The U.S. released video showing American F-15s supporting an Iraqi aerial and ground bombardment of a large number of ISIS fighters south of Kirkuk, Iraq.

Operation Inherent Resolve — the U.S.-led mission to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria — said more than 20 ISIS fighters were killed in the April 13 strikes.

Training in Iraq halted, smaller bases consolidating some coalition troops homeward bound over COVID-19 concerns

“The Coalition remains committed to the lasting defeat of ISIS through our partnership with the ISF, and as the situation permits, we will resume our support to Iraqi training."

Shawn Snow

March 20, 2020

The coalition said in a news release that they supported Iraq troops with close-air support and surveillance assets as Iraqi forces battled ISIS fighters near the “austere terrain of Wadi Ashai near Kirkuk.”

No coalition advisers participated in the Iraqi ground assault, OIR said in a release.

Coalition and Iraqi aircraft dropped bombs and did gun runs on ISIS positions. The aircraft involved in the operation included Iraqi AC-208 Combat Caravan, King Air 350, U.S. F-15, and drones, a news release detailed.

“The ISF’s ability to target and punish Daesh in this isolated territory confirms that these Daesh criminals have no safe haven,” Col. Matt Brown, the OIR Task Force-Iraq deputy commander, said in the release.

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Operations continue against ISIS fighters despite a temporary pause in training due to COVID-19.

Some coalition forces have left Iraq following the breakout of the virus as training of Iraqi forces was put on pause to stem the spread of COVID-19.