SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq between 8 a.m., May 5, and 8 a.m., May 6, local time. In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
“The coalition continues to demonstrate its ability to strike Daesh unimpeded,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. “The coalition takes every possible measure during the targeting process to mitigate possible risk to civilians, while maximizing the effects on Daesh.”
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
• CJTF-OIR conducted no airstrikes in Syria between 8 a.m., May 5, and 8 a.m., May 6, local time.
Iraq
• Near Al Huwayjah, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL staging areas, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Bayji, four airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying five ISIL fighting positions, eight ISIL structures, six ISIL fuel tanks, three ISIL VBIEDS and an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL buildings and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Ramadi, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL structures and an ISIL mortar system.
• Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions and three ISIL buildings.
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 United States. Coalition nations which have conducted airstrikes in Syria include Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and U.S.