Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 20, 2014 - U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, U.S. Central Command officials reported.

Separately, officials added, U.S. military forces working in coordination with Iraqi ground forces conducted six airstrikes against ISIL targets in Iraq.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, six airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting and mortar positions, an ISIL vehicle, and a stray resupply bundle from a U.S. airdrop of Kurdish supplies to prevent these supplies from falling into enemy hands. All other resupply bundles were successfully delivered, officials said.

To conduct these airstrikes, U.S. forces used attack, bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of operations.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, two airstrikes southeast of Fallujah struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles. Three airstrikes south of the Bayji oil refinery struck a small ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building and three ISIL vehicles, and damaged another ISIL building. Another airstrike south of Bayji destroyed four ISIL boats and damaged at least four more.

To conduct these airstrikes, U.S. forces used bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of operations. In addition, Centcom officials said, France and the United Kingdom participated in these strikes.

All aircraft involved in the Syria and Iraq airstrikes left the strike areas safely, officials said.

The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate ISIL and the threat it poses to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. All airstrike assessments are based on initial reports, officials said.