US Air Force F-15s operating along with Iraqi government forces carried out airstrikes a suspected Islamic State (IS) target near Kirkuk, Iraq, April 13, 2020. Iraqi Security Forces, assisted by Coalition airpower conducted ground and air strikes against Daesh fighters in south of Kirkuk, April 13, killing more than 20 enemy fighters. Iraqi Army Aviation and Coalition aircraft did gun runs and dropped bombs on ISIS weapons and munitions were also destroyed during the strikes. Iraqi AC-208 Combat Caravan, King Air 350, U.S. Air Force F-15, and drones participated in the operation. Coalition advisors did not participate in the ground assault.
“The ISF’s ability to target and punish Daesh in this isolated territory confirms that these Daesh criminals have no safe haven,” said Col. Matt Brown, CJTF-OIR Task Force-Iraq deputy commander.
Through close collaboration with the Joint Operations Command – Iraq, the Coalition provided ISF-requested close air support, including surveillance aircraft to aid ISF troops battling ISIS holdouts in the austere terrain of Wadi Ashai near Kirkuk. The Coalition aircraft strike supporting the ISF contributed to 23 enemy fighters killed during the operation, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Security Media Cell on April 13.The Iraqi Security Forces continue balancing anti-ISIS operations with the nationwide efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Since 2014, at the invitation of the Government of Iraq, the international military Coalition has partnered with the Iraqi Security Forces to defeat Daesh and promote a regional security. In conjunction with partner forces Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) defeats ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria and sets conditions for follow-on operations to increase regional stability.