Chammal

Appréciation de la situation

Point de situation des opérations au 30 mars 2017

En Syrie, la semaine a été marquée par les opérations menées par les Forces Démocratiques Syriennes (FDS) dans la région de Tabqah. Alors que l’aéroport a été repris, les combats se poursuivent pour reprendre le barrage de Tabqah. Le contrôle de ce verrou revêt un caractère stratégique dans la manœuvre d’isolement progressif des approches de Raqqah destinée à préparer l’offensive visant à reprendre la ville.

Dans le reste du pays, la situation n’a pas connu d’évolution significative en dépit d’affrontements violents, notamment dans les régions de Palmyre et Deir Ez Zor.

En Irak, Daech poursuit sa campagne d’action asymétrique dans les régions de l’Anbar et dans la poche de résistance d’Hawijah sans pour autant avoir conduit d’action d’ampleur cette semaine.

Dans la région de Mossoul, l’isolement de la ville a été consolidé par la 9e division depuis Badush au Nord-Ouest en avançant le long du Tigre en direction de l’Est.

Dans la ville même, l’offensive n’a pas connu d’avancée significative cette semaine. Si Daech ne semble plus disposer de moyens suffisants pour mener des actions offensives coordonnées, les positions des combattants sont durcies et protégées dans le quartier de la vieille ville, et le piégeage du terrain comme l’utilisation de véhicules suicides chargés d’explosif (VBIED-Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices) ainsi que la présence de population civile rendent difficile les progressions.

Dans ce contexte, les forces de sécurité irakiennes des FEDPOL (police fédérale irakienne) et des ERD (Emergency Response Division – division d’intervention Rapide) ont consolidé et sécurisé leurs positions au sud de la Médina tandis que l’ICTS a amorcé une série d’opérations périphériques qui ont permis de progresser à l’Ouest de la Médina et de consolider l’isolement de ce quartier.

Activité de la force

Appui aérien au Levant

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 27 sorties aériennes dont 20 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS) et 7 de recueil de renseignements. 10 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, dont 2 planifiées. Elles ont permis la destruction de 13 objectifs.

En Irak, les 6 frappes réalisées ont toutes été menées dans la zone de Mossoul sur demande des troupes irakiennes engagées dans les combats au sol.

En Syrie deux frappes ont été réalisées dans la région ouest de Raqqah, en appui de l’offensive des FDS à proximité du barrage de Tabqah visant à parfaire l’isolement de la ville. Deux autres frappes ont été réalisées contre des objectifs planifiés, dont une guidée par l’Atlantique 2, afin de mettre hors d’usage des infrastructures pétrolières utilisées par Daech.

Appui feu – TF Wagram

La Task Force (TF) Wagram a poursuivi cette semaine ses missions de tir en appui de la 9e division.

Les 27 missions réalisées l’ont été en appui des combats visant à resserrer l’encerclement autour de la ville de Mossoul, dont 22 missions de neutralisation, et 5 missions d’appui éclairant ou fumigène.

L’effort a été marqué sur les points de franchissement du Tigre et dans les collines surplombant la région de Badush, zone refuge de combattants de Daech, faisant passer aux artilleurs de la TF Wagram le cap symbolique des 600 missions d’artillerie.

On Mar. 28, Coalition military forces conducted 28 strikes consisting of 70 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 22 strikes consisting of 24 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS oil inlet manifold.

* Near Al Shadaddi, one strike destroyed an ISIS tactical vehicle.

* Near Ar Raqqah, one strike destroyed an ISIS pump jack.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes destroyed nine ISIS well heads, a pump jack, and a barge.

* Near Tabqah, 12 strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four oil tanker trucks, two front-end loaders, a mortar system, and a vehicle; and damaged a supply route.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 46 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Haditha, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

* Near Mosul, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed a mortar system, a vehicle, a rocket-propelled grenade system, and an artillery system; damaged 17 supply routes and a roadblock; and suppressed three ISIS tactical units.

On Mar. 27, Coalition military forces conducted 30 strikes consisting of 72 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 20 strikes consisting of 32 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed two ISIS well heads.

* Near Al Shadaddi, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed three tactical vehicles, three vehicles, two bulldozers, two front-end loaders, a VBIED, and a tank.

* Near Ar Raqqa, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed eight barges, a vehicle, a front-end loader, and a truck and trailer.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed 15 ISIS barges and three well heads.

* Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed a front-end loader and a vehicle.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 40 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Bayji, one strike destroyed an ISIS VBIED.

* Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed two weapons caches and a vehicle.

* Near Mosul, six strikes [1 British?] engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six fighting positions, three mortar systems, two VBIEDs, a tactical vehicle, an artillery system, a VBIED facility, and a vehicle; damaged 11 supply routes; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units and two ISIS mortar teams.

* Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an ISIS front-end loader.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed an ISIS UAV.

Monday 27 March – Typhoons supported operations in Mosul, while Tornados eliminated a mortar team in eastern Syria…Armed reconnaissance missions continued over the weekend, gathering intelligence on Daesh positions in Syria and Iraq. On Monday 27 March, Typhoons again patrolled over Mosul, and used one Paveway IV against a building from which Daesh fighters were continuing to engage Iraqi forces. Over eastern Syria, two Tornados attacked a building in a remote area south of Hasakah, from which a Daesh mortar team was operating against Syrian Democratic Forces.

On Mar. 26, Coalition military forces conducted 34 strikes consisting of 80 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 19 strikes consisting of 20 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

* Near Ar Raqqah, nine strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a well head, a heavy transport equipment piece, a vehicle, an oil storage tank, an ISIS headquarters, a VBIED, and a fighting position; and damaged two supply routes.

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

* Near Palmyra, one strike destroyed a tank.

* Near Tabqah, seven strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two vehicles, a fighting position, and a front-end loader; and damaged two supply routes.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 15 strikes consisting of 60 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Al Qaim, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

* Near Bayji, one strike destroyed a tactical vehicle.

* Near Mosul, seven strikes, engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed six tunnels, three fighting positions, three vehicles, two mortar systems, a weapons storage facility, a front-end loader, a supply cache, and a heavy machine gun; damaged 17 supply routes; and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams and three ISIS tactical units.

* Near Qayyarah, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a watercraft.

* Near Rawah, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed a UAV, a UAV facility, and a vehicle.

* Near Sinjar, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed a tactical vehicle and a vehicle.

* Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed a weapons cache, an explosives cache, a storage facility, and an improvised weapons facility.

On Mar. 25, Coalition military forces conducted 30 strikes consisting of 93 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 18 strikes consisting of 38 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed 35 oil barrels, six oil refinement stills, and a well head.

* Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed a fighting position, a tactical vehicle, and a mortar system; and damaged a supply route.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed two pump jacks and an oil rig; and damaged a pump jack.

* Near Tabqah, nine strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine fighting positions, an improvised weapons facility, and a weapons factory; and damaged a supply route.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 55 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

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

* Near Bayji, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building.

* Near Kirkuk, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed an ISIS-held building.

* Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, four mortar positions, two tactical vehicles, a supply cache, and a sniper weapon system; damaged 11 supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed two ISIS tactical units.

* Near Rawah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed an ISIS-held building and an ISIS headquarters.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed an ISIS-held building.”

On Mar. 24, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 55 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed an ISIS-held building.

* Near Ar Raqqah, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two fighting positions, two vehicles, and a weapons storage facility; and damaged a supply route.

* Near Tabqah, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed a fighting position; and damaged a supply route.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 46 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Mosul, fives strikes [2-3 British] engaged five ISIS tactical units; destroyed six mortar systems, five fighting positions, a vehicle, a supply cache, a command and control node, a sniper position, and a VBIED; damaged seven supply routes and three fighting positions; and suppressed three ISIS tactical units and an ISIS heavy machine gun team.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike [1 British?] engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed four weapons caches, two tunnels systems, two explosives storage facilities, an explosives cache, and a mortar system.’

Additional Coalition release for March 25th

Allegation of civilian casualties in West Mosul

“SOUTHWEST ASIA- An initial review of strike data from March 16-23 indicates that, at the request of the Iraqi Security Forces, the Coalition struck ISIS fighters and equipment, March 17, in West Mosul at the location corresponding to allegations of civilian casualties.

CJTF-OIR takes all allegations of civilian casualties seriously and a formal Civilian Casualty Credibility Assessment has been opened to determine the facts surrounding this strike and the validity of the allegation of civilian casualties.

The Coalition respects human life, which is why we are assisting our Iraqi partner forces in their effort to liberate their lands from ISIS brutality. Our goal has always been for zero civilian casualties, but the Coalition will not abandon our commitment to our Iraqi partners because of ISIS

Friday 24 March – Tornados and Typhoons struck a tunnel entrance near Tall Afar, a mortar team north-west of Mosul, and nine Daesh targets inside Mosul…On Friday 24 March, a Typhoon flight, armed with Paveway IVs, targeted the entrance to a tunnel some six miles west of Tall Afar. Other coalition aircraft had successfully destroyed a neighbouring building used by the terrorists, but Daesh had also been spotted making use of the tunnel, most probably for ammunition or supply storage. A direct hit from a Paveway IV collapsed the tunnel entrance. The Typhoons then headed east to support operations in Mosul, where they attacked four Daesh-held buildings which the extremists were using to fire at Iraqi units. A second Typhoon pair were also active over the city. They provided similar assistance to Iraqi forces engaged in close combat, striking three terrorist positions with Paveway IVs. A flight of Tornados also patrolled over Mosul and the surrounding area, where they conducted a simultaneous strike on two Daesh strong-points inside the city. They then headed north-west to deal with a reported mortar team. The terrorists were spotted with a vehicle in rocky ground near the Tigris, and hit with a Paveway.

On Mar. 23, Coalition military forces conducted 35 strikes consisting of 89 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 22 strikes consisting of 44 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, 22 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, five vehicles, three IEDS, two tunnels, and a VBIED; damaged five supply routes and a bridge; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 13 strikes consisting of 45 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a command and control node.

* Near Mosul, four strikes [2 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and an ISIS sniper team; destroyed 11 fighting positions, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, and an artillery system; damaged nine supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed two ISIS tactical units and an ISIS mortar team.

* Near Rawah, five strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed two ISIS-held buildings, a weapons storage facility, and an ISIS headquarters.

* Near Sinjar, two strikes engaged a vehicle staging area and destroyed a VBIED facility.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike engaged a VBIED staging area.

Thursday 23 March – Typhoons attacked one of the main routes out of west Mosul, to prevent the movement of truck-bombs, as well as a Daesh position inside the city…The large truck-bomb remains one of Daesh’s favoured weapons. The extremist group uses them in desperate circumstances in order to try and slow down Iraqi troops or keep liberated areas unsafe. To limit the movement of these indiscriminate weapons, two Typhoons conducted attacks with Paveway IVs on Thursday 23 March against one of the main roads leading out of western Mosul and a number of surrounding lesser routes. They also struck a Daesh position in western Mosul, where several surviving Daesh fighters were seen to fleeing to afterwards, allowing the Iraqi advance to continue.

On Mar. 22, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 76 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes consisting of nine engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed two tactical vehicles, a fighting position, and a heavy transport equipment piece; and damaged four supply routes.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of 67 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed a tactical vehicle and a bulldozer.

* Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed five mortar systems.

* Near Mosul, five strikes [2 British?] engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed 11 fighting positions, eight vehicles, four rocket-propelled grenade systems, two VBIEDs, a mortar system, and a tunnel, damaged three supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS sniper team.

* Near Rawah, one strike destroyed an IED facility.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed an ISIS headquarters.

Wednesday 22 March – Typhoons provided close support to Iraqi troops in west Mosul, hitting three Daesh positions…

The RAF has continued to support Iraqi forces in their effort to liberate western Mosul. While the operating environment in the city is very challenging, particularly given the closely-packed buildings, very narrow streets, and the density of the urban population, our aircrew have continued to deliver precision strikes in close support of Iraqi troops on the ground. Daesh’s current tactics, including the illegal use of civilians as human shields, and fighting from sites such as schools, hospitals, religious sites and civilian neighbourhoods, increases the risk to innocent life. While no military operations come without risk, particularly in dense urban environments and against such inhuman Daesh tactics, the RAF continues to take all steps necessary to minimise civilian causalities.

Royal Air Force Typhoons flew close air support missions over west Mosul on Wednesday 22 March, in support of Iraqi ground forces as they continued to engage Daesh terrorists in very close combat in the city’s streets. Our aircraft conducted a simultaneous attack with Paveway IV guided bombs on two terrorist positions. The expertise of both the aircrew and the Iraqi troops allowed the attack to be delivered despite Iraqi forces being only tens of metres from the Daesh fighters. A second attack then eliminated a further group of Daesh fighters, armed with light machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

Opération Chammal

En Syrie, la situation n’a pas évolué cette semaine dans le secteur de Raqqah, tandis que, dans l’Ouest du pays, Daech est toujours sous pression des forces armées syriennes qui progressent le long de l’Euphrate.

En Irak, Daech poursuit sa logique d’attaques indirectes dans le but de détourner des unités irakiennes des combats de Mossoul. Cette semaine, l’organisation terroriste a réalisé plusieurs actions de harcèlements lancées depuis la région de Hawijah, et commis un attentat meurtrier dans Bagdad.

Dans la région de Mossoul, après la saisie de la prison de Badush et la fermeture du verrou occidental de Mossoul, les opérations de sécurisation se terminent. Les combattants de Daech restés dans la ville sont désormais isolés du reste du pays. Ils continuent de céder du terrain en dépit de conditions météorologiques qui gênent la progression au sol des forces irakiennes et les appuis de la coalition. Les affrontements se déroulent essentiellement dans la partie Sud de la vieille ville, où les FEDPOL et l’ICTS ont réussi à prendre pied. Des combats acharnés ont lieu pour le contrôle de cette zone, dont Daech a fait le cœur de sa résistance.

Activités de la force

Appui aérien au Levant

Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 32 sorties aériennes dont 23 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de contrôle aérien, et 7 de recueil de renseignement. 13 frappes ont été réalisées par les avions français, dont 1 planifiée. Elles ont permis la destruction de 18 objectifs.

En Irak, onze frappes ont visé des objectifs dans la ville même Mossoul en appui des troupes irakiennes au sol. Elles ont toutes ciblé des positions défensives des combattants de Daech, installées dans des bâtiments. Deux autres frappes ont été réalisées dans la région de Hawijah pour neutraliser un groupe de combattants et des infrastructures logistiques.

Appui feu – TF Wagram

La fin des combats visant à encercler Mossoul marque un changement de rythme pour la Task Force (TF) Wagram, qui a été moins sollicitée cette semaine. Les 13 missions réalisées l’ont été en appui des opérations de la 9e division pour sécuriser la zone de Badush, dont 4 missions de neutralisation, et 9 missions d’appui éclairement et fumigène.

On Mar. 21, Coalition military forces conducted 29 strikes consisting of 60 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 25 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed a well head.

* Near Al Shadaddi, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

* Near Ar Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and an ISIS staging area; destroyed four command and control nodes, three tanker trucks, three ISIS-held buildings, an oil storage tank, a VBIED, an ISIS headquarters, a fighting position, and an ISIS media facility; and damaged four supply routes.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed two well heads and an oil inlet manifold.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 35 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Bayji, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building.

* Near Mosul, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; destroyed 11 tunnels, 10 fighting positions, three mortar systems, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an artillery system, and a heavy machine gun; damaged 12 supply routes, three fighting positions, three tunnels, and a vehicle; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units.

* Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units; and destroyed an ISIS headquarters and a VBIED facility.’

On Mar. 21 #CJTFOIR conducted 29 strikes consisting of 60 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria & Iraq. MORE: https://t.co/kNUAl0qVx9 pic.twitter.com/yAP79johCS

— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) March 22, 2017

#Chammal : 13 frappes et 13 missions d

On Mar. 20, Coalition military forces conducted 28 strikes consisting of 81 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 22 strikes consisting of 28 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, three strikes destroyed three well heads and a pump jack.

* Near Ar Raqqah, 19 strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units; destroyed four petroleum oil lubricant equipment pieces, three barges, three fighting positions, three ISIS headquarters, two VBIED facilities, two VBIEDs, a VBIED factory, a tunnel, a vehicle, a weapons storage facility, and a command and control node; and damaged two supply routes.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 53 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

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

* Near Mosul, four strikes [1-2 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and three ISIS sniper teams; destroyed 14 fighting positions, five rocket-propelled grenade systems, three VBIEDs, a supply cache, an anti-air artillery system, and a heavy machine gun; damaged six supply routes and two fighting positions; and suppressed four ISIS mortar teams and three ISIS tactical units.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed an ISIS-held building.

Monday 20 March – Typhoons and Tornados hit a further three targets in Mosul…Action continued into Monday 20 March, when Tornados bombed a strong-point in the west of the city, and Typhoons struck two Daesh positions, including one from which heavy machine-gun fire was being directed at the Iraqis.

De Belgische F-16’s hebben de kaap van zevenduizend vlieguren tijdens operatie Desert Falcon (ODF) bereikt. Sinds oktober 2014 voeren de toestellen opdrachten uit boven Irak en later Syrië. Daar geven ze luchtsteun aan grondtroepen, vallen ze doelwitten aan van Islamitische Staat (IS) en voeren ze verkenningsopdrachten uit.

Snow City: een helwitte vlek in het midden van de vaalbruine Jordaanse woestijn en de naam van de Belgisch-Nederlandse basis van waaruit dagelijks F-16’s vertrekken voor opdrachten in Irak en Syrië. Om een beter zicht te krijgen op hoe zo’n operatie er op het terrein precies aan toe gaat, bezochten Defensieminister Steven Vandeput en de leden van de parlementscommissie voor Defensie op 20 maart de basis.

De minister en parlementsleden waren er dan ook bij toen de F-16 landde die net het zevenduizendste uur had gevlogen. Een memorabel moment voor de operatie, maar minder spectaculair voor de piloot zelf, die er net een marathonvlucht van vijf uur op had zitten. “Ik weet van deze middag dat ik het zevenduizendste uur heb gevlogen, maar het is natuurlijk wel een mijlpaal die we gezet hebben.”

Zevenduizend vlieguren, dat betekent zevenduizend uur lang luchtsteun geven aan grondtroepen, doelwitten van IS aanvallen en verkenningsopdrachten uitvoeren boven Irak en sinds 2016 ook boven Syrië. Om die opdrachten naar behoren uit te kunnen voeren, beschikken de F-16’s over een aantal hoogtechnologische snufjes, zoals de sniper pod, een krachtige visuele en infraroodcamera waarmee de piloot doelwitten kan identificeren. Ook de piloot zelf is hoogtechnologisch uitgerust. Zijn helm heeft niet zomaar een vizier, maar een scherm waarop alle wapensystemen van zijn toestel worden geprojecteerd.

Al die snufjes gebruiken ze intensief. Tijdens de huidige ODF-opdracht, die startte in juli 2016, hebben de Belgische F-16’s 326 missies gevlogen, goed voor zo’n 3.400 vlieguren. Daarvan bestond 45 procent uit “kinetische” missies, de militaire manier om te zeggen dat er bommen gedropt werden op doelwitten. Het merendeel van die opdrachten, ongeveer tachtig procent, vond plaats in Irak.

De Belgische F-16’s blijven nog tot 1 juli in Jordanië. Daarna is een politieke beslissing nodig voor een verdere inzet, ten vroegste vanaf januari 2018.

On Mar. 19, Coalition military forces conducted 25 strikes consisting of 92 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 19 strikes consisting of 27 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Abu Kamal, one strike destroyed two well heads, two tanker trucks, and a pump jack.

* Near Ar Raqqah, 18 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 10 fighting positions, six barges, three ISIS headquarters, a tactical vehicle, an IED factory, and a weapons factory; and damaged a supply route.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 65 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Mosul, six strikes [3 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units and four ISIS sniper teams; destroyed 17 fighting positions, six heavy machine guns, four vehicles, three rocket-propelled grenade systems, a mortar system, a VBIED factory, an artillery system, and a roadblock; damaged nine supply routes; and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams, five ISIS tactical units, and an ISIS anti-air artillery team.

Sunday 19 March – Typhoons and Tornados attacked eleven terrorist positions inside western Mosul…Sunday 19 March proved a busy day for both the Tornado and Typhoon aircrews over Mosul. Yet again working very closely with the Iraqi troops, they repeatedly struck Daesh positions engaged in extremely close combat with the security forces. In total, eleven Daesh targets, including sniper, heavy machine-gun and rocket-propelled grenade teams, were eliminated by Paveway IVs.

On Mar. 18, Coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 56 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 18 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Al Shadaddi, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed three tactical vehicles.

* Near Ar Raqqah, 11 strikes [1 British] engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed five fighting positions, two ISIS headquarters; and damaged three bridges and two supply routes.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed four wellheads and a fighting position.



* Near Palmyra, two strikes destroyed three ISIS-held buildings and two well heads.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 38 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Haditha, one strike suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

* Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed 14 fighting positions, four vehicles, two rocket-propelled grenade systems, a medium machine gun, and an artillery system; damaged 14 supply routes; and suppressed five mortar teams and three ISIS tactical units.

Saturday 18 March – Tornados destroyed a terrorist headquarters near Raqqa in Syria…Although the immediate primary operational focus remains on supporting the liberation of western Mosul, operations against Daesh in Syria have not been neglected, with RAF aircraft conducting intensive armed reconnaissance missions there. A Daesh headquarters was identified at a small building five miles east of Raqqa, and on Saturday 18 March, this was destroyed by a direct hit from a Paveway IV released by a Tornado flight.

On Mar. 17, Coalition military forces conducted 15 strikes consisting of 80 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of seven engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroyed three fighting positions, two ISIS tactical vehicles, and an ISIS weapons factory; and damaged a bridge.

* Near Palmyra, two strikes destroyed two ISIS front-end loaders and a cave entrance.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes consisting of 73 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Al Qaim, one strike destroyed an ISIS explosives cache.

* Near Bayji, one strike destroyed an ISIS vehicle.

* Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building.

* Near Mosul, four strikes [1-2 British] engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 56 ISIS vehicles, 25 fighting positions, five rocket-propelled grenade systems, two medium machine guns, two mortar systems, and an ISIS VBIED; and suppressed 20 ISIS mortar teams and four ISIS tactical units.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed an ISIS VBIED factory.

Friday 17 March – Tornados supported Iraqi troops advancing inside western Mosul, destroying five Daesh targets…Tornado close support missions over Mosul continued on Friday 17 March. Our aircrew again faced very challenging conditions with heavy cloud and having to engage targets perilously close to the Iraqi troops whom they were assisting. Nevertheless, five terrorist positions, including a mortar team, were successfully destroyed by Paveway IVs.

On Mar. 16, Coalition military forces conducted 19 strikes consisting of 51 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 14 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, a vehicle, an ISIS-held building, and an oil refinement still.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed four well heads, two front-end loaders, and an oil inlet manifold.

* Near Palmyra, one strike destroyed a tank.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 37 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Al Huwayjah, two strikes engaged an ISIS staging area and destroyed a UAV storage facility and a VBIED storage facility.

* Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 11 fighting positions, seven vehicles, a recoilless rifle, a heavy machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an explosives factory, a supply cache, and an ISIS-held building; damaged 14 supply routes and a fighting position; and suppressed 13 ISIS mortar teams.

* Near Tal Afar, one strike destroyed a VBIED facility and an ISIS-held building.

OPÉRATION CHAMMAL

APPRÉCIATION DE SITUATION



En Syrie, chassés d’Al Bab, les combattants de Daech continuent de perdre du terrain dans le Nord-Ouest de la Syrie face aux forces armées syriennes. Dans la région de Raqqah, les FDS ont achevé leur manœuvre d’isolement de la ville sur la rive Nord de l’Euphrate. Daech conserve cependant le contrôle des rives Sud du fleuve.

En Irak, Daech maintient sa logique de harcèlement dans l’Anbar par le biais d’actions asymétriques, toujours dans le but de divertir les FSI de leur effort sur Mossoul.

Dans la région de Mossoul l’encerclement de l’agglomération est achevé, les 9e et 16e divisions irakiennes ayant opéré leur jonction au Nord-Ouest de la ville. Si la logistique de Daech semble coupée et les combattants restés dans Mossoul désormais isolés, la sécurisation des secteurs abandonnés par les combattants de Daech commence et vise à nettoyer les nombreux IED qui y ont été disséminés.

Dans la partie occidentale de la ville, le recul de Daech se poursuit. Les forces de la police fédérale et l’ICTS ont continué leur progression coordonnée le long du Tigre. Elles ont atteint les limites de la vieille ville, dans laquelle les combats se déroulent désormais. Cette zone urbaine à l’architecture ancienne et aux rues particulièrement sinueuses et étroites est plus favorable à la défensive, ce qui devrait ralentir le rythme de la progression des forces de sécurités irakiennes dans les jours à venir.

ACTIVITÉS DE LA FORCE CHAMMAL

Appui aérien au Levant

Cette semaine, les aéronefs français ont réalisé 33 sorties aériennes dont 28 de reconnaissance armée ou d’appui au sol (CAS), 2 de contrôle aérien, et 3 de recueil de renseignements.

17 frappes ont été réalisées

par les avions français,

elles ont permis la destruction

de 20 objectifs.

En Irak, les 16 frappes réalisées ont toutes visé des objectifs dans la ville même Mossoul. Elles s’inscrivent dans le cadre de l’appui des troupes irakiennes engagées dans l’offensive visant à reprendre la partie ouest de la ville. Elles ont été réalisées sur demande des unités de l’ICTS et des FEDPOL, pour détruire des positions de mortier et des bâtiments transformés en position défensive, ainsi que pour briser dans leur élan plusieurs tentatives de contre-offensive lancées par les combattants de Daech.

En Syrie, 1 frappe planifiée a été conduite dans la région de Der Er Zawr afin de détruire une tête de puits de pétrole. Elle participe de l’action globale de la coalition pour tarir les ressources que Daech exploite comme source de financement.

Appui feu de la TF Wagram

Cette semaine, le détachement de la Task Force (TF) Wagram déployé au nord de Mossoul a une fois de plus été sollicité de façon particulièrement intense par les troupes irakiennes engagées au sol, principalement en appui de la 9e division.

Les 60 missions réalisées comprennent 22 missions de neutralisation, destruction ou harcèlement contre des positions tenues par des combattants, des pièces de mortier ou contre des tentatives d’infiltrations en bordure du Tigre.

38 missions d’appui éclairement et fumigène ont également été effectuées pour interdire l’utilisation du terrain par Daech ou au contraire faciliter les mouvements des troupes irakiennes.

Complémentarité des effets

au sein du pilier appui

Les combats en terrain ouverts pour la prise du verrou dans le secteur de Badush, ultime étape pour la fermeture de la poche de Mossoul, marquent un point culminant dans le rythme d’activité de la TF Wagram. La seule journée du 13 mars les 7 missions d’appui réalisées par la TF Wagram ont ainsi nécessité l’utilisation de plus de 160 obus. Ce surcroît d’activité a concerné l’ensemble du pilier appui puisque sur Mossoul, durant cette même journée, 9 objectifs ont été détruits par les avions français dans le secteur de Mossoul. L’intense activité des 2 volets, coordonnée au sein de la coalition, illustre la complémentarité des capacités et des effets offerts par les différents moyens d’appui de l’opération Chammal et de la coalition, dans le seul but de soutenir efficacement les soldats irakiens dans les combats menés contre Daech.

On Mar. 15, Coalition military forces conducted 24 strikes consisting of 67 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 17 strikes consisting of 20 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, 13 strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions, an IED, a weapons storage facility, a storage facility, a VBIED facility, a UAV facility, a logistics facility, and an ammunition cache.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed two well heads, two tanker trucks, a front-end loader, and a bulldozer; and damaged a bridge.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted seven strikes consisting of 47 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Bayji, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.

* Near Kirkuk, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a supply cache.

* Near Mosul, five strikes [1 British] engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed 11 fighting positions, four mortar systems, two ISIS-held buildings, two vehicles, a medium machine gun, an artillery system, and a rocket-propelled grenade system; damaged 17 supply routes and three ISIS-held buildings; and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams and three ISIS tactical units.

Wednesday 15 March – Tornados attacked three heavily defended terrorist positions in western Mosul…On Wednesday 15 March, Iraqi troops in west Mosul reported encountering a former school compound and two neighbouring buildings now occupied by a large number of Daesh fighters, armed with light machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades. Two Tornados attacked after dark, having conducted careful checks for any sign of civilians in the area, and hit the Daesh positions in the former school’s courtyard and the nearby buildings with three Paveway IVs, which destroyed the terrorist firing points.

On Mar. 14, Coalition military forces conducted 25 strikes consisting of 81 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 11 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, two mortar systems, an ammunition cache, an ISIS-held building, and a weapons cache.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS staging area and destroyed six barges and a front-end loader.

In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 70 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Al Asad, one strike destroyed a VBIED and a weapons cache.

* Near Al Huwayjah, one strike destroyed a vehicle.

* Near Bayji, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and an ISIS sniper team; and destroyed five mortar systems.

* Near Haditha, one strike destroyed five IEDs.

* Near Kisik, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit: and destroyed a weapons cache.

* Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS sniper team; destroyed 11 fighting positions, five mortar systems, three watercraft, two supply caches, two VBIEDs, a medium machine gun, a heavy machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an anti-air artillery system, and an ISIS headquarters; damaged 18 supply routes; and suppressed 11 ISIS mortar teams and six ISIS tactical units.

* Near Rawah, one strike destroyed a fuel cache.

* Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed a VBIED facility and a weapons cache.

Chammal : journée d’appuis intensifs autour de Mossoul pour les soldats de l’opération Chammal

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Mise à jour : 15/03/2017

La journée du 13 mars représente une journée d’intense contribution du pilier « appui » des forces françaises de l’opération Chammal. Les canons et les avions français sont fortement sollicités par les soldats irakiens combattants au sol, sur les différents fronts de l’offensive visant à reprendre Mossoul Ouest.

Dans le sud de Mossoul-Ouest, les forces irakiennes des Fedpol (Police fédérale) et de l’ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service) sont engagées dans un combat urbain pour la reconquête, maison par maison, de la partie occidentale de la ville. Les Rafale de la Base Aérienne Projetée (BAP), en patrouille de reconnaissance armée, sont sollicités à sept reprises afin de fournir un appui feu et d’assurer la destruction de positions défensives de Daech. Dans ce contexte d’affrontements à très courte distance, où l’imbrication des troupes s’ajoute à la complexité géographique des zones urbanisées, l’effort de discrimination et la précision des chasseurs équipés de bombes guidées sont déterminants et permettent de fournir des appuis. L’intervention des avions français permet de lever les uns après les autres les verrous rencontrés par les combattants irakiens sur leurs axes de progression.

Plus au nord, en appui des combats à proximité de la ville de Badush, destinés à isoler définitivement Mossoul, la Task Force Wagram (TFW) contribue à l’appui des combats au sol en réalisant un tir massif d’artillerie pour appuyer l’offensive d’une brigade irakienne de la 9e division. Pendant plus d’une heure, alors que les combattants irakiens montent à l’assaut, les quatre canons CAESAR entretiennent des tirs précis et réguliers sur les positions des combattants de Daech solidement retranchés dans les bâtiments d’un hameau vidé de ses habitants et transformé en position défensive.

Plus tard dans la journée, la TW Wagram réalise 6 autres missions d’appui aux opérations dans le même secteur.

Les actions des soldats de l’opération Chammal, au sein de l’opération Inherent Resolve, se font en phase avec les avancées des soldats irakiens sur le terrain. L’intense activité des troupes irakiennes engagées dans des combats sans merci dans l’offensive visant à reprendre Mossoul Ouest, a conduit les artilleurs et les aviateurs de l’opération Chammal, à intervenir à de nombreuses reprises et à mettre hors de combat en une journée un grand nombre de véhicules, de pièces d’artillerie, et plusieurs dizaines de combattants terroristes.

La complémentarité des capacités et des effets offerts par les différents moyens d’appui de l’opération Chammal, permet de combiner ou d’adapter les appuis aux besoins des combats en zone urbaine dense ou en zones plus ouvertes entourant la ville de Mossoul, et de soutenir efficacement les soldats irakiens dans les combats menés contre Daech.

Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, « Chammal » est le nom donné à l’opération française au sein de l’opération Inherent Resolve. Elle 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 (Task Force Narvik et Monsabert) et un pilier « appui » consistant à soutenir l’action des forces locales engagées au sol contre Daech et frapper en profondeur les capacités militaires du groupe terroriste (bases aériennes projetée ou permanente, TF Wagram).

On Mar. 13, Coalition military forces conducted 20 strikes consisting of 104 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, Coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 20 engagements against ISIS targets.

* Near Ar Raqqah, six strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed four fighting positions, an ISIS-held building, and a vehicle; and damaged two supply routes.

* Near Dayr Az Zawr, six strikes destroyed eight well heads, four pump jacks, and three oil tanker trunks; and damaged two pump jacks and a well head.



In Iraq, Coalition military forces conducted eight strikes consisting of 84 engagements coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq against ISIS targets.

* Near Haditha, one strike destroyed three IEDs.

* Near Mosul, five strikes [3 British] engaged four ISIS tactical units; destroyed 27 fighting positions, three rocket-propelled grenade systems, two VBIEDs, an artillery system, a mortar system, a heavy machine gun, a road block, a vehicle and a VBIED factory; damaged 12 supply routes; and suppressed five ISIS mortar teams and two ISIS tactical units.

* Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed an ISIS-held building; and damaged three supply routes.