SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 16, 2016 — Coalition aircraft destroyed 14 tanks and other equipment near Palmyra, Syria, that had previously been captured by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant forces.

ISIL seized the tanks and other military hardware from Tiyas Military Airfield near Palmyra, Syria, between Dec. 11-13.

“The [Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve] commanding general, [Army] Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, made it clear during his Dec.14th press conference that we would strike the equipment before it posed a threat to counter-ISIL operations,” said Air Force Col. John Dorrian, the CJTF-OIR spokesperson. “We will not allow ISIL to maintain capabilities that threaten Coalition or partner forces.”

The attacks occurred during daylight hours from late morning to early evening yesterday. Three artillery systems, two ISIL-held buildings, two tactical vehicles and an air defense artillery system were also destroyed in the strike. The equipment was destroyed in the vicinity of the Palmyra Airport, northeast of the city along a highway.

During the operation, 16 coalition aircraft fired 22 munitions destroying 22 targets, task force officials said.