Advertisement

U.S. and Arab allies strike Islamic State extremists in Syria

The United States and Arab allies have launched massive airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria.

By Heather Records
President Barack Obama reacts after the U.S. Senate on Thursday approved his plan for training and arming moderate Syrian rebels to battle Islamic State militants on September 18, 2014 at the White House in in Washington, DC. UPI/Olivier Douliery/Pool
President Barack Obama reacts after the U.S. Senate on Thursday approved his plan for training and arming moderate Syrian rebels to battle Islamic State militants on September 18, 2014 at the White House in in Washington, DC. UPI/Olivier Douliery/Pool | License Photo

RAQQA, Syria, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Monday night the United States and it's Arab allies in the fight against the Islamic State launched airstrikes against the militant group -- also known as ISIS or ISIL.

A senior defense department official said the military plans to hit up to 20 targets in and around Raqqa.

Advertisement

That includes logistics, fuel and weapons depots and the headquarters for the Sunni fighters among other locations.

In a news release Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said:

I can confirm that U.S. military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against ISIL terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide additional details at this time. The decision to conduct theses strikes was made earlier today by the U.S. Central Command commander under authorization granted him by the commander in chief.

The airstrikes are a part of President Obama's plan to "degrade and ultimately destroy" IS.

Latest Headlines