US Central Command on Monday denied ISIS claims that it had shot down a US aircraft near Anbar, Iraq, saying American and coalition aircraft have been accounted for. CENTCOM released a statement on Twitter shortly after the ISIS-affiliated Amaq news agency reported that a US aircraft had been shot down and its crew killed, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. Amaq released the statement the same day it released ISIS’ claims of responsibility for a bombing in Germany and a suicide bombing in Iraq. On July 24, US and coalition aircraft flew 20 sorties in Iraq and Syria targeting ISIS, including multiple strikes targeting the ISIS-held city of Mosul in Anbar Province, according to CENTCOM.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
