US and partner-nation fighter and bomber aircraft carried out six airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Syria and one strike against ISIS in Iraq on Jan. 3, announced Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials on Sunday. The Syria strikes destroyed three ISIS vehicles, four ISIS buildings, three fighting positions, and two staging areas all near Kobani, states the release. Additionally, the aircraft struck a tactical unit near Mosul, Iraq. “The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorists group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations,” states the release. The US, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom all are conducting airstrikes in Iraq, while the US, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are conducting strikes in Syria. (See also Targeting ISIS from the October 2014 issue of Air Force Magazine.)
U.S. munitions have been expended at a high rate during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting concerns that the Pentagon is eating into weapons stockpiles it needs to deter threats around the world. Yet the newly released $1.5 trillion defense budget request was developed before the war against Iran and…