Coalition forces' latest airstrikes target ISIL military, infrastructure in Iraq

Military officials released data on the latest strikes by U.S.-led coalition forces against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants late last week, with firepower focused on Iraq in support of the Iraqi government’s offensives to retake ISIL-controlled territory.

Coalition reports indicated that airstrikes took a heavy toll on ISIL personnel and hardware in Iraq during the final week of 2015, based on initial assessments. Coalition forces conducted strikes using attack, bomber and fighter aircraft for a total of 24 strikes in Iraq,  coordinated in conjunction with Iraq’s military.

While much of the coalition's air campaign targeted ISIL-controlled infrastructure, the latest attacks tended to focus on ISIL’s front-line fighting ability. Strikes hit several ISIL tactical units, destroying numerous machine gun and fighting positions, including a battlefield trench and nine bunkers. Other attacks were aimed at command centers, weapons caches and militant assembly areas.

More airstrikes were directed at ISIL infrastructure, taking out bridges, rebel-controlled buildings and culverts. The strikes also targeted vehicle-carried bombs and a facility designed to produce these car bombs.

The purpose of the joint-military effort is to destroy ISIL’s ability to operate in Iraq and Syria, and carry out any attacks elsewhere in the world. Alongside the U.S., Operation Inherent Resolve includes armed forces from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.