SOUTHWEST ASIA – On March 19, U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria, using bomber aircraft to conduct an airstrike. Separately, U.S. and Coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq, using attack and fighter aircraft against ISIL terrorists. All strikes took place between 8 a.m., March 19, and 8 a.m., March 20, local time.
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted:
Syria
• Near Kobani, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.
Iraq
• Near Al Hawayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL IED factory.
• Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL weapons assembly area.
• Near Haditha, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL rocket site, an ISIL heavy machine gun and destroyed seven ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL excavators.
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 U.S. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and U.S.
