US-Led Coalition Against Daesh Launches 18 Airstrikes in Syria, Iraq

The US-led coalition against the Islamic State, or Daesh, conducted seven airstrikes in Syria and 11 strikes separately in Iraq, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US-led coalition against the Islamic State, or Daesh, conducted 18 airstrikes in Syria and Iraq in the campaign to degrade and destroy the terror group, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a release on Thursday.

“In Syria, coalition military forces conducted seven strikes,” the release said. “Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes.”

The airstrikes in Syria eliminated an Islamic State financial and a headquarters building, five fighting positions and two tactical units.

Likewise in Iraq, the airstrikes destroyed seven tactical units, 16 machine guns, five buildings, and two vehicle borne improvised explosive devices.

The US-led coalition of 65 nations has been carrying out airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq since August 2014 and in Syria since September 2014, but without the approval of the Syrian government or the UN Security Council.

Russia also continues its strikes campaign in Syria against the Islamic State. On Wednesday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov announced the Russian Air Force has destroyed more than 300 militants, scores of armored vehicles and 94 oil tankers and a convoy of 15 fuel trucks. Russia, like numerous other countries, has outlawed the Islamic State.