US and Arab allies launch airstrikes aimed at taking out ISIS oil refineries in Syria

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Strikes on Wednesday targeted 12 oil refining operations
'Modular' oil refineries generate up to $2million a day through refining crude before smuggling it into Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan
Saudi Arabia and UAE aircraft performed the majority of strikes, with U.S. in support with strike capability and surveillance craft

By Associated Press and Pete D'amato for MailOnline

Published: 17:12 EST, 24 September 2014 | Updated: 22:29 EST, 24 September 2014

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Airstrikes from the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates struck ISIS oil refineries in Syria, according to military officials.

The attacks were intended to cut off a major source of funding for the militant group, as the oil generates up to $2million a day, said Pentagon spokesperson Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby.

A U.S. official told Associated Press that aircraft from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates conducted a majority of the coordinated attacks, targeting 12 refinery locations in eastern Syria.

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Airstrikes: A jet lands on USS George H. W. Bush Tuesday after successful strikes against ISIS targets in Syria

US airstrikes destroy ISIS targets in Syria

The U.S. provided strike capability as well as surveillance aircraft.

According to Foreign Policy, the 'modular' operations refine crude that is later smuggled and sold in Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan.

According to one U.S. official, the strikes were aimed at infrastructure and support structures around the oil platforms, including barracks, and that most of the strikes were successful.

U.S. Central Command said the refineries produce between 300 barrels and 500 barrels of refined petroleum daily.

Some of the refinery towers may remain standing, the official said, but the attacks went after the systems needed to operate the machinery.

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'We are still assessing the outcome of the attack on the refineries, but have initial indications that the strikes were successful,' the Pentagon said in a statement.

'These small-scale refineries provided fuel to run ISIL operations, money to finance their continued attacks throughout Iraq and Syria, and an economic asset to support their future operations.'

The strikes marked the third day in an air offensive led by the U.S. with broader support from numerous Arab nations.

On Monday, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and United Arab Emirates joined the U.S. in airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, with Qatar playing a support role.

On Tuesday, Central Command said the U.S. had conducted airstrikes that hit at least 20 locations in Syria. Combat aircraft flew 64 sorties.