Isis fighters were on the ‘naughty list’ as US combat pilots took to the skies in Santa hats
Coalition forces carried out 18 strikes against Islamic terror troops in Syria and Iraq on December 25th
US pilots helped batter Isis strongholds in Iraq and Syria on Christmas Day while wearing Santa hats.
The Combined Joint Task Force conducted 18 strikes against Islamic terror troops as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes using attack, bomber, and fighter aircraft against targets.
Additionally in Iraq, coalition forces conducted four strikes coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq using attack, bomber, fighter planes and drones.
Near Al Shadaddi, Syria, two strikes engaged two tactical units and destroyed two vehicles and a heavy machine gun.
Near Ar Raqqah, 11 strikes targeted eight Isis tactical units; destroyed 11 fighting positions, four tactical vehicles and a heavy machine gun.
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Meanwhile, it's been revealed Isis fighters "summarily executed" 13 civilians after villagers rose up against them at the start of the Iraqi army's offensive to retake Mosul.
The killings took place in the villages of Al-Hud and Al-Lazzagah, 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Mosul on October 17, the day government forces launched the massive operation to oust the jihadists from the city.
"Isis responded to the village uprising by unlawfully executing people captured in the uprising and civilians who weren't involved," Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.
"Security forces who capture Isis fighters should properly investigate their participation in alleged war crimes like these," she said, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group.
In total, the Isis fighters "executed at least 13 people including two boys," HRW said.
The December 25th air strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the Isis terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community.
The destruction of Isis targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct operations.
Coalition nations which have conducted strikes in Iraq include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Coalition nations which have conducted strikes in Syria include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
