Coalition conducts 17 airstrikes against ISIL in Tikrit

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Coalition operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces in Tikrit commenced last night after a request from the government of Iraq, the Combined Joint Task Force announced on Thursday.

In Tikrit, coalition military forces conducted 17 airstrikes, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, using fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft against ISIL terrorists, the announcement said. The airstrikes struck an ISIL building, two ISIL bridges, three ISIL checkpoints, two ISIL staging areas, two ISIL berms, an ISIL roadblock and an ISIL-controlled command and control facility, the statement said.

"The ongoing Iraqi and coalition airstrikes are setting the conditions for offensive action to be conducted by Iraqi forces currently surrounding Tikrit," said Lieutenant General James Terry.

"Iraqi Security Forces supported by the coalition will continue to gain territory from Daesh (ISIL)."