US launches air strikes on Islamic State in Syria

Targeted strikes: Turkish soldiers help Syrians flee IS violence

23 September 2014

The US has launched a series of air strikes against Islamic State (IS) groups in Syria.

Working alongside five Arab allies, Washington announced early this morning that it had carried out attacks on a series of targets using fighter jets, bombers and cruise missiles.

President Barack Obama authorised the strikes nearly two weeks ago in order to disrupt and destroy the network of IS militants who have so far slaughtered thousands of people, beheaded Western hostages and claimed large swathes of territory across Syria and northern Iraq.

US officials said the air strikes began at about 1.30am GMT, and were conducted by America, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Damascus said Washington informed Syria's United Nations envoy before the attacks began.

With the military operation still in progress, no details could be provided yet, said the Pentagon’s press secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby.

The decision to strike was made yesterday by the military, he said.

Some of the air strikes are believed to have been against IS targets in Raqqa.

US defence secretary Chuck Hagel said that the plan "includes targeted actions against ISIL safe havens in Syria, including its command and control logistics capabilities and infrastructure".

The US has also been increasing its surveillance flights over Syria, getting better intelligence on potential targets and militant movements.

Military leaders have said about two-thirds of the estimated 31,000 Islamic State militants were in Syria.

The US military has been launching targeted air strikes in Iraq since August, focusing specifically on attacks to protect American interests and staff, assist Iraqi refugees and secure critical infrastructure. Last week, as part of the newly-expanded campaign, the US began going after militant targets across Iraq, including enemy fighters, outposts, equipment and weapons.

To date US fighter aircraft, bombers and drones have launched about 190 air strikes within Iraq.

US launches air strikes on Islamic State in Syria

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