There was no holiday for the U.S. military in the Mideast as airstrikes against ISIS terrorists continued on Christmas Eve.
The Defense Department announced Sunday there were 12 airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant over the preceding 24-hour period under Operation Inherent Resolve.
Attack and fighter aircraft conducted nine strikes in Syria:
- Near Ar Raqqah, nine strikes engaged eight ISIS tactical units, destroyed seven fighting positions and a tunnel, and suppressed an ISIL tactical unit
Bomber and fighter aircraft conducted three strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq’s government:
- Near Al Huwayjah, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed four buildings and two tunnels
- Near Al Qaim, a strike engaged two ISIS car bomb factories and a weapons storage facility
- Near Mosul, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit, destroyed four buildings, four heavy machine guns, three tactical vehicles, three car bombs, suppressed nine mortar teams and two ISIS tactical units
The battle against ISIS has continued daily for over two years, with aircraft carriers and amphibious assault groups from San Diego frequently involved. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group recently entered the area.
