France launches Syria anti-Daesh strikes

France has carried out its first air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, the BBC reported.

The president's office said that French planes struck targets identified during reconnaissance missions conducted over the past fortnight.

France co-ordinated with regional partners for the operation, a brief statement said.

French jets have previously carried out air strikes against IS targets in neighbouring Iraq.

"Our country thus confirms its resolute commitment to fight against the terrorist threat represented by Daesh," the French Presidency said, referring to the militant group with a different acronym.

"We will strike each time that our national security is at stake," the statement added.
President Francois Hollande announced earlier this month that France was preparing to send jets to Syria, beginning with a period of reconnaissance to identify targets.

France, like the UK, has previously confined its air strikes against the Islamic State group to Iraqi airspace.

The UK announced earlier this month it had carried out a drone strike against two British citizens in Syria but has yet to fly manned operations in Syrian airspace.

A US-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against IS in Syria and Iraq for more than a year.

Source: MENA