April 21st 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 20, and 8 a.m., April 21, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 22 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. These 22 strikes are a result of the Iraqi Security and Kurdish Forces conducting simultaneous offensive operations.

“The Coalition is continuing to target Daesh in and around Mosul,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR Chief of Public Affairs. “The deliberate strike on a Daesh IED factory highlights the coalition’s ability to target Daesh weapons production capabilities.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

Syria

* Near Al Hasakah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL checkpoint, destroying four ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.

* Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle and two ISIL fighting positions.

Iraq

* Near Al Asad, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL excavator.

* Near Al Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar system.

* Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapons, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL fighting position.

* Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL VBIED, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL IED.

* Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area, an ISIL IED factory and multiple ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck an ISIL large and small tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL buildings.

* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL buildings and an ISIL recoilless rifle.

Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely. The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations.

Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Iraq include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and U.S.

On 20 Apr 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS fighting positions in Ramadi using precision guided munitions.

Later in the morning [of April 20th] a Reaper identified a bulldozer used by ISIL terrorists to construct a roadblock ahead of an Iraqi army advance, and destroyed it with a Hellfire missile.

April 20th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 19, and 8 a.m., April 20, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrike using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 26 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“We have seen a lot of Coalition strike support over the reporting period,” said CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley. “In just about every case, offensive ground activities in both Iraq and Syria, force Daesh to present themselves where they can be targeted. Layered Coalition support, including aviation fires, reconnaissance, intelligence, and advise and assist elements, remains the key enabler to Iraqi and Kurdish operations to dismantle and defeat Daesh.”

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 mortar position and destroying an ISIL fighting position.

* Near Kobani, seven airstrikes struck seven ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon.

Iraq

* Near Al Asad, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Ar Rutbah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

* Near Bayji, eight airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL VBIEDS, an ISIL machine gun, an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL ammo storage facility and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL staging area, destroying an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL staging area, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL excavator.

* Near Ramadi, five airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL large and two ISIL small tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL armored vehicle.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL buildings and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

Further attacks were conducted by a Reaper on Sunday 19 April, in western Iraq: terrorists were spotted attempting to position an IED, but were hit by a Hellfire missile which detonated the bomb.

The same aircraft then engaged an ISIL vehicle carrying heavy weaponry.

In the early hours of Monday morning [April 20th], a Reaper operating ahead of an Iraqi advance in Anbar province identified an ambush prepared by ISIL. These were hit by Hellfire missiles.

On April 19, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS fighting positions in vicinity of Ramadi using precision guided munitions.

April 19th 2015 – Kurdish Security Forces enabled by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes, reconnaissance, and advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain today in Northern Iraq. Peshmerga forces quickly overcame ISIL resistance in the area and secured large swaths of territory, in order to advance the line that divides ISIL and the KSF. The operation served to disrupt, degrade, and destroy ISIL capabilities as well as secure key villages and lines of communication in Kirkuk Province.

During the operation, Kurdish Security Forces cleared 11 villages of enemy combatants, restoring security, and enhancing stability in an area roughly 25 square miles. Coalition forces conducted supporting air strikes resulting in multiple ISIL weapons systems, fighters, mobility assets, and fighting positions being destroyed.

“The operation is yet another example demonstrating the commitment and ability of our partners to defeat Daesh forces on the battlefield in Iraq,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “The determined efforts of the Peshmerga, combined with Coalition support, further denies Daesh key terrain and freedom of movement in Northern Iraq.”

Kurdish Security Forces supported by the CJTF-OIR coalition, continue to degrade and dismantle the influence and effectiveness of ISIL in the area of operations.

April 19th 2015 – Iraqi Security Forces, supported by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, regained full control of the Bayji Oil Refinery after having successfully cleared the massive facility of any remaining ISIL fighters. ISF reinforcements and supplies have arrived and work has begun to fortify the facilities defenses. The Coalition continues to provide aviation fires and reconnaissance, as well as advise and assist elements to enable on-going operations in and around Bayji.

“Daesh clearly used the opportunity to attack the Oil Refinery facility in order to bolster its on-line propaganda activities,” said Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, Commander Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “ISF personnel have demonstrated great resolve and proven that the tactical momentum resides with them, not only in Bayji, but in many other locations throughout Iraq.”

Over the past nine days coalition aircraft conducted 47 airstrikes in and around Bayji. Concurrent to the Bayji success, yesterday, Kurdish Security Forces enabled by coalition airstrikes, reconnaissance, advise and assist elements, seized dozens of square miles of ISIL occupied terrain in Northern Iraq. Simultaneously, Government of Iraq Security Forces are conducting successful operations to clear ISIL elements in Eastern Anbar, in addition to defending terrain and reinforcing forces within Ramadi.

ISF/KSF Operations, enabled by Coalition support provided on a daily basis, continue to degrade, dismantle, and defeat ISIL throughout Iraq.

April 19th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 18, and 8 a.m., April 19, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted an airstrike using attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 12 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “We have witnessed continued, simultaneous successes on the ground in Iraq, most notably in Northern Iraq,” said Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer Col. Wayne Marotto. “All of the coalition airstrikes reported today were dynamic in nature, directly supported forces on the ground from Sinjar in the far North to Ramadi, in Central Iraq, and maintained the ongoing degradation of ISIL.” The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

• Near Al Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

IRAQ

• Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and two ISIL sniper positions.

• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL large and smaller tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL anti-aircraft artillery weapon, an ISIL machine gun and three ISIL vehicles.

• Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck two ISIL large and one smaller tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL buildings.

• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroyed an ISIL structure, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar system.

• Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings.

April 18th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 16, and 8 a.m., April 17, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Today’s airstrike details highlight that clearly identifiable ISIL units, equipment, leadership and vehicles will be struck with utmost precision through our dynamic targeting process,” said Combined Joint Task Force Public Affairs Officer Col. Wayne Marotto. “These strikes, conducted on a daily basis, have lasting results as they degrade ISIL’s fighting capability and allow the ISF the ability to go on the offensive.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

* Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.

IRAQ

* Near Bayji, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units and two ISIL heavy machine guns, destroyed one other ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL check point and an ISIL excavator.

* Near Al Asad, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, three ISIL vehicles and one ISIL excavator.

* Near Fallujah, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL vehicles and one ISIL heavy machine gun.

* Near Sinjar, one airstrike destroyed one ISIL building and struck and ISIL fighting position.

* Near Hit, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL vehicle.

* Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck one ISIL tactical unit and destroyed one ISIL fighting position.

The following day [Friday April 17th], a Reaper strike removed the threat posed by a large vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED).

April 17th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 16, and 8 a.m., April 17, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes using attack and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 13 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Air strikes were conducted yesterday throughout the breadth of Iraq and into Syria, as the coalition continues the fight against Daesh,” said CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley. “The steady, continuous pressure being applied by ground forces and coalition airstrikes is degrading Daesh and clearly inhibiting their operational freedom, span of control, military capacity and fighter morale.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

Syria

* Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.

* Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroyed eight ISIL fighting positions, five ISIL vehicles and two ISIL motorcycles.

Iraq

* Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL excavator.

* Near Bayji, five airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units, destroyed four ISIL vehicles, three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

* Near Fallujah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Hit, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit.

* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL fighting position and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL building.

On Thursday 16 April, another Reaper provided similar overwatch in the area and used its Hellfires to attack an ISIL position and an armed vehicle.

April 16th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 15, and 8 a.m., April 16, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted an airstrike using attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 19 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“In support of multiple simultaneous ISF operations in both Anbar and Salah ad-Din provinces, Coalition aircraft conducted over a dozen coordinated dynamic airstrikes,” said CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley. “These strikes remove Daesh’s ability to mass fighters, destroys their equipment and their leaders, and denies them the ability to establish positional advantage on the battlefield.”

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 fighting positions.

Iraq

* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL weapons storage facility.

* Near Ar Rutbah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

* Near Bayji, eight airstrikes struck two large and four smaller tactical units, destroyed two ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL crossing point and destroyed an ISIL VBIED.

* Near Kirkuk, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.

* Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL trench line and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache.

* Near Ramadi, four airstrikes destroyed an ISIL bridge, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL excavator.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL building.

On Wednesday 15 April, a Tornado GR4 patrol armed with Paveway IVs assisted Iraqi troops near Bayji by successfully identifying and attacking a sheltered ISIL mortar position. The GR4s then conducted a further successful strike on a building from which terrorists were firing on the Iraqi troops.

Later that day, an RAF Reaper, supporting Iraqi units in Anbar province, was called upon by another coalition aircraft to attack an ISIL vehicle which was tearing up a roadway in an attempt to block the Iraqi advance; a Hellfire missile destroyed the vehicle.

Cette semaine, la force Chammal a réalisé 51 sorties, dont 12 aboutissant à des frappes, dans les régions de Ramadi, Baiji, et Sinjar. Dix-sept objectifs ont ainsi été neutralisés, incluant des positions de tir, check points, postes de combat, véhicules, bâtiments et combattants du groupe Daech. Deux autres frappes ont aussi été effectives sur des combattants dans la région Karmah. Depuis la mer, le porte-avions Charles de Gaulle a assuré du 12 au 16 avril la permanence aéronavale de la coalition, permettant au porte-avions USS Theodore Roosevelt de prendre, hors du golfe, la relève de l’USS Carl Vinson qui rentre à son port de base.

En parallèle, au sol, les activités d’instruction conduites à Bagdad au profit de l’ICTS se poursuivent. Les 300 stagiaires arrivés la semaine dernière continuent leur formation initiale.

Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal mobilise 3 200 militaires. Elle vise, à la demande du gouvernement irakien et en coordination avec les alliées de la France présents dans la région, à assurer un soutien aérien aux forces irakiennes dans la lutte contre le groupe terroriste autoproclamé Daech. Le dispositif complet est actuellement structuré autour de douze avions de chasse de l’armée de l’Air (six Rafale et six Mirage 2000D), d’un avion de contrôle aérien E3F, d’un avion de patrouille maritime Atlantique 2, et du groupe aéronaval et de son groupe aérien embarqué (douze Rafale Marine, neuf Super Etendard modernisés et un Hawkeye).

April 15th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 14, and 8 a.m., April 15, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six airstrikes, using attack and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “After detailed analysis, planning and coordination, a deliberate coalition airstrike was conducted in Mosul,” said, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley. “These deliberate airstrikes demonstrate the ability of the coalition to pursue a deliberate campaign plan while also providing dynamic air support to ongoing ISF ground operations.” 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, destroyed six ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL VBIED, an ISIL tunnel and an ISIL bunker.

• Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed six ISIL fighting positions.

Iraq

• Near Bayji, nine airstrikes struck two large and six smaller tactical units, destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

• Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL bunker.

• Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.

• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes [1 British] struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier.

• Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL building, an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL fighting position.

• Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL fighting position.

GR4s provided further support to the same Iraqi operation the following day [Tuesday April 14th], during which they engaged an ISIL armoured vehicle with a Brimstone missile.

RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft have also been providing close air support to Iraqi troops in Anbar province, and on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning [April 15th] a Reaper twice struck terrorist positions with Hellfire missiles.

Nederlandse F-16’s vlogen bijna 30 missies boven Irak. Ze wierpen 15 bommen af op doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties van 6 tot en met 12 april.

De Air Task Force Middle East wisselde van detachement. Het is inmiddels de derde rotatie. De militairen van het tweede F-16-detachement zijn terug in Nederland.

Marine- en landmachtinstructeurs vervolgden de commando- en infanterieopleidingen in Irak. Nederlandse militairen startten een eerste scherpschuttersopleiding.

De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 7. april fløjet 11 missioner og anvendt fire 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 Salah ad Din 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.

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.

I sidste uges mission update havde der desværre indsneget sig en beklagelig fejl. Det korrekte antal missioner fløjet var således 10 og ikke 11 som angivet. Det betyder at det samlede antal missioner i sidste uge var 273.

Siden første mission den 16. oktober 2014, har det danske bidrag i alt fløjet 284 missioner og anvendt 217 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.

April 14th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 13, and 8 a.m., April 14, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes, using fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 15 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Yesterday, coalition strike and reconnaissance assets directly supported Iraqi Security Force’s operations in Bayji with seven dynamic airstrikes,” said, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley. “The ISF, enabled by the coalition, continues to deny ISIL small unit attacks and maintained their positions within the Bayji Oil Refinery.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

Syria

* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

Iraq

* Near Bayji, seven airstrikes [some British] struck one large and two smaller tactical units, two ISIL excavators, destroyed 11 ISIL buildings, four ISIL vehicles, two ISIL excavators, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL warehouse, an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

* Near Fallujah, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL bridges and an ISIL checkpoint.

* Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL headquarters.

* Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroyed four ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL mortar system.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL buildings, and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenadier.

Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely.

April 14th 2015 – The Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve is providing support to Government of Iraq operations as Iraqi Security Forces continue to push back ISIL in the Anbar and Salah ad Din Provinces of Iraq.

“We are supporting Iraqi Security Forces throughout the country,” said the CJTF-OIR Commanding General Lt. Gen. James Terry. “Our support in Bayji, Ramadi and Karmah highlight our commitment towards enabling our Iraqi partners in their fight against Daesh and in helping restore security throughout Iraq.”

In the Anbar Province, the Coalition continues to provide reconnaissance, airstrikes, and Advise and Assist support as the Iraqi government’s Anbar Operations Command coordinates clearing operations in northern Ramadi.

East of Ramadi, the Iraqi government’s Baghdad Operations Command is conducting ongoing operations to clear areas north of Fallujah, ultimately aimed at expelling ISIL from the area.

CJTF-OIR enables this effort through coordinated aviation, adviser elements, and combined planning.

North of Baghdad, ISFs continue to defend the Bayji Oil Refinery. Coalition airstrikes support their efforts by destroying ISIL buildings, excavators, tactical units, vehicles and weapons. The Coalition will continue to support ISF operations in the Bayji area, until the GoI’s objectives are achieved.

ISFs operations demonstrate their increasing capacity to not only repel but defeat ISIL’s localized, harassing attacks which are designed to inflate the group’s online propaganda. These operations will continue to develop momentum for the GoI, and will further the ISFs ability to remove ISIL fighters and military capabilities from the battlefield.

On Monday 13 April, an armed reconnaissance patrol of Tornado GR4s provided air support to an Iraqi military operation, clearing terrorists from positions to the north of Ramadi.

Another coalition aircraft successfully pinpointed a building from which terrorists were firing on the advancing Iraqi troops, and the RAF aircraft conducted a successful attack with a Paveway IV precision guided bomb.

13 April: GR4s once again provide close air support for Iraqi ground forces, on this occasion in and around Bayji. Patrolling ahead of the Iraqi troops,RAF aircraft successfully attacked four buildings within an ISIL military compound with Paveway IVs.

April 13th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 12, and 8 a.m., April 13, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes, using bomber and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 14 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“These strikes on Daesh formations near Bayji reduce their numbers and limit their ability to conduct operations,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR Spokesman. “Coalition strikes continue to degrade Daesh’s capabilities across Iraq and Syria. We will continue to support the ISF and the Government of Iraq against this threat.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

Syria

* Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

Iraq

* Near Al Huwayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

* Near Bayji, six airstrikes [some British?] struck six ISIL tactical units, destroyed an ISIL VBIED, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar system.

* Near Ramadi, four airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL buildings, an ISIL checkpoint and an ISIL fighting position.

* Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL heavy machine guns.

April 12th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 11, and 8 a.m., April 12, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes, using bomber and fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 10 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Deliberate strikes in Mosul continue to degrade Daesh and set the conditions for future operations,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff. “The Coalition will continue to apply pressure on Daesh elements throughout all of Iraq as we make steady progress in degrading and dismantling Daesh’s military capabilities in support of the Government of Iraq.”

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

Syria

* Near Kobani, three airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

Iraq

* Near Bayji, four airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL large and small tactical unit, destroyed two ISIL excavators, two ISIL armored vehicles, an ISIL tank and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Mosul, four airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL weapons cache, an ISIL storage facility and an ISIL weapons storage facility.

* Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL building.

11 April: Another GR4 mission provided support for Iraqi troops in Anbar province and identified a factory being used by ISIL to manufacture vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. The GR4s conducted attacks on four targets within the factory, again using Paveway IVs.

On 11 April 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL fighting position southeast of Mosul using precision guided munitions.

On 11 April 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces in the vicinity of Bayji, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIL vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) using precision guided munitions.

April 11th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 10, and 8 a.m., April 11, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted eight airstrikes, using bomber, fighter and attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted nine airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

• Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and three ISIL vehicles.

• Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck a large and a tactical ISIL unit and destroyed four vehicles.

IRAQ

• Near Mosul, two airstrikes [1 British] struck one ISIL tactical unit and one ISIL rocket fire team and destroyed one excavator.

• Near Bayji, two airstrikes destroyed seven ISIL excavators and one ISIL vehicle.

• Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck one tactical unit, destroyed three buildings and three fighting positions.

• Near Hit, an airstrike struck a checkpoint.

• Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and a fighting position.

• Near Huwayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

• Near Bayji, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.