Britain is at war: RAF Tornados are in the air over Iraq with orders to strike ISIS - and SAS are on the ground to guide in the bombs

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Air Power Leads Fight Against ISIL, General Says[/h]By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2015 – Despite facing one of the most complex operational environments in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, coalition air power has enabled nearly every victory on the battlefield, a senior U.S. Central Command official said today.
During a telephonic call with Pentagon reporters, Air Force Lt. Gen. John W. Hesterman III, Combined Forces Air Component commander for Centcom, discussed the complexity and effectiveness of the air campaign against ISIL.
True Coalition Effort
Hesterman expressed pride in the multinational air coalition that formed “very quickly” demonstrating international commitment to defeating ISIL.
“The interoperability between our nations’ airmen validates years of combined training and multi-lateral exercises between our coalition partners,” he said.
Each nation brings capabilities, the general said, such as command and control, airlift, fire support and aerial refueling to a very complex operational environment creating a coalition greater than the sum of its parts.
“Our planning is a true coalition effort in the Combined Air Operations Center here,” Hesterman said, “and we’re flying side-by-side across the region in this fight against [ISIL].”
Airpower: Precise and Disciplined
The general said the air coalition is having a “profound” effect on the enemy.
“Our coalition airstrikes are the most precise and disciplined in the history of aerial warfare,” he said.
“We’ve been able to impact the enemy in a significant way, and we do it in a way that minimizes civilian casualties which our coalition nations, rightly, are very proud of,” Hesterman said.
Targeting ISIL, he said, is perhaps more challenging than ever before, but the coalition goes out of its way to protect innocent civilians, “because it’s the right thing to do, and it’s one of the things that separates us from the terrorists we’re fighting who kill anyone who isn’t them.”
ISIL can be targeted while still protecting civilians, Hesterman said.
Air Power’s Effectiveness
Hesterman noted coalition air power has not only been effective, but also has enabled “virtually every victory on the battlefield.”
It’s helped ground forces regain territory, he said, while removing more than 1,000 enemy fighters a month from the battlefield and eliminating the majority of ISIL’s oil refining capability.
More importantly, Hesterman said coalition air power is giving the Iraqi government and security forces the time necessary to prepare and execute sustained counter-ISIL offensives.
Coalition air power, he said, is giving all of the coalition nations the space and time to execute international lines of effort countering the flow of foreign fighters, ISIL financing and messaging, providing humanitarian assistance, and stabilizing liberated areas -- all necessary to defeat ISIL.
Different Type of Air Campaign
Hesterman emphasized the current air campaign is “a lot” different from previous campaigns.
“We’ve provided [an around-the-clock] presence over the battlefield to get after this enemy whenever we have the opportunity,” he said. “We go after this enemy wherever we find them.”
Hesterman added, “The comparisons being made to conflicts against field armies and nation-states don’t apply in this case, and the folks making them, frankly, haven’t been in a fight like the one that we’re in now.”
This enemy wrapped itself around a friendly population before the campaign even started, he said.
“There is no, and never has been, a well-developed target set for that which is necessary to do what we’ve done in the past,” Hesterman said. “It’s an order of magnitude more difficult than what we’ve done before. I can say that with a little bit of authority because I either participated in, or was well familiar with this, for about the last 32 years.”
Proud Coalition
The general lauded the “young men and women” of the multinational coalition risking their lives in the daily pursuit of ISIL “to give the world the time it needs” to galvanize the multiple lines of effort needed to ultimately defeat the terrorist group.
“They’re exceptionally proud of what they’re doing and their impact on the enemy,” he said. “I will tell you their superb ability to do it and the exceptionally limited civilian casualties are historic and [the operation] deserves the deep respect of every one of us.”
Hesterman said he’s proud of the coalition’s air team for what they’re accomplishing but noted this will be a “long fight.”
“There will be tactical setbacks that we should not give [ISIL] strategic victory credit for,” he said. “Be sure -- we in the coalition are fully committed to a strategic defeat of the … terrorists.”

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria and Iraq[/h]Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Releases
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 6, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
-Near Al Hasakah, four airstrikes struck two large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying six ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL armored vehicle and an ISIL armored personnel carrier.
-Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, two ISIL anti-tank weapons and ISIL improvised explosive device manufacturing material.
Airstrikes in Iraq
-Near Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL motorcycle.
-Near Bayji, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and an ISIL armored vehicle.
-Near Habbaniyah, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
-Near Haditha, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-Near Makhmur, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle.
-Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL mortar position, destroying an ISIL weapons cache.
-Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL staging area, destroying three ISIL buildings, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL improvised explosive device.
-Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL sniper position, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely.
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.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

Critics have accused US commanders of being too cautious, missing opportunities to kill militants and disrupt supply lines.
“The thought that we’re observing large numbers of [Isis] terrorists and not killing them, anywhere, is fiction,” said Hesterman, who leads US Central Command’s air forces and the coalition air campaign.
“We kill them wherever we find them.”

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes damage ISIL positions in Syria and Iraq[/h]Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Releases
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 7, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
-Near Al Hasakah, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting positions and a vehicle.
-Near Aleppo, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL ant-aircraft artillery piece and an ISIL fighting positon.
-Near Ar Raqqah, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL fighting positons, an ISIL rocket system, an ISIL motorcycle and an ISIL weapon transportation vehicle.
-Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL vehicles and two ISIL mortar systems.
Airstrikes in Iraq
-Near Al Qaim, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-Near Bayji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL bridge, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-Near Makhmur, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL mortar position and an ISIL rocket position, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL building.
-Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL buildings, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
-Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL heavy machine gun, destroying two ISIL buildings, an ISIL mortar system and an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrike assessments are based on initial reports. All aircraft returned to base safely.
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.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Destroy ISIL Oil Infrastructure, Tactical Vehicles[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 8, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Bomber, attack and fighter aircraft conducted seven airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two airstrikes struck two ISIL crude oil collection points.
-- Near Kobani, five airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying seven ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL improvised explosive device facility.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 14 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL tanker and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Beiji, three airstrikes destroyed two ISIL staging positions and seven ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Hit, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL checkpoint.
-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck two ISIL mortar firing positions.
-- Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL staging area, destroying two ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL mortar system, destroying two ISIL buildings, an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL tunnel entrance.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 9, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Bomber and fighter aircraft conducted nine airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Raqqah, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions.
-- Near Kobani, six airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying three resupply boats, an ISIL excavator, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack and fighter aircraft conducted 14 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Beiji, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL structures.
-- Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck two ISIL heavy machine guns.
-- Near Makhmur, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Mosul, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL mortar system.
-- Near Tal Afar, four airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying five ISIL buildings, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL rocket system and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade.
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.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Destroy ISIL Infrastructure, Weapons[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 10, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Bomber and fighter aircraft conducted five airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
-- Near Raqqah, three airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL armored vehicle.
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, one airstrike struck an ISIL crude oil collection point.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL resupply vehicle.
-- Near Beiji, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building and an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
-- Near Kirkuk, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL building.
-- Near Makhmur, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar system, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar system, destroying an ISIL building, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike truck an ISIL large tactical unit, an ISIL mortar firing position and an ISIL building, destroying five ISIL buildings, an ISIL vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL rocket propelled grenade cache.
-- Near Tal Afar, four airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, two ISIL mortar systems, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL rocket firing position, destroying three ISIL buildings, an ISIL rocket and an ISIL tunnel system.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq[/h]DoD News, Defense Media Activity
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 11, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Attack, bomber and fighter aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Raqqah, seven airstrikes struck six ISIL tactical units, destroying seven ISIL improvised rocket-assisted munitions, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL resupply points, two ISIL vehicle bombs, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL vehicle bomb warehouse.
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four airstrikes struck four ISIL crude oil collection points.
-- Near Kobani, four airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying four ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building and an ISIL mortar firing position.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Al Qaim, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL excavator.
-- Near Beiji, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL vehicles and three ISIL structures.
-- Near Haditha, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Kirkuk, an airstrike struck an ISIL mortar firing position.
-- Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck land features, denying ISIL a tactical advantage, as well as an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL heavy machine gun, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Sinjar, an airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying three ISIL structures, two ISIL rocket-propelled grenades, an ISIL bunker, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL tunnel system.
-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and two ISIL mortar firing positions, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Military Airstrikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 12, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. 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 Attack, bomber and fighter aircraft conducted 10 airstrikes in Syria: -- Near Raqqah, four airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL rocket system. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four airstrikes struck four ISIL crude oil collection points. -- Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar firing position. Airstrikes in Iraq Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense: -- Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL motorcycle. -- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL checkpoint and an ISIL staging area. -- Near Ramadi, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL excavator, an ISIL tank and an ISIL artillery piece. -- Near Tal Afar, four airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units and an ISIL rocket, destroying five ISIL structures, two ISIL heavy machine guns, an ISIL mortar firing position and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade. -- Near Walweed, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle. 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. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 13, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Attack and fighter aircraft conducted three airstrikes near Kobani, which struck three ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL vehicles, two ISIL fuel tankers and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
-- Near Beiji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL fighting positions.
-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL rocket firing positon.
-- Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck two ISIL mortar firing positions, destroying two ISIL fighting positions.
-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL structure.
-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units and an ISIL sniper positon, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns and three ISIL structures.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=1]US spending £5m a day fighting Isil, Pentagon breakdown reveals - totalling £1.7bn so far[/h][h=2]Since bombings began in Syria and Iraq in August last year, the US spent more than £1.7 billion fighting the extremist group[/h]
By AP

2:32PM BST 12 Jun 2015



The US has spent more than $2.7 billion (£1.7 billion) on the war againstIslamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) militants in Iraq and Syria sincebombings began last August, and the average daily cost is now more than $9 million, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Releasing a detailed breakdown of the costs for the first time, the defence department showed that the air force has borne two-thirds of the total spending, or more than $1.8 billion. The daily combat, reconnaissance and other flights eat up more than $5 million a day.

• US considering more bases in Iraq to fight Islamic State

The data also provided a rare look into the often secret special operations costs, which totalled more than $200 million since August.

The release of the spending totals came as Congress debated and rejected legislation on Thursday that would have banned spending on the combat operations until politicians passed a new war powers resolution.

Military operations cost have grown since air strikes began in Iraq in August, and then expanded to Syria the following month. The bulk of the strikes has been in Iraq, as the US and coalition strikes have tried to help Iraqi forces retake key and hold key cities.
Other total costs include $438 million for the Navy, including fighters and other ship support; $274 million for the Army, which has trainers and special forces troops on the ground; $16 million for military pay; $646 million for munitions; and $21 million for intelligence and surveillance operations.

 

[superbeets]

[h=1]US considering more bases in Iraq to fight Islamic State[/h][h=2]General Martin Dempsey admits that more bases could require more troops but it is only one option the US is considering[/h]
America's military is contemplating setting up a string of bases it calls "lily pads" throughout Iraq, to expand its military presence in a country it thought it had left behind.

Gen Martin Dempsey, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said an increase in the American military presence in Iraq announced on Wednesday might be just the start of a broader engagement.

"It's another one of the options that we're considering," he said, while on a visit to Italy. "At the planning level, it's not theoretical. It's very practical, looking at geographic locations, road networks, airfields, places where we can actually establish these hubs."

The White House announcement on Wednesday was a relatively minor addition to current American commitments to Iraq.

It said an additional 450 troops would join the 3,100 already in Iraq on a "train, advise and assist" mission, and would be established in a new post, the Taqqadum airbase east of Ramadi, the city which fell to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) in May.

This response, following further Isil advances, was seen in some quarters as a classic case of "mission creep" – ever deeper involvement in the war without a clear strategy to win in – but in some cases as not going far enough.
The troops will not be allowed to take direct part in offensive combat actions – such as to retake Isil-held territory – or even to call in air strikes. Only a quarter of the troops will be operational, the others providing security and backup.
Gen Dempsey's remarks seem to be a response to criticism that President Barack Obama, who has admitted he has yet to have a "complete strategy" to fight Isil in Iraq, was not doing enough.
He said the next extra base might be on the corridor from Baghdad to Mosul, where Isil are currently being pushed back by an alliance of Iraq's American-trained counter-insurgency special forces and Iran-backed Shia militias.
Mosul, Iraq's second city, was taken by Isil a year ago this week, but much-touted plans to retake it have disappeared from briefings by both the American and Iraqi governments.
"I could conceive of one potentially somewhere in the corridor that runs from Baghdad to Tikrit to Kirkuk and over into Mosul. So we're looking at that area," Gen. Dempsey said of the new training bases.
Such a base would further lock the United States into cooperation with Iran. The battle-plan for Iraq has been devised by two Shia militia commanders, Hadi al-Ameri and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who have both spent long years in Tehran, along with the man said to be their mentor, Gen Qassem Soleimani of the Iranian Quds Brigade, who has been photographed with them in Iraq recently.
The United States-led coalition is already carrying out air strikes in support of operations in which these militias are playing a leading role.
In theory, they are under the direction of the government led by prime minister Haider al-Abadi, but the militia leaders make little bones about the fact that they are planning military strategy – including the timing of any attempt to retake major Iraqi cities.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Hit ISIL Targets in Iraq, Syria[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 14, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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 aircraft conducted an airstrike near Aleppo, which struck an ISIL tactical unit.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter and bomber aircraft conducted 12 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL staging position.
-- Near Beiji, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL mortar positon.
-- Near Mosul, three airstrikes struck two ISIL staging areas and land features, denying ISIL a tactical advantage.
-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying two ISIL excavators, two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns, an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade and an ISIL tunnel system.
-- Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL rocket firing position and land features denying ISIL a tactical advantage.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 15, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Attack and fighter aircraft conducted three airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL motorcycles, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL tunnel systems and an ISIL communication tower.
-- Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL tunnel entrance and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Qaim, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Beiji, one airstrike destroyed six ISIL bunkers.
-- Near Makhmur, four airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, two ISIL staging areas and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL structures and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL mortar firing positions, an ISIL rocket firing positon and an ISIL rocket system.
-- Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL tunnel systems and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade.
-- Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL vehicle.
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.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 15, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Attack and fighter aircraft conducted three airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL motorcycles, two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL tunnel systems and an ISIL communication tower.
-- Near Kobani, two airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL tunnel entrance and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Qaim, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Beiji, one airstrike destroyed six ISIL bunkers.
-- Near Makhmur, four airstrikes struck one large and one small ISIL tactical unit, two ISIL staging areas and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL structures and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck two ISIL mortar firing positions, an ISIL rocket firing positon and an ISIL rocket system.
-- Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL tunnel systems and an ISIL rocket-propelled grenade.
-- Near Tal Afar, three airstrikes struck two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL building and an ISIL vehicle.
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.
Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 16, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Bomber and fighter aircraft conducted nine airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL excavator.
-- Near Kobani, three airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Tal Abyad, five airstrikes struck three large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL vehicles.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL structure.
-- Near Beiji, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit.
-- Near Fallujah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL structure.
-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Mosul, seven airstrikes struck two ISIL tactical units, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying an ISIL excavator, an ISIL rocket system, an ISIL structure and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Ramadi, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL motorcycle.
-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing position, destroying three ISIL structures, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck two ISIL fighting positions.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]ISIL Tactical Losses Continue in Iraq, Syria[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 17, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. 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 and remotely piloted aircraft conducted four airstrikes in Syria: -- Near Hasakah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL antenna arrays and an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Aleppo, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Kobani, one airstrike struck an ISIL large tactical unit. Airstrikes in Iraq Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted seven airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense: -- Near Baghdadi, one airstrike destroyed an ISIL resupply vehicle and an ISIL weapons cache. -- Near Huwayjah, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area. -- Near Beiji, one airstrike destroyed two ISIL armored vehicles. -- Near Mosul, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL mortar firing positon, destroying an ISIL structure. -- Near Sinjar, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns, three ISIL fighting positons, three ISIL tunnel entrances, an ISIL structure and an ISIL rocket propelled grenade. 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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Coalition Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 18, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Bomber, attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted six airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Hasakah, an airstrike destroyed two ISIL tunnel systems.
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Tal Abyad, four airstrikes struck one large and two small ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions, two ISIL vehicles and an ISIL excavator.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Baghdadi, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Huwayjah, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Beiji, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL pontoon bridge.
-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL rocket rails and an ISIL bunker.
-- Near Ramadi, four airstrikes struck multiple defensive obstacles and fighting positions.
-- Near Sinjar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL buildings and an ISIL excavator.
-- Near Tal Afar, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL bunker. Two ISIL buildings, two ISIL heavy machine guns and an ISIL vehicle bomb were destroyed, and land features were struck to deny ISIL a tactical advantage.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Carter Vows Lasting Defeat of ISIL Forces[/h]

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2015 – Vowing to achieve a lasting defeat of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant forces, Defense Secretary Ash Carter outlined the Defense Department’s counterterrorism strategy today in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee.


The secretary and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria, where U.S.-led coalition allies and partners are assisting and advising local forces.
The United States will not let up until it has destroyed ISIL and al-Qaida affiliated terrorists that pose dangers to the homeland, friends and allies in the region, the secretary said.
“The past few weeks serve as a reminder to terrorists bent on harming the United States and our interests … [that] we have the capability to reach out and strike them,” Carter said.
Today, 35,000 U.S. forces are postured in the region, allowing the military to “strike ISIL and al-Qaida terrorists and check Iranian malign influence,” Carter noted.
U.S. core interests also assure Israel’s “continued qualitative military edge, and why we’re working with our Gulf partners to make them more capable of defending themselves against external aggression,” he added.
Those interests also are why the United States is supporting efforts for political settlements to crises throughout the region, from Yemen to Libya to Syria, the secretary said.
ISIL presents a “grave threat” to U.S. friends and allies in the Middle East and around the world, from Africa and Europe to parts of Asia, he said, because of its “steady metastasis.” It also threatens the U.S. homeland, he added, based on its avowed intentions to strike and recruit in the United States.
“ISIL must be -- and will be -- dealt a lasting defeat,” Carter told the committee.
Strategy Involves All National Security Agencies
President Barack Obama’s counter-ISIL strategy draws from all U.S. national security agencies to degrade and defeat ISIL, Carter said. The strategy and military campaign make up a global coalition that reflects a worldwide consensus to counter the ISIL threat, he added.
The counter-ISIL strategy is based on nine lines of effort that reflect the “breadth of this challenge and the tools needed to combat it,” the secretary said:
-- First, the crucial political effort to build more effective, inclusive, multisectarian governance.
-- Second and third are the DoD-led efforts to deny ISIL safe haven and build partner capacity in Iraq and Syria. DoD, alongside coalition partners, is conducting a bombing campaign from the air, advising and assisting Iraqi security forces on the ground, and training and equipping trusted local forces.
-- Fourth is enhancing collection of intelligence on ISIL.
-- Fifth is disrupting ISIL’s finances.
-- Sixth and seventh are to counter ISIL’s messaging and disrupt the flow of foreign fighters to and from the extremists.
-- Eighth is providing humanitarian support to people displaced by or vulnerable to ISIL.
-- Ninth is protecting the homeland by disrupting terrorist threats.
“The effective execution of all nine of these lines of effort by the United States and its coalition partners is plainly necessary to ensure overall success,” Carter said.
DoD Lines of Effort
DoD’s airstrike campaigns in Iraq and Syria have “produced some clear results in limiting ISIL’s freedom of movement, constraining its ability to reinforce its fighters, and impeding command and control,” Carter said.
Airstrikes also helped local forces make key achievements, such as the success of anti-ISIL forces that took the key town of Tal Abyad over the weekend, he said.
“The airstrikes are also buying critical time and space required to carry out DoD’s second line of effort -- developing the capacity and capabilities of legitimate local ground forces,” Carter said.
Calling the ground campaign a “work in progress,” Carter said a combination of disunity, deserters and “ghost soldiers” -- who are paid on the books but don’t exist -- have greatly diminished the capacity of Iraq’s security forces.
Local Forces Must Be on Ground
Given such challenges, ISIL’s lasting defeat requires local forces on the ground, which Carter said the U.S. military will continue to develop and enable.
“Putting U.S. combat troops on the ground as a substitute for local forces will not produce enduring results,” he said. Both anti-ISIL campaigns in Iraq and Syria require capable, motivated, legitimate, local ground forces to seize, clear, and hold terrain for a lasting, enduring defeat, he said.
Carter said ISIL’s takeover of Ramadi last month was “deeply disappointing,” but it highlights how important capable and motivated Iraqi ground forces are in the anti-ISIL campaign.
After Ramadi’s fall, DoD and White House officials determined that the existing strategic framework was still the correct approach, but enhanced training of the security forces was needed and the process to equip them was too slow, Carter said.
Expedited Equipment Deliveries
Essential equipment deliveries, such as anti-tank capabilities and equipment to counter improvised explosive devices have since been expedited to Iraqi security forces and Kurdish and Sunni tribal forces, he said.
“We also determined that we could enable Iraqi security forces with more tailored advice and assistance, including critical outreach to local Sunni communities,” the secretary said.
And based on DoD recommendations, the president authorized deployment of 450 personnel to Iraq’s Taqqadum military base in Anbar province to establish an additional site for advising and assisting the Iraqi security forces, Carter noted.
U.S. forces will also provide much-needed operational advice and planning support to the Iraqi security forces Anbar Operations Center, he said.
“We expect that this move will open a new dimension in our and Iraq’s efforts to recruit Sunnis into the fight and to help the Iraqis coordinate and plan the critical effort to roll back ISIL in Anbar province,” Carter said.
Lack of Recruits Slowed Training
But the lack of Iraqi security forces recruits has slowed training, the secretary said, adding that while 24,000 recruits were anticipated by this fall, only 7,000 were trained, in addition to 2,000 counterterrorism service personnel.
All sectors of the Iraqi government must make a greater commitment to the recruitment and training effort, he said.
Positive Signs Showing
Despite the challenges, positive signs exist, the secretary said, noting that he has met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani, and last week with Speaker Salim al-Jabouri of Iraq’s parliament. “They fully understand the need to empower more localized, multi-sectarian Iraqi security forces and address persistent organizational and leadership failures,” the defense secretary told the House panel.
Because a sovereign, multisectarian Iraq is more likely to seal a lasting defeat of ISIL, the United States must continue working with and through the Iraqi government in all actions, including Kurdish and Sunni tribal forces support, he said.
U.S. efforts must reinforce inclusivity and multi-sectarianism and not fuel a reversal to sectarianism, which would make the lasting defeat of ISIL harder, not easier, Carter noted.
ISIL in Syria a Bigger Challenge
Syria’s battle with ISIL extremists is more complex, Carter said, citing the lack of a legitimate government partner and many competing forces in that country.
“Our train-and-equip mission in Syria has been challenging,” he said, “but the requirement for a capable and motivated counter-ISIL ground force there also means we must persist in our efforts.”
Carter vowed to continue airstrikes against ISIL forces in Syria, and to work with Syrian neighbors to impede the flow of foreign fighters into and out of Syria and Iraq.
“Success in this campaign can and must be assured,” Carter said. “It will take time and require consistent effort on everyone’s part -- the entire U.S. government, our entire international coalition, and most importantly, the Iraqi and Syrian peoples.”
“Together, and with your support, including your support for America’s troops and their families, for which I, and they, are ever grateful -- we will achieve ISIL’s lasting defeat,” the defense secretary told the committee.

 

[superbeets]

[h=3]Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq[/h]From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 19, 2015 – U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
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
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 11 airstrikes in Syria:
-- Near Raqqah, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying two ISIL vehicles.
-- Near Hasakah, one airstrike struck an ISIL weapons manufacturing building.
-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four airstrikes struck three ISIL crude oil collection points.
-- Near Tal Abyad, five airstrikes struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL mortar system.
Airstrikes in Iraq
Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 airstrikes in Iraq, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense:
-- Near Huwayjah, two airstrikes struck land features denying ISIL a tactical advantage, destroying an ISIL weapons cache.
-- Near Beiji, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL bunkers and an ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Fallujah, two airstrikes destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Makhmur, one airstrike struck an ISIL staging area.
-- Near Mosul, five airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL rocket firing position and an ISIL structure, destroying an ISIL excavator, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL rocket and an ISIL tank.
-- Near Sinjar, one airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit, destroying three ISIL heavy machine guns and four ISIL structures.
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, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.