Britain is at war: RAF Tornados are in the air over Iraq with orders to strike ISIS - and SAS are on the ground to guide in the bombs

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria yesterday and today using fighter aircraft to conduct seven airstrikes.
Separately, partner-nation military forces used fighter aircraft to conduct two airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.
Six airstrikes took place near Kobani, where initial reports indicate they successfully struck three ISIL buildings, destroyed two ISIL fighting positions, suppressed three ISIL fighting positions and destroyed two ISIL vehicles.
One airstrike near Shadadi successfully struck ISIL oil collection equipment consisting of several “POL tanks” (petroleum, oil and lubricants) and a pump station, which represents part of the terrorist group’s oil producing, processing and transportation infrastructure. This strike was intended to destroy a portion of ISIL’s ability to operate oil tanker trucks at oil collection points. To conduct these strikes the U.S. employed fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
In Iraq, partner-nation aircraft conducted one airstrike west of Bayji, where initial reports indicate they destroyed both an ISIL artillery piece and an ISIL ammunition storage area. Another partner-nation airstrike northeast of Bayji struck a small ISIL unit and damaged an ISIL vehicle. All aircraft departed the strike areas safely.
The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. The destruction and degradation of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group’s ability to lead, control, project power and conduct operations.

 

[superbeets]

[h=1]Raining fire on Isis: Amazing picture captures moment U.S. bomb lands in heart of Kobane - but Kurdish leader warns 'airstrikes are not enough' to defeat jihadists[/h]

• US-led airstrike on Islamic State stronghold in Syria has killed at least eight
• Coalition bombers targeted a gas facility in the besieged city of Kobane
• It is believed that the slain men were mostly fuel tanker drivers
• Deir el-Zour Network described 'long tongues of flames' from the strike

A US-led airstrike on an Islamic State stronghold in eastern Syria killed at least eight people and set off a series of secondary explosions, activists revealed.
The coalition bombers targeted a gas facility in the besieged city of Kobane on Friday, within the oil-rich province of Deir el-Zour, activist collective Deir el-Zour Free Radio said.
It is believed that the slain men were mostly fuel tanker drivers and at least four charred bodies were placed in a nearby mosque.

+14


Blast: A US-led airstrike on a Syrian gas facility in Kobane, held by ISIS, has killed at least eight people

+14



Destroyed: A huge cloud of smoke rises over the Syrian city of Kobane following the U.S. led airstrikes

+14


Turkish Kurds watch smoke rises over Syrian town of Kobane after the airstrike on Friday


.

 

[superbeets]

+14


Multiple clouds of thick black smoke are seen in Kobane as U.S.-led airstrikes hit Islamic State targets

+14


Clouds: ISIS oil facilities in Syria have been aggressively targeted by coalition airstrikes, as they provide a key source of income for the militants

+14

+14




United: Smoke from a Kurdish mortars (left) and American and Arab airstrikes (right) rises in Kobane today

+14


Huge clouds of smoke rise in Kobane today while fighting continued between Syrian Kurds and ISIS militants


.

 

[superbeets]

[h=1]Kobane: US airdrops for Kurds battling IS[/h]US military aircraft have dropped weapons, ammunition and medical supplies to Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State (IS) militants in the key Syrian town of Kobane.
US Central Command said C-130 transport aircraft had made "multiple" drops.
Earlier US air strikes have helped push back IS militants intent on taking control of the town, which lies near the border with Turkey.
Correspondents say the move is likely to anger key US ally Turkey.
Turkey has faced a decades-long insurgency by the Kurdish militant group the PKK, itself regarded as a terrorist group by the US.
IS militants control territory straddling Syria and Iraq. Kobane is one of their strategic objectives, and fierce fighting has raged in the town for weeks, forcing the evacuation of most of its civilian inhabitants.
'Continued resistance'The air drops of supplies provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq were "intended to enable continued resistance against Isil's attempts to overtake Kobane," CentCom said in a statement. IS is also referred to as Isil and Isis.
All the aircraft involved had returned safely, it added.
CentCom says US forces have conducted more than 135 air strikes against IS in Kobani.
"Combined with continued resistance to Isil on the ground, indications are that these strikes have slowed Isil advances into the city, killed hundreds of their fighters and destroyed or damaged scores of pieces of Isil combat equipment and fighting positions," its statement said.
However, it added that IS fighters continued to threaten Kurdish forces' ability to resist and hold the city. "Kobane could still fall," it said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=1]ISIS fighters taking heavy losses in battle for border town of Kobane as US bombers stop extremists' attempt to cut Kurds' supply lines[/h]

• Air strikes on ISIS killed 15 in Kobane, while ground fighting killed 16
• The losses, came as the U.S. announced key appointments
• Which were called a 'very positive step forward' in the fight against ISIS

.The Islamic State suffered heavily in the Syrian battleground of Kobane today as Iraqi forces fought the jihadists buoyed by U.S backing for top government security appointments.US Secretary of State John Kerry said the appointment of defence and interior ministers after weeks of delay was a 'very positive step forward' in the fightback against ISIS in Iraq, which Washington has made its priority.
But US-led warplanes kept up their strikes on the jihadists around Kobane on Syria's northern border with Turkey, helping the town's Kurdish defenders to repulse a new attempt to cut their supply lines.

+6


ISIS militants take shelter behind a wall in Kobane in their battle to claim the Syrian city; the jihadists are said to have suffered heavily today, as the U.S announced the appointment of defence and interior ministers

+6


Coalition air strikes killed 15, while another 16 died in the ground fighting, including two suicide bombers

+6


U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the appointments were a 'very


.

 

[superbeets]

The Kurdish fighters, who have been under attack from ISIS for more than a month, weathered fierce street fighting and at least two jihadist suicide bombings but the front line remained unchanged today, a Kurdish official said.
'(ISIS) brought in reinforcements... and attacked hard,' Idris Nassen said .


.
'But thanks to air strikes and (the Kurdish fighters') response, they did not make any progress.'
The ISIS fighters suffered heavy losses in their effort to seal the battle for the town, which has become a key prize as it is being fought under the gaze of the world's press massed just over the border in Turkey.
From Saturday into this morning, a total of 31 jihadists died in the battle, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Coalition air strikes killed 15, while another 16 died in the ground fighting, including two suicide bombers.

.

+6


Syrian army forces gather on a road near the town of Al-Jbaileh on the outskirts of Aleppo; The U.S. military has said it sees 'encouraging' signs in the battle for Kobane, although it warns the city may still fall

+6


The Kurdish fighters, who have been under attack from ISIS for more than a month, weathered fierce street fighting and at least two jihadist suicide bombings but the front line remained unchanged today

.

 

[superbeets]

The Kurdish lost seven fighters, said the Britain-based Observatory.
On Friday, ISIS lost 35 of its fighters while the Kurds lost three.
Medics and witnesses reported a steady flow of bodies from the Kobane fighting arriving at an ISIS-controlled hospital further east, the Observatory said.
The bodies of at least 70 ISIS fighters had been brought into the mortuary in the town of Tal Abyad over the past four days, they said.
The U.S. military has said it sees 'encouraging' signs in the battle for Kobane, although it warns the city may still fall.
But commanders have repeatedly said that the main priority remains the battle against ISIS in neighbouring Iraq, where the jihadists swept through much of the Sunni Arab heartland north and west of Baghdad in June.
The minority community's grievances against the Shiite led-government were a major factor in the lightning advance and Washington has been piling pressure on Baghdad to form an inclusive government capable of mounting a fightback.

+6


Commanders have repeatedly said that the main priority remains the battle against ISIS in neighbouring Iraq - not Syria, where Syrian soldiers are seen above - where the jihadists swept through much of the Sunni Arab heartland north and west of Baghdad in June


.

 

[superbeets]

Yesterday, the remaining posts in a new government line-up were finally approved by parliament, including a Sunni as defence minister and a Shiite as interior minister.
'These were critical positions to be filled, in order to assist with the organising effort' against IS, the US top diplomat said. 'So we're very pleased.'
With Washington voicing approval, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi's office announced that he is to head to Tehran tomorrow to discuss the fightback with his other key ally.
Washington has acknowledged that Tehran has an important role to play in the battle against ISIS, although it has kept the main Shiite power out of the coalition it has forged against the jihadists for fear of alienating Sunnis.
Abadi's talks in Iran are part of his bid 'to unite the efforts of the region and the world to help Iraq in its war against the terrorist group,' his office said.
Although it has not been part of the U.S-led coalition, Tehran has been a key backer of Abadi's government in its efforts to hold back the jihadist advance.
According to a senior Iraqi Kurdish official, it has deployed troops on the Iraqi side of the border in the Khanaqin area northeast of Baghdad.
Iranian forces also played a role in the Shiite Turkmen town of Amerli, where security forces and allied militiamen broke a months-long jihadist siege at the end of August, another senior Kurdish official has said.
Evidence also indicates that Iran sent Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack jets to Iraq, though it is unclear who subsequently piloted the aircraft.

.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]U.S. Resupplies Kurdish Forces Fighting ISIL Near Kobani[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 20, 2014 – U.S. military forces conducted multiple airdrops near Kobani, Syria, last night to resupply Kurdish forces on the ground defending the city against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Air Force C-130 aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of responsibility delivered weapons, ammunition and medical supplies that were provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq and intended to enable continued resistance against ISIL's attempts to overtake Kobani, officials said, adding that all aircraft left the airdrop zone safely.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The airdrops were conducted in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to degrade and defeat ISIL and the threat it poses to the region and the wider international community.
To date, Centcom officials said, U.S. forces have conducted more than 135 airstrikes against ISIL in Kobani. Combined with continued resistance to ISIL on the ground, they added, indications are that these strikes have slowed ISIL advances into the city, killed hundreds of the terrorist group’s fighters and destroyed or damaged scores of pieces of combat equipment and fighting positions.
However, officials noted, the security situation in Kobani remains fragile, and the city still could fall.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 20, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials added, U.S. military forces working in coordination with Iraqi ground forces conducted six airstrikes against ISIL targets in Iraq.
Strikes in Syria
In Syria, six airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting and mortar positions, an ISIL vehicle, and a stray resupply bundle from a U.S. airdrop of Kurdish supplies to prevent these supplies from falling into enemy hands. All other resupply bundles were successfully delivered, officials said.
To conduct these airstrikes, U.S. forces used attack, bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of operations.
Strikes in Iraq
In Iraq, two airstrikes southeast of Fallujah struck a large ISIL unit and destroyed three ISIL vehicles. Three airstrikes south of the Bayji oil refinery struck a small ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building and three ISIL vehicles, and damaged another ISIL building. Another airstrike south of Bayji destroyed four ISIL boats and damaged at least four more.
To conduct these airstrikes, U.S. forces used bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of operations. In addition, Centcom officials said, France and the United Kingdom participated in these strikes.
All aircraft involved in the Syria and Iraq airstrikes left the strike areas safely, officials said.
The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate ISIL and the threat it poses to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. All airstrike assessments are based on initial reports, officials said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Targets in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 21, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials added, U.S. and partner-nation forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter and attack aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq.
In Syria, four airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL building, and a large ISIL unit. In Iraq, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position south of the Bayji oil refinery. Another airstrike southeast of Mosul Dam destroyed an ISIL fighting position, and an airstrike north of Fallujah suppressed an ISIL attack.
All aircraft exited the strike areas safely, officials said, and airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Continue in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 22, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials added, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 12 airstrikes yesterday and today using fighter, bomber, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq.
In Syria, six airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building and an ISIL logistical center.
In Iraq, 12 airstrikes took place in the vicinity of Mosul Dam, destroying a large ISIL unit, an ISIL mortar launching position, three ISIL vehicles and multiple ISIL fighting positions.
All aircraft exited the strike areas safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]One Airdrop to Kurds Fighting in Kobani Intercepted[/h]By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2014 – One bundle of weapons and medical supplies airdropped by U.S. forces to Kurdish fighters in Syria most likely fell into enemy hands, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
The pallet was among 28 that were dropped by U.S. forces Oct. 19 to resupply Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in the border town of Kobani.
“One bundle worth of equipment is not enough equipment to give the enemy any type of advantage at all,” Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Steve Warren told reporters. “It’s a relatively small amount of supplies. This is stuff ISIL already has.”
A second airdropped bundle with similar contents also went astray, Warren said, but it was destroyed by fighter aircraft soon after it hit the ground. It’s possible that wind could have driven the packages off course, he acknowledged.
The weapons, ammunition and medical supplies being dropped to besieged Kurdish forces defending Kobani are being supplied by Kurds in neighboring Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve aimed at eliminating ISIL terrorists who hold significant portions of Northern Iraq and Syria.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Against ISIL Continue in Iraq, Syria[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 23, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria yesterday and today, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq yesterday and today using fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, four airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, and an ISIL command and control center. East of Dawr Az Zawr, two airstrikes destroyed ISIL oil holding tanks, Centcom officials said.
In Iraq, four airstrikes south of the Mosul Dam struck four small ISIL units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. South of Bayji, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position. Three airstrikes south of Fallujah destroyed an ISIL building and struck a large ISIL unit. Finally, near Fallujah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL training facility.
All aircraft departed the strike areas safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Against ISIL Forces Continue in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 24, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria yesterday and today, using bomber aircraft to conduct six airstrikes, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted a total of twelve airstrikes in Iraq yesterday and today, using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, six airstrikes near Kobani struck three ISIL units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
In Iraq, three airstrikes southeast and west of the Mosul Dam destroyed two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL mortar position. Three airstrikes south of the Bayji Oil Refinery struck two small units and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. Two strikes near Bayji struck an ISIL training camp. Three airstrikes near Fallujah struck two small ISIL units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles. Finally, one airstrike near Zumar destroyed five ISIL buildings.
All aircraft departed the strike areas safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations.
Among the coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq are the U.S., France, United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain.

 

[superbeets]

Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 25, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria Friday and today using bomber aircraft to conduct one airstrike, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, U.S. and partner nation military forces conducted 22 airstrikes Friday and today using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq.



In Syria, one airstrike near Kobani destroyed an ISIL artillery piece.


In Iraq, three airstrikes near Bayji struck a large ISIL unit, a small ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building, damaged an ISIL building and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.


One airstrike southeast of the Mosul Dam struck a large ISIL unit while 10 airstrikes west of the Mosul Dam struck four small ISIL units, one large ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building, six ISIL fighting positions and four ISIL staging locations.


Four airstrikes near Fallujah struck two small ISIL units, destroyed an ISIL vehicle and destroyed an ISIL fighting position. Two airstrikes near Qurayat al Hajjaj struck a small ISIL unit and destroyed an ISIL building. One airstrike east of Hayy Al Arabi destroyed an ISIL building. Finally, one airstrike near Aynzalah destroyed an ISIL building.



All aircraft departed the strike areas safely. Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations.
Among the coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq are the U.S., France, United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Operation Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 27, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists yesterday and today, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes in Syria, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials said, U.S. and partner-nation military forces conducted seven airstrikes yesterday and today using fighters, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq.
In Syria, four airstrikes near Kobani destroyed five ISIL vehicles and an ISIL-occupied building.
In Iraq, three airstrikes west of the Mosul Dam area struck a small ISIL fighting unit. An airstrike southeast of Fallujah struck a large ISIL unit, destroyed an ISIL building and damaged an ISIL vehicle. An airstrike south of the Bayji Oil refinery struck ISIL fighters, and another airstrike south of Bayji struck a small ISIL unit and destroyed an improved explosive device. Finally, an airstrike east of Zumar struck a small ISIL unit and destroyed two ISIL occupied buildings.
All aircraft left the strike areas safely, and airstrike assessments are based on initial reports, officials said.
The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.
Among the coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq are the United States, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Bahrain.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes in Syria, Iraq Destroy ISIL Positions[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 28, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using attack and fighter aircraft to conduct four airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials said, U.S. and partner-nation military forces conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq yesterday and today using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, four airstrikes near Kobani destroyed four ISIL fighting positions and a small ISIL unit.
In Iraq, two airstrikes near Fallujah destroyed a small ISIL unit and an ISIL tank. Four airstrikes near Mosul Dam destroyed a small ISIL unit, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL logistics base.
Also in Iraq, an airstrike west of Baghdad destroyed an ISIL-occupied building and a small ISIL unit, a strike on an ISIL fighting emplacement near Sinjar struck destroyed six vehicles, and a strike northwest of Haditha destroyed an ISIL-occupied building used as a staging area.
Assessments based on initial reports
All aircraft departed the strike areas safely, Centcom officials said, noting that airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat it poses to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.
Among the coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq are the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Bahrain.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Pentagon Spokesman: Iraqi Forces Make Gains Against ISIL[/h]By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2014 – Iraqi security forces – including the Kurdish peshmerga – have been making incremental progress against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists inside Iraq, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
In the past day and a half, Iraqi forces have made gains in many parts of the country, Kirby said at a Pentagon news conference.
“In central Iraq, [Iraqi security forces] operations to expand Iraqi control of territory beyond the Bayji oil refinery are making progress,” the admiral added.
Iraqi forces also are advancing against ISIL in Amiriyah. With the assistance of coalition airstrikes, Kirby said, Iraqi forces have achieved success in countering ISIL fighters southwest of Baghdad as well.
Regaining ground from ISIL
In northern Iraq, a planned peshmerga offensive against ISIL forces has retaken Zumar, a town about 40 miles southwest of Mosul, and the surrounding area. “This is the fourth offensive operation in which peshmerga forces have been able to regain control of ground from ISIL, including Mosul Dam, Sardek Mountain and Rebiya Gate,” Kirby said.
Iraqi, Kurdish and coalition forces have targeted specific ISIL tactical locations to impede the terror group’s ability to shoot, maneuver and communicate near Mosul Dam, Zumar, Bayji, and Baghdad, the admiral said. “This has included the destruction of multiple fighting positions, at least eight ISIL vehicles, to include an ISIL tank, a staging area and a logistics base,” he said.
Major Iraqi offensive will take time
A major Iraqi offensive against ISIL will take some time, the press secretary acknowledged. Still, he said, “these are encouraging reports that highlight Iraq’s determination to take the fight to ISIL.” The ground and air attacks on ISIL have disrupted the group and forced them to change their tactics to avoid being targeted, he added.
In Syria, the situation in Kobani remains tenuous, Kirby said. Coalition airstrikes there over the last 24 hours destroyed several ISIL fighting positions and struck ISIL fighters.
“Despite these positive developments, it is important to point out that ISIL remains a very determined enemy,” the admiral said. “They continue to reinforce areas where they've been losing ground, such as in Kobani, Anbar province, and in the vicinity of Mosul Dam, and they continue to threaten innocent civilians wherever they are.”

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Centcom Officials Describe Latest Inherent Resolve Airstrikes[/h]From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 29, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials said, U.S. forces conducted six airstrikes in Iraq yesterday and today using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
In Syria, eight airstrikes near Kobani destroyed five ISIL fighting positions, a small ISIL unit, six ISIL vehicles, an ISIL-occupied building and an ISIL command and control node.
In Iraq, three airstrikes near Fallujah destroyed three small ISIL units, and three others near Sinjar destroyed a small ISIL unit and two ISIL vehicles.
Part of Inherent Resolve
All aircraft left the strike areas safely, Centcom officials said, noting that airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The strikes were conducted as part of Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, 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 power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.
Among the coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq are the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Bahrain.