed a fighting position, and damaged four supply routes.

. Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed seven oil tanker trucks, two oil well heads, and an oil workover rig.

Iraq

. Near Mosul, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position; suppressed 11 ISIL tactical units and 13 mortar teams.

OPÉRATION CHAMMAL

APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION

Sur l’ensemble du théâtre, le recul de Daech continue en dépit d’une résistance marquée. L’organisation terroriste exploite les moindres hésitations ou défauts de coordination entre les forces qui luttent contre elle.

En Irak, les combats pour la reprise de Mossoul mobilisent une grande partie des forces. En parallèle, les FSI poursuivent la sécurisation des rives du Tigre. Dans l’Anbar, les Popular Mobilization Forces et les Kurdes s’emploient à coordonner leur action pour couper les flux de Daech.

En Syrie, alors que la pression sur Daech se fait croissante, la reprise de la ville de Palmyre par l’organisation constitue plus une victoire symbolique qu’une rupture.

AVANCÉE SUR LA BATAILLE DE MOSSOUL

Les capacités opérationnelles de Daech diminuent peu à peu sous l’effet des efforts de la coalition. Les combattants de l’organisation terroristes font toujours preuve d’une certaine résilience et ont poursuivi leurs attaques asymétriques sur les différents fronts : au Nord, à l’Est et au Sud de la ville essentiellement.

Seule l’ICTS est parvenue à gagner quelques blocs dans les quartiers Est de la ville cette semaine, bénéficiant de l’appui de la coalition Les FSI (9e brigade) qui s’étaient avancées dans la profondeur au sud-est de Mossoul jusqu’à reprendre l’hôpital Al Salam ont été contraints de se replier sous l’effet d’une contre–attaque violente de Daech. Au nord, le front est relativement stable et les forces se concentrent sur la sécurisation des zones reprises.

ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL

Appui aérien au Levant

Depuis le 7 décembre 2016, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont poursuivi leurs missions aériennes contre Daech en réalisant 71 sorties dont 62 reconnaissances armées, 6 de recueil de renseignement et 3 de contrôle de l’espace aérien. Au total 17 frappes ont détruit 29 objectifs de Daech.

Après près de deux mois et demi de déploiement, les avions du Groupe aéronaval ont effectué leurs dernières frappes le 9 décembre. Le déploiement aura permis d’intensifier les frappes françaises de manière significative et de contribuer ainsi à l’effort de la coalition concentré sur l’offensive de Mossoul.

Focus sur Mossoul

Cette semaine la force Chammal a appuyé la progression méthodique de l’ICTS dans les quartiers est de la ville en menant 8 frappes. Elle a également frappé les systèmes défensifs de l’organisation terroriste en dehors de la ville pour affaiblir les capacités militaires de défenseurs qui font face aux unités Irakiennes.

Appui feu – TF Wagram

La Task Force Wagram est toujours engagée dans la protection de la base de Qayyarah-West, mais surtout dans la partie appui aux opérations de sécurisation dans la région de Sharqat.

La 60e brigade irakienne, appuyée par la TF, continue d’avancer vers le Sud dans des opérations de sécurisation des villages en bordure du Tigre une quinzaine de kilomètres au nord de Sharqat. L’activité de la TF Wagram n’a pas baissé cette semaine avec 35 missions, réparties en 9 missions d’interdiction et 26 missions d’éclairement.

Depuis son engagement sur Q-west et sa pleine capacité opérationnelle le 20 septembre, la TF Wagram a désormais dépassé les 200 missions d’appui.

Wednesday 14 December – Tornados scored a direct hit through solid cloud cover on a Daesh position whilst supporting Iraqi troops in eastern Mosul…

Operations to liberate Mosul continue, with Iraqi troops carefully clearing terrorists from areas in the east of the city. On Wednesday 14 December, a unit encountered significant resistance from a group of Daesh fortified in a building. RAF Tornado GR4s were overhead, but unable to see the target due to thick cloud cover. Nevertheless, very careful coordination with the ground forces, who were very close to the terrorist strongpoint, allowed the Tornados to deliver a precision strike through the cloud cover with a Paveway IV which the Iraqi troops reported scored a direct hit on the building and eliminated the threat they faced.

Other RAF aircraft have continued to fly reconnaissance missions over both Syria and Iraq, with Airseeker and Sentinel surveillance platforms gathering vital intelligence on Daesh activity in recent days. Hercules transports have also continued their essential work, supporting the large British military training teams which are constantly working with coalition partners to help improve the capabilities of the Iraqi forces so that they are even better equipped to defeat the terrorists.

Mission Update nr. 26

Opdatering fra de danske styrker i internationale missioner.

15-12-2016 – kl. 12:50

Af Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando

Operation Inherent Resolve

Denne uge har blandt andet budt på besøg fra statsminister Lars Løkke Rasmussen med følge. Han havde her lejlighed til at hilse på en del af de udsendte danske soldater fra både træningsbidraget, radarbidraget og transportbidraget. Han besøgte også kampflybidraget i Tyrkiet.

Kampflybidraget – Tyrkiet

Den sidste mission for de danske F-16 i kampen mod ISIL er nu fløjet. Efter 6 måneders indsættelse kan de danske F-16 og deres mandskab se frem mod hjemrejsen til Danmark.

– Danmarks F-16-bidrag har ydet en rigtig god indsats og høstet stor anerkendelse fra vores koalitionspartnere, fortæller oberst Kim Jensen, chef for styrkebidraget.

– Vi kan se, at indsatsen har haft en stor effekt, og støtten til koalitionens styrker på landjorden har betydet noget og gjort en forskel, forklarer styrkechefen.

De næste uger skal gå med at pakke sammen. Men allerede torsdag den 15. december vender de syv F-16 fly tilbage til Flyvestation Skrydstrup.

– Det er en ære at være chef for så dedikerede soldater, der virkelig yder en stor indsats, når de er udsendt, siger Kim Jensen.

– Men det er en helstøbt indsats af hele Fighter Wing og andre dele af Forsvaret, som gør denne indsats til en succes, tilføjer han.

Den sidste uge i missionen – fra onsdag den 7. december klokken 12 til tirsdag den 13. december klokken 23.59, hvor de danske kampflys del af missionen formelt sluttede – har danske F-16 udført overvågning, efterretningsindhentning samt angreb på bygninger med ISIL personel, angreb på vejblokader samt på et våben- og ammunitionslager. Der i perioden fløjet 9 missioner og anvendt 20 præcisionsbomber. Missionerne foregik over de irakiske provinser At Ta’mim, Erbil og Ninawa og de syriske provinser Ar Raqqah og Halab.

Dermed har de danske F-16 siden juni fløjet 276 missioner og anvendt 384 præcisionsbomber.

Træningsbidraget – Irak

Træningsbidraget uddanner i denne periode både enheder fra det irakiske Border Guard Police såvel som et mindre bidrag fra den irakiske hær. De danske specialstyrker er begyndt at uddanne lokale styrker.

Resolute Support Mission – Afghanistan

Tjenestehunden Obelix samt føreren Klaus er denne måned blevet udnævnt til ”Warrior of the month”af TAAC-Air, der er luftdelen af ”Train Advice Assist Command” ved missionen. Obelix fik tildelt titlen fordi han ”har næse for sikkerheden ved TAAC-Air”. Klaus fik titlen for sin store hjælp med at få uddannelsen af de afghanske tjenestehunde startet op.

Der er ikke noget nyt at berette fra de øvrige danske internationale missioner.

On Dec. 13, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted two strikes using bomber and fighter aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted five strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using attack and fighter aircraft as well as rocket artillery against ISIL targets.



Syria

. Near Ayn Isa, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and damaged six supply routes.

Iraq

. Near Al Huwayjah, one strike destroyed a bridge.

. Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed three fighting positions, a supply cache, a bunker, a tunnel, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and a mortar system; suppressed two mortar systems and a bunker, and damaged six supply routes.

. Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an ISIL-held building.

Danske kampfly vender hjem efter seks måneders indsats mod ISIL

De danske F-16 har siden juni deltaget i Operation Inherent Resolve.

14-12-2016 – kl. 08:49

Af Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando

De syv F-16 Fighting Falcon kampfly, der de seneste seks måneder har været udsendt til Incirlik-basen i Tyrkiet, vender torsdag den 15. december hjem til Skrydstrup. Siden juni har flyene – fire operative og tre i reserve – deltaget i Operation Inherent Resolve mod ISIL. Det har hele tiden været planen, at fly og mandskab skulle vende hjem efter seks måneders mission.

– Jeg glæder mig meget til at få fly og mandskab hjem igen i god behold. Alle har ydet en rigtig god og meget professionel indsats og har fortjent at holde jul herhjemme sammen med deres familier, udtaler chefen for Fighter Wing i Skrydstrup, oberst Anders Rex.

De danske F-16 har siden juni fløjet missioner over både Irak og Syrien og har blandt andet støttet koalitionens kamp for at befri Mosul. I alt er det blevet til 276 missioner. Der er i den forbindelse blevet anvendt 384 præcisionsbomber.

Anden gang

Det er anden gang, danske kampfly har deltaget i Operation Inherent Resolve. Første gang var fra oktober 2014 til oktober 2015, og dengang var det med udgangspunkt fra en base i Kuwait.

Nu er der ikke umiddelbart missioner i horisonten for de danske F-16. Men det betyder langtfra, at Fighter Wing kommer til at ligge på den lade side, oplyser chefen for Flyverstaben, generalmajor M.A.L.T. Nielsen.

– Der er masser at tage sig til i forhold til at gøre klar til det nye kampfly, F-35. Samtidig skal der være fokus på at opbygge kampkraften samt at vedligeholde træningen, siger M.A.L.T. Nielsen.

Medierne inviteres til at være til stede på Flyvestation Skrydstrup, når de udsendte F-16 Fighting Falcon torsdag eftermiddag vender tilbage til Danmark. Kontakt presseofficer ved Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, Kurt Hansen, på telefonnummer 7284 8012 for yderligere oplysninger om arrangementet.

On Dec. 12, Coalition military forces conducted 15 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes using attack, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets. Additionally in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using attack and fighter aircraft as well as rocket artillery against ISIL targets.

Syria

. Near Ayn Isa, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units, destroyed a command and control node and damaged five supply routes.

. Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed four oil well heads and three oil tanker trucks.

Iraq

. Near Bayji, one strike [1 British] destroyed a homemade explosives factory and supply cache.

. Near Kisik, one strike destroyed two front-end loaders and a VBIED.

. Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed four ISIL vehicles, four mortar systems, four ISIL-held buildings, three rocket-propelled grenades, two VBIED facilities, two front-end loaders, a tunnel, a land bridge, and a supply cache; damaged 13 supply routes, a tunnel and bridge; and suppressed three ISIL tactical units.

Monday 12 December – Typhoons destroyed an explosives factory and weapons store north-east of Bayji…Intelligence analysis identified a set of buildings some miles north-east of Bayji, where Daesh were storing weapons and manufacturing explosives. A pair of Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager tanker, were tasked to attack the site on Monday 12 December. Our aircraft used three Paveway IV guided bombs against different buildings within the compound, and successfully destroyed each of these targets.