U.S.-led Coalition strikes continued to focus on Islamic State targets near the Iraq-Syria border on Tuesday, according to an Operation Inherent Resolve press release.
“Near Al Qaim, two strikes destroyed three ISIS VBIED factories, an ISIS-held building and a munition production and storage facility,” the release said on Wednesday, October 18, adding that further strikes near Al Bukamal on the Syrian side of the border “engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two VBEID factories and an ISIS headquarters.”
The Coalition also reported the first strikes near Raqqa since October 12.
On October 17, Coalition forces conducted a total of five strikes consisting of five engagements in Iraq:
- Near Al Qaim, two strikes destroyed three ISIS VBIED factories, an ISIS-held building and a munition production and storage facility.
- Near Bayji, two strikes destroyed an ISIS VBIED and an ISIS tunnel.
- Near Rawah, one strike engaged one ISIS tactical unit.
In Syria, the Coalition carried out two strikes consisting of three engagements:
- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two VBEID factories and an ISIS headquarters.
Additionally, three strikes consisting of three engagements was conducted in Syria on October 16:
- Near Raqqah, three strikes suppressed three ISIS communication lines.
The U.S.-led Coalition of more than 70 members has been conducting airstrikes, ground-based and rocket-propelled artillery fire against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq since 2014.