Islamic State of Iraq and Syria militants faced 18 airstrikes in a 24-hour period from U.S. and coalition forces, the Guardian reported Saturday.
Eight strikes were near militant-held Tikrit and destroyed 11 Islamic State fighting positions, a vehicle and a potential car bomb, along with three fighting and tactical units.
Forces also struck near Fallujah, Mosul, Tal Afar, Ar Rutbah and Bayji.
All strikes in Syria were near Kobani, by the border with Turkey, hitting two Islamic State tactical units and destroying two anti-aircraft machine guns, three vehicles and one excavator.
Tikrit, hometown of Saddam Hussein, is the battleground between Iraqi forces and an estimated 500 to 750 Islamic State militants.
Despite the Iraqi government’s request, Shia Militia Commander Hadi al-Amiri said he did not need U.S. assistance to fight the militants.
“We did not ask for [extra strikes] and we have no direct contact with the Americans,” he said on Thursday. “From what I understand, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi made the request. However, we respect his decision.”
More than 2,000 such strikes have been launched since they began in Iraq in August and Syria in September.
