FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Iraq
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter, remotely piloted and attack aircraft to conduct 14 airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam, according to a U.S. Central Command news release issued today.
The strikes destroyed or damaged six ISIL Humvees, three IED emplacements, one mortar tube, and two armed trucks, the release said. All aircraft exited the strike area safely.
These strikes were conducted under in support of Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense force operations, as well as to protect critical infrastructure, U.S. personnel and facilities, and humanitarian efforts, according to the release.
The Department of Defense confirmed Aug. 18 that Iraqi forces have cleared and now hold Mosul Dam, and that Iraqi security forces and Kurdish forces are working together to further expand their control of the area, the release said.
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 84 airstrikes across Iraq, the release said, and of those 84 strikes, 51 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.
