Official: U.S. hits Islamic State position near Baghdad; marking new phase in airstrikes

BAGHDAD, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. officials said on Monday that an airstrike took place near Baghdad in what defense officials say is the beginning of intensified action against Islamic State militants.

According to defense officials, U.S. attack aircraft hit an IS fighting position southwest of the capital in support of Iraqi security forces. Officials also said there was at least one airstrike near Mount Sinjar in the northwestern part of the country.

Airstrikes against IS have been taking place since August 8. Last week, President Obama announced a larger campaign, where the president vowed to "degrade and ultimately destroy" IS.

Monday's airstrike was more offensive in nature and was not triggered by any IS advance toward the Iraqi capital, the official said.

On Monday, Secretary of State John Kerry and leaders from more than 20 different countries came together in Paris for a strategy meeting about IS.