Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following statement following the first airstrike conducted by Iraq using the new F-16 fighter jets it received from the United States:
“Today the Government of Iraq announced that Iraq has conducted its first counter-ISIL air operations using F-16 fighter aircraft. We commend the Iraqi Air Force for its successful use of this cutting edge aircraft ‎in the international campaign to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL. The first four aircraft purchased by the Government were delivered to Iraq in July. The United States is committed to building a strategic partnership with Iraq and the Iraqi people and we will continue to work with the Government of Iraq on the delivery of the remaining aircraft as they become available within the framework of the production schedule.”‎