Showing posts with label Belgium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belgium. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Saturday, October 15, 2022
NATO'S Nuclear Forces To Be Tested in Steadfast Noon 2022
From 17 to 30 October 2022,NATO'S nuclear forces will hold their annual deterrence exercise,Steadfast Noon.It always takes place in the autumn,and up to sixty aircraft will take part from fourteen NATO Allies,practising scenarios related to the deployment and delivery on a target of a tactical nuclear weapon,the US B61,the latest version of which,the B61-12,was to go into full production in May 2022.Besides the conventional/nuclear Dual-Capable Aircraft (DCA),strictly conventional planes will also participate under NATO'S Support of Nuclear Operations With Conventional Air Tactics (SNOWCAT) programme.The SNOWCAT aircraft include Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) types and air refueling tankers,as well as conventional only fighter jets.The DCAs include the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;F-16C/D and up Fighting Falcon;Panavia 200 Tornado (Germany and Italy);F-22 Raptor;F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet;F-15E Strike Eagle;B-2 Spirit;and B-52H Stratofortress.The new B-21 Raider will be a DCA as well.*
On 14 October,NATO'S Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) met on the sidelines of the Defence Ministerial in Brussels,Belgium.The proceedings are classified,but deal with any aspect of NATO'S nuclear deterrence programme,which is based on a dual key arrangement between the US and Allies Belgium,Germany,Italy,the Netherlands and Turkey.The US stores B61s in underground bunkers on air bases of the five respective Allies.All Allies except France take part in the NPG,which France has chosen not to participate in.*
The drills will cover a large area,from host nation Belgium to the North Sea and UK.A different country is host each year.All participants work to ensure that NATO'S nuclear deterrent is safe,secure and effective.Under NATO'S new Strategic Concept,the fundamental purpose of NATO'S nuclear capability is to preserve peace,prevent coercion and deter aggression.As long as nuclear weapons exist,NATO will remain a nuclear Alliance.*
On the air bases,the participants will practise the transport of the B61 up from its underground bunker and the mounting of it beneath the DCA.The bulk of the drills will take place more than 100 km/650 mi from Russia.Nuclear strike missions will be simulated,but no actual nuclear bombs will be utilised.*
The B61 is 12 ft long and weighs 825 pounds.Its maximum explosive power is estimated to be 50 kilotons of TNT, but its yield can be reduced as needed.*
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Monday, July 4, 2022
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
New Version of Nuclear Weapon Closer to US and NATO Readiness
The US Air Force and Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration have recently completed developmental testing of the B61-12 tactical and strategic nuclear bomb version.The program office for the bomb said the 27-month testing programme was completed in just 11 months,yet with 100 percent success on all 31 bomb drops executed.Now the bomb version enters initial operational testing and evaluation.
In the summer of 2018,a B-2A Spirit bomber dropped two inert B61-12 bombs at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The tests were the start of a technicial reset of the B-2A for advanced warfighting requirements, including improved digital weapons integration; more computer processing power; next generation sensors.With a range of 6,000 nautical miles, the B-2A has flown combat missions in Iraq,Libya and Afghanistan.Now it is being readied for service in Anti-access/Area-denial scenarios against near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China.*
Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory did the design and engineering of the B61-12.
The bomb has the first digital interface of the series.One of the bombs can execute any of the missions intended by the Air Force and NATO:
Earth-penetrating attack;
Low-yield and high-yield attack;
Above surface detonation;
Bunker buster option.*
The Air Force intends to certify the B61-12 on the following aircraft:
B-2A Spirit bomber;
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter;
F-16 C,D and MLU variants;
F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;
B-21 Raider bomber;
PA 200 Tornado fighter.
The new version is part of a Life Extension Program for the bomb.A total of 400 bombs are to be refitted, extending their lives by 20 years.*
The B61-12 is designed for NATO use.Currently the Allies Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey participate in the dual key arrangement with the US, providing personnel, storage and aircraft for the Alliance's nuclear deterrent.*
The first production unit of the B61-12 is slated for completion in March 2020, with full run completion by 2025.The updated weapon will include improved safety, security, reliability and accuracy, the Air Force said.*
Boeing provides the B61-12 guided tail-kit.*
Boeing (BA)
In the summer of 2018,a B-2A Spirit bomber dropped two inert B61-12 bombs at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The tests were the start of a technicial reset of the B-2A for advanced warfighting requirements, including improved digital weapons integration; more computer processing power; next generation sensors.With a range of 6,000 nautical miles, the B-2A has flown combat missions in Iraq,Libya and Afghanistan.Now it is being readied for service in Anti-access/Area-denial scenarios against near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China.*
Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory did the design and engineering of the B61-12.
The bomb has the first digital interface of the series.One of the bombs can execute any of the missions intended by the Air Force and NATO:
Earth-penetrating attack;
Low-yield and high-yield attack;
Above surface detonation;
Bunker buster option.*
The Air Force intends to certify the B61-12 on the following aircraft:
B-2A Spirit bomber;
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter;
F-16 C,D and MLU variants;
F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;
B-21 Raider bomber;
PA 200 Tornado fighter.
The new version is part of a Life Extension Program for the bomb.A total of 400 bombs are to be refitted, extending their lives by 20 years.*
The B61-12 is designed for NATO use.Currently the Allies Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey participate in the dual key arrangement with the US, providing personnel, storage and aircraft for the Alliance's nuclear deterrent.*
The first production unit of the B61-12 is slated for completion in March 2020, with full run completion by 2025.The updated weapon will include improved safety, security, reliability and accuracy, the Air Force said.*
Boeing provides the B61-12 guided tail-kit.*
Boeing (BA)
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Pentagon Issues Nuclear Posture Review - where Russia and NATO fit in
The Pentagon has released its Nuclear Posture Review,dated February 2018.Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis contributed a preface to the document.Here are some excerpts of his thoughts on the subject:
This review comes at a critical moment in our nation's history,for America confronts an international security situation that is more complex and demanding than any since the end of the Cold War.In this environment,it is not possible to delay modernization of our nuclear forces if we are to preserve a credible nuclear deterrent-ensuring that our diplomats continue to speak from a position of strength on matters of war and peace.*
While Russia initially followed America's lead and made similarly sharp reductions in its strategic nuclear forces,it retained large numbers of non-strategic nuclear weapons as well as its other strategic systems.Even more troubling has been Russia's adoption of military strategies and capabilities that rely on nuclear escalation for their success.These developments,coupled with Russia's seizure of Crimea and nuclear threats against our allies,mark Moscow's decided return to Great Power Competition.*
This review confirms the finding of previous NPRs that the nuclear triad (sea,air and land-based systems) - supported by NATO dual-capable aircraft and a robust nuclear command and control system - is the most cost effective and strategically sound means of ensuring nuclear deterrence.To remain effective,however,we must recapitalize our Cold War legacy nuclear forces.*
Modernizing our dual-capable fighter bombers will maintain the strength of NATO's deterrence posture and maintain our ability to forward deploy nuclear weapons,should the security situation demand it.*
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the vital role our Soldiers,Sailors,Airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen,and civilians play in making a safe,secure and ready nuclear force.Without their ceaseless and often unheralded efforts,America would not possess a nuclear deterrent.At the end of the day,deterrence comes down to the men and women in uniform - in silos,in the air,and beneath the sea.
To each and every one of them,I wish to express my personal respect and that of a grateful and safe nation.
Signed,
Jim Mattis*
According to NATO:
Nuclear weapons are a core component of NATO's overall capabilities for deterrence and defence,alongside conventional and missile defence forces.The circumstances in which any use of nuclear weapons might have to be contemplated are extremely remote.
Strategic nuclear forces:
As stated in the 2010 Strategic Concept:
The supreme guarantee of the security of the Allies is provided by the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance,particularly those of the US;the independent strategic nuclear forces of the UK and France,which have a deterrent role of their own,contribute to the overall deterrence and security of the Allies.
Dual-capable aircraft:
A number of NATO member countries contribute a dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability to the Alliance.These aircraft are available for nuclear roles at various levels of readiness - the highest level of readiness is measured in weeks.In their nuclear role,the aircraft are equipped to carry nuclear bombs and personnel are trained accordingly.The US maintains absolute control and custody of the associated nuclear weapons.
Allies provide military support for the DCA mission with conventional forces and capabilities.*
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative think tank:
About 150 US gravity bomb B-61 warheads are currently stored in Europe.
There are six nuclear weapon facilities in five NATO countries:Belgium;Germany;Italy;the Netherlands;and Turkey.
Dual-capable aircraft currently include:US F-15 E;F-16 C/Ds;Belgian,Dutch and Turkish F-16s;German and Italian PA-200 Tornados*
The US Coast Guard helps provide security for US ballistic missile submarine bases,plus emergency support for the subs such as medevac as needed.
This review comes at a critical moment in our nation's history,for America confronts an international security situation that is more complex and demanding than any since the end of the Cold War.In this environment,it is not possible to delay modernization of our nuclear forces if we are to preserve a credible nuclear deterrent-ensuring that our diplomats continue to speak from a position of strength on matters of war and peace.*
While Russia initially followed America's lead and made similarly sharp reductions in its strategic nuclear forces,it retained large numbers of non-strategic nuclear weapons as well as its other strategic systems.Even more troubling has been Russia's adoption of military strategies and capabilities that rely on nuclear escalation for their success.These developments,coupled with Russia's seizure of Crimea and nuclear threats against our allies,mark Moscow's decided return to Great Power Competition.*
This review confirms the finding of previous NPRs that the nuclear triad (sea,air and land-based systems) - supported by NATO dual-capable aircraft and a robust nuclear command and control system - is the most cost effective and strategically sound means of ensuring nuclear deterrence.To remain effective,however,we must recapitalize our Cold War legacy nuclear forces.*
Modernizing our dual-capable fighter bombers will maintain the strength of NATO's deterrence posture and maintain our ability to forward deploy nuclear weapons,should the security situation demand it.*
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the vital role our Soldiers,Sailors,Airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen,and civilians play in making a safe,secure and ready nuclear force.Without their ceaseless and often unheralded efforts,America would not possess a nuclear deterrent.At the end of the day,deterrence comes down to the men and women in uniform - in silos,in the air,and beneath the sea.
To each and every one of them,I wish to express my personal respect and that of a grateful and safe nation.
Signed,
Jim Mattis*
According to NATO:
Nuclear weapons are a core component of NATO's overall capabilities for deterrence and defence,alongside conventional and missile defence forces.The circumstances in which any use of nuclear weapons might have to be contemplated are extremely remote.
Strategic nuclear forces:
As stated in the 2010 Strategic Concept:
The supreme guarantee of the security of the Allies is provided by the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance,particularly those of the US;the independent strategic nuclear forces of the UK and France,which have a deterrent role of their own,contribute to the overall deterrence and security of the Allies.
Dual-capable aircraft:
A number of NATO member countries contribute a dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability to the Alliance.These aircraft are available for nuclear roles at various levels of readiness - the highest level of readiness is measured in weeks.In their nuclear role,the aircraft are equipped to carry nuclear bombs and personnel are trained accordingly.The US maintains absolute control and custody of the associated nuclear weapons.
Allies provide military support for the DCA mission with conventional forces and capabilities.*
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative think tank:
About 150 US gravity bomb B-61 warheads are currently stored in Europe.
There are six nuclear weapon facilities in five NATO countries:Belgium;Germany;Italy;the Netherlands;and Turkey.
Dual-capable aircraft currently include:US F-15 E;F-16 C/Ds;Belgian,Dutch and Turkish F-16s;German and Italian PA-200 Tornados*
The US Coast Guard helps provide security for US ballistic missile submarine bases,plus emergency support for the subs such as medevac as needed.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Russia Probes British Defences by Sea and Air - Belgian fighter jets among responders
The Russian military has been probing the UK's area of national interest in recent weeks,raising NATO concern as fighting between the Ukrainian Army and Russian-backed rebels intensified in Eastern Ukraine.On 8 January 2018,the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster intercepted and escorted two Russian warships,the Stereguschin-class frigates Soobrazitelny and Boiky,plus their support ships Paradoks and Kola,out of the English Channel.
Commander Simon Kelly,commanding officer of the Westminster,explained:
The English Channel is an absolute lifeline for the UK,and it is very important that HMS Westminster and the Royal Navy maintains a watchful eye on this key strategic link.*
Presumably,the Russian warships have by now returned to their Baltic homeport.*
In the Baltic State of Estonia,Britain has deployed its Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) artillery,which is long range and precision-guided by GPS,along with 800 troops as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence strategy.*
On 15 January,the RAF launched Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth,Scotland,on a quick reaction alert as two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers approached the UK.The Russian Defence Ministry said their bombers were escorted by Belgian F-16s as well as British Typhoons at different stages of their mission.*
According to the UK Ministry of Defence:
The RAF worked closely with NATO partners to monitor the jets as they passed through a variety of international airspace,before they were intercepted by the RAF over the North Sea.Subsequently,our fighters escorted the Russian Blackjacks North,out of the UK's area of interest.At no time did the bombers enter UK sovereign airspace.*
For his part,British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
The threats this country faces are intensifying and we will not hesitate in defending our skies from acts of aggression.Our excellent RAF tracked the Russian aircraft every step of the way,and they continue to police UK and international airspace every hour of every day,to help keep the British people safe.*
RAF QRA was launched today because the Russian military aircraft were not talking to air traffic agencies,the MOD added.
Commander Simon Kelly,commanding officer of the Westminster,explained:
The English Channel is an absolute lifeline for the UK,and it is very important that HMS Westminster and the Royal Navy maintains a watchful eye on this key strategic link.*
Presumably,the Russian warships have by now returned to their Baltic homeport.*
In the Baltic State of Estonia,Britain has deployed its Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) artillery,which is long range and precision-guided by GPS,along with 800 troops as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence strategy.*
On 15 January,the RAF launched Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth,Scotland,on a quick reaction alert as two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers approached the UK.The Russian Defence Ministry said their bombers were escorted by Belgian F-16s as well as British Typhoons at different stages of their mission.*
According to the UK Ministry of Defence:
The RAF worked closely with NATO partners to monitor the jets as they passed through a variety of international airspace,before they were intercepted by the RAF over the North Sea.Subsequently,our fighters escorted the Russian Blackjacks North,out of the UK's area of interest.At no time did the bombers enter UK sovereign airspace.*
For his part,British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
The threats this country faces are intensifying and we will not hesitate in defending our skies from acts of aggression.Our excellent RAF tracked the Russian aircraft every step of the way,and they continue to police UK and international airspace every hour of every day,to help keep the British people safe.*
RAF QRA was launched today because the Russian military aircraft were not talking to air traffic agencies,the MOD added.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
NATO's Steadfast Noon 17:Nuclear Deterrence in the Heart of Europe
On 16 October 2017,NATO commenced its annual nuclear deterrence exercise,Steadfast Noon 17.The drill is perhaps the most cryptic of the NATO exercises,its details held very close to the vest.Revolving around a fictitious scenario,it is being lumped in with the biennial Exercise Formidable Shield 17 this year,an exercise focused on missile and air defence.FS 17 ends on 18 October,so perhaps Steadfast Noon will as well.
Typically SN involves launching and recovering a number of nuclear-capable fighters,such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the PA200 Tornado.There may also be support aircraft code-named SNOWCAT in the drill.*
Partcipating in Formidable Shield 17 are Canada,France,Germany,the Netherlands,the US and the UK.Poland has participated in Steadfast Noon since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014,and since it is being held in Belgium and Germany this year,those two Allies will certainly be participating.It has rarely been filmed,but I did locate some quality videos of the 2011 and 2012 drills by airplane enthusiast MrSoeberg.*
The US stores between 150-180 B61 nuclear bombs at six air bases in five European countries,the Congressional Research Service revealed.Among them is Belgium's Kleine Brogel Air Base.Belgium is intent on keeping the powerful weapons on its soil,where it has a nuclear dual key arrangement with the US.This may incline Belgium to select the F-35 Lightning II for the upcoming modernisation of its fighter jet fleet.*
German and Italian IDS PA200 Tornados are capable of deploying the B61.Other aircraft known to be capable of handling this bunker buster,tactical nuclear weapon are:
B-52 Stratofortress;B-2 Spirit;F-16 Fighting Falcon;F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet;F-22 Raptor;F-35 Lightning II;F-15E Strike Eagle.NATO is modernising its stockpile to the more accurate B61 Mod 12,which is a standoff weapon.The current Mod 11 is an unguided gravity weapon with a yield that varies from 0.3 to 340 kilotons.*
The following Allies have been assigned NATO nuclear strike missions:Belgium;Germany;Italy;the Netherlands;possibly Turkey;and the US.
Typically SN involves launching and recovering a number of nuclear-capable fighters,such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the PA200 Tornado.There may also be support aircraft code-named SNOWCAT in the drill.*
Partcipating in Formidable Shield 17 are Canada,France,Germany,the Netherlands,the US and the UK.Poland has participated in Steadfast Noon since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014,and since it is being held in Belgium and Germany this year,those two Allies will certainly be participating.It has rarely been filmed,but I did locate some quality videos of the 2011 and 2012 drills by airplane enthusiast MrSoeberg.*
The US stores between 150-180 B61 nuclear bombs at six air bases in five European countries,the Congressional Research Service revealed.Among them is Belgium's Kleine Brogel Air Base.Belgium is intent on keeping the powerful weapons on its soil,where it has a nuclear dual key arrangement with the US.This may incline Belgium to select the F-35 Lightning II for the upcoming modernisation of its fighter jet fleet.*
German and Italian IDS PA200 Tornados are capable of deploying the B61.Other aircraft known to be capable of handling this bunker buster,tactical nuclear weapon are:
B-52 Stratofortress;B-2 Spirit;F-16 Fighting Falcon;F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet;F-22 Raptor;F-35 Lightning II;F-15E Strike Eagle.NATO is modernising its stockpile to the more accurate B61 Mod 12,which is a standoff weapon.The current Mod 11 is an unguided gravity weapon with a yield that varies from 0.3 to 340 kilotons.*
The following Allies have been assigned NATO nuclear strike missions:Belgium;Germany;Italy;the Netherlands;possibly Turkey;and the US.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
War On ISIL:Belgium Joins Syria Campaign;Battle for Fallujah Begins;Air Strike Details
On 13 May,Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and Defence Minister Steven Vandeput announced that Belgium will begin conducting airstrikes in Syria.*
Belgium is an important member of the coalition,and this contribution comes at a key moment of the campaign,said US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.Belgian aircraft played a key role in the air campaign over Iraq from October 2014-June 2015.As they return to Operation Inherent Resolve as part of a scheduled rotation with the Dutch military,Belgian F-16s now will operate with greater flexibility and coherence of effort as a result of the decision to conduct strikes in Syria as well,Mr.Carter explained.
As of 23 May,the new rotation had yet to begin.*
Meanwhile,Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the commencement of the effort to recapture Fallujah,which was lost to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant about two-and-a-half years ago.Fallujah is in Anbar Province and 50 km west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.Tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city.Dozens of families have managed to flee,but ISIL is trying to prevent this.
The ISF have almost completely surrounded the city.Iraqi F-16s recently acquired from the US have been bombing the area to soften ISIL resistance along with OIR coalition aircraft.The US fought two major battles in Fallujah in 2004,suffering some of the heaviest casualties since the Vietnam War there.
Participating in Operation 15th of Shaban are 20,000 Iraqi troops:10,000 Iraqi Army soldiers,Federal Police and the Golden Division;plus 10,000 Popular Mobilisation Unit members,including 5,000 Sunni tribesmen from Anbar and 5,000 mostly Shia volunteers from around Iraq;the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army Aviation,as well as the OIR aircraft.
IEDs,booby traps and mines are all expected to confront the ISF as they battle their way into the city,the recapture of which is seen by Iraq as the next logical step on the road to liberating the ISIL northern stronghold of Mosul after the liberation of the Anbar capital Ramadi in December 2015.*
Combined Joint Task Force OIR has announced the following results from airstrikes conducted by coalition aircraft yesterday,23 May:
In Syria,fighters and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 7 strikes,among them:
near the ISIL capital of Raqqah,4 strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a military garrison;
near Shadaddi,a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a fighting position.
In Iraq,attack,fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 strikes,among them:
near Fallujah,4 strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a light machine gun,a front end loader,a mortar system,3 vehicle-borne IED storage facilities,2 rocket positions and 3 mortar positions;
near Mosul,4 strikes destroyed 2 ISIL vehicles,a VBIED,a mortar system and a fighting position,and suppressed a mortar position.*
Those that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the US;Australia;Belgium;Canada;Denmark;France;Jordan;the Netherlands;and the UK.
Those that have conducted strikes in Syria include the US;Australia;Bahrain;Canada;France;Jordan;the Netherlands;Saudi Arabia;Turkey;the UAE;and the UK.
Belgium is an important member of the coalition,and this contribution comes at a key moment of the campaign,said US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.Belgian aircraft played a key role in the air campaign over Iraq from October 2014-June 2015.As they return to Operation Inherent Resolve as part of a scheduled rotation with the Dutch military,Belgian F-16s now will operate with greater flexibility and coherence of effort as a result of the decision to conduct strikes in Syria as well,Mr.Carter explained.
As of 23 May,the new rotation had yet to begin.*
Meanwhile,Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the commencement of the effort to recapture Fallujah,which was lost to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant about two-and-a-half years ago.Fallujah is in Anbar Province and 50 km west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.Tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city.Dozens of families have managed to flee,but ISIL is trying to prevent this.
The ISF have almost completely surrounded the city.Iraqi F-16s recently acquired from the US have been bombing the area to soften ISIL resistance along with OIR coalition aircraft.The US fought two major battles in Fallujah in 2004,suffering some of the heaviest casualties since the Vietnam War there.
Participating in Operation 15th of Shaban are 20,000 Iraqi troops:10,000 Iraqi Army soldiers,Federal Police and the Golden Division;plus 10,000 Popular Mobilisation Unit members,including 5,000 Sunni tribesmen from Anbar and 5,000 mostly Shia volunteers from around Iraq;the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army Aviation,as well as the OIR aircraft.
IEDs,booby traps and mines are all expected to confront the ISF as they battle their way into the city,the recapture of which is seen by Iraq as the next logical step on the road to liberating the ISIL northern stronghold of Mosul after the liberation of the Anbar capital Ramadi in December 2015.*
Combined Joint Task Force OIR has announced the following results from airstrikes conducted by coalition aircraft yesterday,23 May:
In Syria,fighters and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 7 strikes,among them:
near the ISIL capital of Raqqah,4 strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a military garrison;
near Shadaddi,a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a fighting position.
In Iraq,attack,fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 12 strikes,among them:
near Fallujah,4 strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a light machine gun,a front end loader,a mortar system,3 vehicle-borne IED storage facilities,2 rocket positions and 3 mortar positions;
near Mosul,4 strikes destroyed 2 ISIL vehicles,a VBIED,a mortar system and a fighting position,and suppressed a mortar position.*
Those that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the US;Australia;Belgium;Canada;Denmark;France;Jordan;the Netherlands;and the UK.
Those that have conducted strikes in Syria include the US;Australia;Bahrain;Canada;France;Jordan;the Netherlands;Saudi Arabia;Turkey;the UAE;and the UK.
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