US-Led Coalition Destroys Four IS Oil Derricks in Syria: Central Command

Two coalition airstrikes destroyed four Islamic State oil derricks in north-east Syria, the statement posted on the US Central Command’s website read.

WASHINGTON, December 31 (Sputnik) — The United States and allies have destroyed four oil derricks controlled by Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Syria, the US Central Command said in a statement Wednesday.

“Near Al Hasakah [in north-east Syria], two airstrikes destroyed four [IS] oil derricks,” the statement posted on the Central Command’s website read.

The US Treasury earlier stated that oil sales are among key sources of income for IS, along with extortion, ransom and external financial supporters.

On Wednesday, the US-led coalition conducted a total of seven airstrikes using fighter and bomber aircraft in Syria and Iraq.

Near the Syria-Turkey border city of Kobani, five IS buildings and six of the group's fighting positions were destroyed. In Iraq three IS tactical units were struck and two IS fighting positions were destroyed by airstrikes.

The US-led coalition has been launching airstrikes against IS in Iraq since August and in Syria since September. IS militants, known for their brutal tactics, have seized vast areas in both countries and declared an Islamic caliphate in the territories under their control.