US military, partner nations conduct airstrikes against ISIL in Syria

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

09.24.2014

Courtesy Story

U.S. Central Command Public Affairs           

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - U.S. military forces and partner nations, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, attacked ISIL terrorists in Syria today, using a mix of fighter and remotely-piloted aircraft to conduct 13 airstrikes against 12 ISIL-controlled modular oil refineries located in remote areas of eastern Syria in the vicinity of Al Mayadin, Al Hasakah, and Abu Kamal and one ISIL vehicle near Dayr az Zawr, also in eastern Syria.

We are still assessing the outcome of the attack on the refineries, but have initial indications that the strikes were successful. The ISIL vehicle was destroyed. These small-scale refineries provided fuel to run ISIL operations, money to finance their continued attacks throughout Iraq and Syria, and an economic asset to support their future operations. Producing between 300-500 barrels of refined petroleum per day, ISIL is estimated to generate as much as $2 million per day from these refineries. The destruction and degradation of these targets further limits ISIL's ability to lead, control, project power and conduct operations.

To conduct these strikes, the U.S. employed U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. In addition, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also participated in these airstrikes. All aircraft safely exited the strike areas.

The U.S. conducted these strikes as part of the president's comprehensive strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL. Going forward, the U.S. and partner nations will continue to conduct targeted airstrikes against ISIL in Syria and Iraq and support Iraqi forces as they go on the offensive against this terrorist group.

• Date Taken: 09.24.2014
• Date Posted: 09.24.2014 18:03
• Story ID: 143171
• Location: MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US