Coalition Strikes IS-Controlled Oil Pipeline in Syria: Central Command

According to the US Central Command's press release, six airstrikes struck five IS crude oil collection points and an IS crude oil pipeline.

WASHINGTON, January 5 (Sputnik) — The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) has struck an IS-controlled oil pipeline and five oil collection points in Syria's northeast, according to the US Central Command's press release issued Monday.

"Near Dawr az Zawr, six airstrikes struck five ISIL crude oil collection points and an ISIL crude oil pipeline," the release read.

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

As part of Operation Inherent Resolve aimed at eliminating the IS, the coalition conducted 14 airstrikes in Syria and six airstrikes in Iraq between 8 a.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday local time (5 a.m. GMT), according to the Central Command's press release.

Near the Syria-Turkey border city of Kobani "eight airstrikes struck two large ISIL units and an ISIL fighting position," destroying 11 IS fighting strongholds, the release says. While in Iraq the coalition destroyed two IS excavators, three IS vehicles, and four IS units.

Last Wednesday, the United States and allies destroyed four oil derricks occupied by the IS terrorist group in Syria.

The US-led coalition has been launching an air campaign against IS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in Iraq since August and in Syria since September. IS terrorists, known for their brutal tactics, have seized vast areas in both countries and declared an Islamic caliphate in the territories under their control.