On 26 Apr 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS fighting position west of Fallujah, using precision guided munitions.

April 26th, 2015: Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 25, and 8 a.m., April 26, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter and attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “The Coalition continues to degrade Daesh military capabilities across the region,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR Chief of Public Affairs. “By working closely with our partners in Iraq and Syria, these strikes are contributing to their success.” 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 an ISIL fighting position.

• Near Dayr Az Zawr, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

• Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position.

Iraq

• Near Al Hawayjah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL staging areas and an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

• Near Bayji, six airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL VBIEDs, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL bunkers, two ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL warehouse.

• Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL armored personnel carrier, an ISIL dump truck, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

• Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying an ISIL weapons cache and an ISIL tunnel system.

• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

On April 25, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces, two CF-188 Hornets successfully struck ISIS staging areas in Kharbani using precision guided munitions.

April 25, 2015: Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 24, and 8 a.m., April 25, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using fighter and attack aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “Coalition support remains steadfast as we work together with our partners to defeat Daesh,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff. “These strikes support continuous incremental gains by Iraqi and Kurdish fighters that will combine over time to result in the demise of Daesh in Iraq and Syria.”

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

Syria

• Near Al Hasakah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL fighting position, destroying an ISIL IED cache and an ISIL mortar position.

• Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL boats.

Iraq

• Near Bayji, seven airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and an ISIL staging area, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL VBIED and an ISIL warehouse.

• Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL vehicles and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

• Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL fighting positions.

• Near Mosul, an airstrike struck an ISIL armored vehicle.

• Near Ramadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying two ISIL structures.

• Near Sinjar, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL engineer vehicle.

Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 24, and 8 a.m., April 25, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists. “Coalition support remains steadfast as we work together with our partners to defeat Daesh,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff. “These strikes support continuous incremental gains by Iraqi and Kurdish fighters that will combine over time to result in the demise of Daesh in Iraq and Syria.” The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:

SYRIA

• Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying four fighting positions and a boat.

IRAQ

• Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck five tactical units, destroying two vehicles, two heavy machine guns, one IED, two fighting positions, and disabled one fighting position.

• Near Mosul, four airstrikes destroyed three buildings, four heavy machine guns and two ISIL vehicles.

• Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.

• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL trench.

24/25 April: Tornado GR4s from RAF Akrotiri, supported by a Voyager tanker aircraft, have also continued to fly combat missions. Overnight on Friday and Saturday, a GR4 patrol provided close air support to an Iraqi unit near Ramadi, where government forces have enjoyed a number of recent successes in driving out the terrorists. The Iraqi troops reported coming under fire from snipers located in a building; despite the close proximity of the Iraqi troops, the GR4s were able to mount a precise attack with a Paveway IV guided bomb that destroyed the enemy position without risk to the friendly forces.

Shortly afterwards, more terrorists were identified regrouping in a neighbouring building, and this too was hit by a Paveway bomb.

April 24th 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 23, and 8 a.m., April 24, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four airstrikes using fighter aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“Daesh terrorists attempt to intimidate and extort the population in areas under their control through such techniques as checkpoints,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR Chief of Public Affairs. “The Coalition uses precision air strikes and reconnaissance, which limits Daesh’s grip on the population.”

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

Syria

* Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying four ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL boat.

Iraq

* Near Fallujah, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, two ISIL fighting positions, destroying an ISIL IED and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

* Near Mosul, five airstrikes struck an ISIL checkpoint, destroying four ISIL heavy machine guns, three ISIL buildings, two ISIL excavators and an ISIL armored vehicle.

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

* Near Tal Afar, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL culvert.

April 23 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 22, and 8 a.m., April 23, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted five airstrikes using attack, fighter and bomber aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The Coalition struck Daesh forces in nine different locations across Iraq and Syria,” said Col. Wayne Marotto, CJTF-OIR Chief of Public Affairs. “We are working very closely with our partners to find and strike Daesh with precision fires.”

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, destroying three ISIL fighting positions.

* Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions.

Iraq

* Near Al Asad, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL command and control facility.

* Near Al Qaim, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Bayji, three airstrikes [1 Canadian] struck an ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL Stryker vehicles, destroying an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL armored vehicle.

* Near Fallujah, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL building.

* Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL security headquarters, destroying an ISIL excavator.

* Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL sniper position, an ISIL house-borne IED and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Sinjar, an airstrike destroyed three ISIL buildings and three ISIL fighting positions.

On April 22, 2015, while taking part in coalition operations in support of Iraqi security forces, CF-188 Hornets successfully struck an ISIS vehicle near Bayji using precision guided munitions.

22 April: A Reaper provided surveillance support to two successful coalition fast jet attacks on ISIL positions, then, in the early hours of Thursday morning, carried out its own attack with a Hellfire missile on a terrorist team caught positioning an improvised explosive device (IED).

April 22nd 2015 – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., April 21, and 8 a.m., April 22, local time. In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.

“The Coalition continues to provide exceptional support to our partners in Iraq and Syria,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR Chief of Staff. “These strikes are achieving a significant effect on Daesh’s ability to move, assemble, communicate and conduct operations. We will continue to hit Daesh forces and military equipment wherever they present themselves across the battlespace.”

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, destroying five ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL vehicle.

* Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck five ISIL tactical units, destroying 14 ISIL fighting positions and ISIL vehicle.

Iraq

* Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL command and control facility, destroying an ISIL dump truck, an ISIL motorcycle, an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL artillery piece.

* Near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.

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

* Near Rawah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL checkpoint.

* Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large and small tactical unit, destroying three ISIL buildings, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

Another Reaper [on April 21st] spotted terrorists manning a check-point, intended to stop free movement by the civilian population; a successful Hellfire attack was conducted on the position.

Mission Update – RDAF F-16 Operation Inherent Resolve

De danske F-16-fly, der er udsendt som bidrag til Operation Inherent Resolve, har siden seneste opdatering 14. april fløjet 9 missioner og anvendt 16 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 al Din og Al Anbar. Målene for bomberne har været bygninger og fjendtlige våbenstillinger.

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 293 missioner og anvendt 233 bomber. Alle de danske bomber er præcisionsstyrede, hvilket vil sige, at de styres mod deres mål ved hjælp af enten laser eller GPS.

Nederlandse F-16’s vlogen bijna 30 missies boven Irak. Ze wierpen bijna even zoveel bommen af op doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties van 13 tot en met 19 april.

Nederlandse F-16’s vlogen bijna 30 missies boven Irak. Ze wierpen bijna even zoveel bommen af op doelen van terreurorganisatie ISIS. Een overzicht van Defensie-operaties van 13 tot en met 19 april.

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 – 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 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 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.