The strikes, conducted in support of Iraqi security force operations, were carried out by a mix of fighter jets, drones and “attack aircraft,” according to U.S. Central Command. Defense officials did not specify which kind of aircraft were used, and have said that they will not do so because countries from which they might be flying are sensitive to appearing involved. One possibility is an armed KC-130 plane, which is equipped with Hellfire missiles and other weapons. At least one from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, of Camp Lejeune, N.C., is in the region.

The strikes destroyed or damaged six militant Humvees, three improvised explosive device emplacements, one mortar tube and two armed trucks, CENTCOM officials said. The strikes occurred around the Mosul Dam, which U.S. officials say Iraqi troops seized from the militants in recent days. Since Obama first authorized airstrikes Aug. 7, the United States has now conducted a total of 84 airstrikes across Iraq, including 51 near the dam.

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The continuing of the airstrikes mirrors comments Obama made Wednesday in addressing the death of Foley. The United States will be “relentless” against Islamic State militants, the president said. Asked whether the United States might consider suspending its airstrikes, one U.S. official told The Washington Post the “only question is if we do more.”

The militants still control a wide swath of territory across northern and western Iraq as well as territory in Syria. Secretary of State John F. Kerry underscored Obama’s comments in a statement and a series of tweets Wednesday afternoon, saying the Islamic State “must be destroyed” after the United State confirmed the video of Foley’s death was legitimate.

Kerry used a related name for the organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL:

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Jim Foley went to the darkest of places to shine the light of truth/he was brave and bold/no masked coward can ever steal his legacy — John Kerry (@JohnKerry) August 20, 2014

His family is incredible/we’ve all been touched by their fight for Jim. — John Kerry (@JohnKerry) August 20, 2014

There is evil in this world. ISIL = ugly, savage, inexplicable, nihilistic, valueless evil. — John Kerry (@JohnKerry) August 20, 2014