Watch: Iraqi F-16 Strikes Daesh Bed Down Locations

Two Iraqi Air Force 9th Fighter Squadron F-16s dropped four precision-guided munitions weighing in at 2,000 pounds each in an Iraqi-led operation to defeat Daesh safe havens and weapons smuggling sites in the Diyala Province. This strike was Iraqi-briefed, led, executed and debriefed. All 9th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilots graduated from the U.S. Air Force F-16 basic flight training course.

Here in Iraq, Coalition Task Force-Air advisors work with the Iraqi pilots with a focus on developing tactical, mission-related capability and capacity for the Iraqi Air Enterprise. Strikes like this serve to defeat Daesh, prove the operational readiness levels of the Iraqi Air Force, highlight the abilities of the 9th Fighter Squadron to execute precision strikes, and enhance the Iraqi pilots’ confidence in their abilities.

“The Iraqi F-16 pilots of the 9th FS are a skilled, highly-trained team. In taking the lead on air strikes to defeat Daesh, they continue to show their commitment to contain violent extremist organizations for the long-term security of Iraq.” – Brig. Gen. Richard H. Boutwell, Commander, Task Force-Air/321st Air Expeditionary Wing

Video by Staff Sgt. Kenneth New

Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve  

The Iraqi F-16 pilots of the 9th FS are a skilled, highly-trained team. In taking the lead on air strikes to defeat Daesh, they continue to show their commitment to contain violent extremist organizations for the long-term security of Iraq.