WASHINGTON: The United States and “partners” have launched bombing raids against Islamic State extremists in Syria, the Pentagon said today.
“I can confirm that US military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against ISIL (Islamic State group) terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles,” spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement.
The decision to conduct the air strikes was undertaken earlier today by the head of US Central Command, General Lloyd Austin, “under authorization granted him by the commander in chief,” Kirby said.
“We will provide more details later as operationally appropriate.”
The bombing raids, including Tomahawk missiles fired from naval warships at sea, came after President Barack Obama warned in a speech on September 10 that the United States was prepared to attack IS militants in Syria.
Washington began air strikes against IS targets in Iraq on August 8.
-- AFP