Coalition airstrikes support major Peshmerga ground offensive to clear Sinjar, control key ISIL supply route

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition airstrikes are supporting a major Peshmerga offensive operation in northwestern Iraq, announced by the Kurdistan Region Security Council Nov. 12, 2015. During “Operation Free Sinjar,” the Peshmerga intend to clear Sinjar of Da’ish (an Arabic acronym for ISIL) terrorists from the town and seize portions of Highway 47, a significant Da’ish supply route between Ar Raqqah, Syria, and Mosul, Iraq.

By controlling Highway 47, which is used by Da’ish to transport weapons, fighters, illicit oil, and other commodities that fund their operations, the Coalition intends to increase pressure on Da’ish and isolate their components from each other.

Coalition aircraft have conducted more than 250 airstrikes over the past month across northern Iraq. Strikes destroyed Da’ish fighting positions, command and control facilities, weapon storage facilities, improvised explosive device factories, and staging areas.

The ground assault began in the early morning hours of Nov. 12, when Peshmerga units successfully established blocking positions along Highway 47 and began clearing Sinjar. The Peshmerga will continue operations to re-establish government control over key portions of the area.

“The Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga, continue to put pressure on Da’ish across Iraq, including in Ramadi, Bayji, and now Sinjar and along Highway 47,” said Col. Christopher C. Garver, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve Public Affairs Officer. “This operation will degrade Da’ish’s resupply efforts, disrupt funding to the terrorist group’s operations, stem the flow of Da’ish fighters into Iraq, and further isolate Mosul from Ar Raqqah.”

Coalition airstrikes will continue to target Da’ish’s leaders, revenue sources, supply routes, command facilities, and weapons caches to dismantle their operations in Iraq and Syria.