Thousands rally in Jordan against Islamic State
SOUTHWEST ASIA – United States and coalition military forces resumed their daily attacks on both the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, stated Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials.
Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Airstrikes in Syria
Fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 11 airstrikes in Syria:
— Near Kobani, nine airstrikes struck seven ISIL tactical units and an ISIL vehicle and destroyed five ISIL vehicles and two ISIL staging areas.
— Near Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL mobile oil rig.
— Near Raqqah, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL weapons storage facilities.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 15 airstrikes in Iraq:
— Near Beiji, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL vehicle.
— Near Qaim, four airstrikes struck an ISIL headquarters building and destroyed three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL armored vehicle.
— Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL bunkers.
— Near Mahkmur, four airstrikes struck two ISIL staging areas and an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 28 ISIL vehicles, three ISIL armored vehicles and an ISIL shipping container.
— Near Mosul, two airstrikes destroyed three ISIL boats and an ISIL mortar position.
— Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL improvised explosive devices, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle-borne IED and an ISIL boat.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
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, officials said.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Reports of U.S. Hostage Killed
There are unconfirmed reports that an American hostage reportedly held by ISIL has been killed. ISIL is reporting the woman from Arizona was killed in an air raid by Jordanian fighter aircraft.
Jordan is reporting that their fighters were not attacking near the reported location the woman was at. The hostage as been identified as Kayla Jean Mueller. ISIL says “She was killed during Muslim prayers — which usually take place around midday on Fridays — in airstrikes that targeted “the same location for more than an hour.”
The White House says, “We are obviously deeply concerned by these reports. We have not at this time seen any evidence that corroborates ISIL’s claim.”
Video by ITN News