US strikes new ISIS shelters in Iraq, Syria

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The United States has conducted a total of 12 airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group’s positions in Syria and Iraq in the last two days, with 6 strikes targeting besieged Syrian border town of Kobani, US Department of Defense (DoD) reported Monday.

Six airstrikes in Syria have destroyed IS fighting and mortar positions near Kobani, as well as an ISIS vehicle. The attacks were conducted using the bomber and fighter aircraft.

In Iraq, using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft, the United States struck southeast of Fallulah, destroying a large militants’ unit and three vehicles. Also, according to the official statement, “three airstrikes south of the Baiji oil refinery struck a small ISIL [ISIS] unit, destroyed an ISIL building and three ISIL vehicles, and damaged another ISIL building. Another airstrike south of Baiji destroyed four ISIL boats and damaged at least four more.”

According to CENTCOM and US’ DoD, France and the United Kingdom participated in the strikes on Iraq.

The IS jihadist group, known for proclaiming hardline Islamic fundamentalism, has been fighting the Syrian government since 2012. In 2014, it seized vast areas across Iraq and Syria and proclaimed an Islamic caliphate on the territories that have fallen under its control, forcing thousands members of religious minorities to flee.

The United States and a number of its allies have been carrying out airstrikes against IS targets in Iraq since August by order of US President Barack Obama. In September, the US-led coalition aimed to destroy the Islamist group, started conducting attacks against the IS in Syria.