France strikes Islamic State group's depot in Iraq

[Airbornelawyer]

France strikes Islamic State group's depot in Iraq

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...t-in-Iraq.html

France conducted its first airstrikes on Friday against the militant Islamic State group (Isil), destroying a logistics depot that it controlled, Iraqi and French officials said.

Rafale fighter jets accompanied by support planes struck the depot in northern Iraq on Friday morning, and it was "entirely destroyed," President Francois Hollande said. Iraq's military spokesman said four morning airstrikes killed dozens of fighters.

"Other operations will follow in the coming days with the same goal - to weaken this terrorist organization and come to the aid of the Iraqi authorities," Mr Hollande said. "There are always risks in taking up a responsibility. I reduced the risks to a minimum."

Qassim al-Moussawi, spokesman for the Iraqi military, said four French airstrikes hit the town of Zumar, killing dozens of extremist fighters. Zumar and surrounding towns are heavily contested by Islamic State fighters, even though Iraqi and Kurdish security forces have managed to make headway nearby with the support of US airstrikes.

With the strikes, France becomes the first foreign country to publicly add military muscle to United States airstrikes against the group. Mr Hollande ruled out French troops on the ground.

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