Strikes in Syria and Iraq target ISIL strongholds

Initial reports from the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve detailed the latest strikes on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria and Iraq Thursday. 

In Syria, eight strikes were conducted by fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft. The attacks were conducted near Hawl, Syria and hit targets of ISIL tactical units and destroyed four ISIL buildings. One ISIL fighter is thought to be wounded.

In Iraq, 40 strikes were conducted with and in support of the Iraqi government. Near Albu Hayat one strike hit a large ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL command-and-control node and two ISIL weapons caches. Near Kisik, two separate ISIL staging areas were hit. Near Mosul, an ISIL fighter was injured in a strike which also hit an ISIL tactical unit.

Three larger strikes near Ramadi, Sinjar and Tal Afar destroyed buildings, vehicles and staging areas. Near Ramadi, two ISIL bomb clusters were hit in addition to buildings and vehicles. Near Sinjar, 24 strikes hit 27 fighting positions, destroying a heavy machine gun, six ISIL assembly areas and an ISIL bunker. Near Tal Afar, six strikes struck a tactical unit, staging areas, an ISIL bridge and an ISIL observation post.

Coalition nations taking part in the Iraqi strikes include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.