US-Led Anti-ISIL Coalition Conducts 22 Airstrikes in Iraq, Syria

The US-led coalition conducted eight strikes in Syria and 14 strikes in Iraq coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq, according to the US Central Command.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIL) carried out 22 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria aimed at degrading the terrorist group, the US Central Command said in a press release on Thursday.

“In Syria, coalition military forces conducted eight strikes using attack, bomber and fighter aircraft,” the press release announced.

The airstrikes near the Syrian cities of Raqqah and Washiyah struck two ISIL tactical units and destroyed the excavator, the Central Command said.

Five strikes near Dayr Az Zawr hit two ISIL crude oil collection points, an ISIL maintenance and storage yard, an ISIL main petroleum station, as well as an ISIL cash distribution site.

“Separately in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using bomber, fighter, ground-attack, attack, and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL targets,” the release added.

The airstrikes were carried out near six Iraqi cities, including Ramadi and Mosul, and destroyed ISIL fighting positions, ISIL-held structures and vehicles.

Meanwhile, Russia has also continued its air campaign against the ISIL in Syria, which commenced on September 30 at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Since the beginning of the air campaign, Russian Aerospace Forces have launched some 830 strikes, killing several hundred militants and destroying dozens of command centers, and depots used by the terrorists.