SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq between 8 a.m., May 1, and 8 a.m., May 2, local time. In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 16 airstrikes using attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft. Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted seven airstrikes approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense using attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists.
"Raqqah and Mosul represent Daesh centers of power," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, CJTF-OIR chief of staff. "The coalition will continue to strike Daesh in these cities as we dismantle and ultimately defeat Daesh."
The following is a summary of the strikes conducted since the last press release:
Syria
• Near Raqqah, three airstrikes struck land features denying ISIL a tactical advantage.
• Near Kobani, seven airstrikes struck one large and six smaller ISIL units, destroying six ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL vehicles.
• Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL fighting positions.
• Near Dair Az Zawr, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
Iraq
• Near Mosul, one airstrike struck a large ISIL unit, destroying two buildings, two excavators and four fighting positions.
• Near Ramadi, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL supply cache and an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Bayji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position.
• Near Tal Afar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
• Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position.
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.