WASHINGTON, Sept 22 - The United States and partner nations are carrying out the first air strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, the Pentagon said on Monday, in ongoing operations that mark the opening of a new, far more complicated front in a battle against the militants. "I can confirm that U.S. military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against (Islamic State) terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles," Rear Admiral John Kirby, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement. "Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide additional details at this time." Kirby did not disclose which nations joined the United States, which has been building a coalition to combat an extremist Sunni Muslim force that has seized large expanses of territory in Iraq and Syria and proclaimed a caliphate erasing borders in the heart of the Middle East. But a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters there were Arab partners helping to carry out the strikes. Still, the official declined to specify their roles or name the countries. The strikes took place hours before Obama goes to New York for the U.N. General Assembly where he will try to rally more nations behind his drive to aggressively take on Islamic State. "We will provide Obama had shied away from getting involved in Syria's civil war a year ago, seeing no positive outcome for the United States, but the rise of Islamic State and the beheading of two American captives forced him to change course. General Lloyd Austin, commander of the U.S. military's Central Command, made the decision to conduct the strikes under authorization granted to him by Obama, Kirby said. "We will provide more details later as operationally appropriate," Kirby said.
More
Vietnam’s southern, Central Highlands drought likely to end by May
Over the past months, drought conditions and the shortage of fresh water have taken a heavy toll on plenty of provinces across the country
Read more
Orangutan's use of medicinal plant to treat wound intrigues scientists
In June 2022, a male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus sustained a facial wound below the right eye, apparently during a fight with another male orangutan at the Suaq Balimbing research site, a protected rainforest area in Indonesia. What Rakus did three days later really caught the attention of scientists
1 day agoMichelangelo's David gets spa treatment in Florence
David's bi-monthly cleaning, then, is 'a form of respect, a form of dignity that we want to give to every work'
2 months agoSouth Korea to slap fines on food suppliers for 'shrinkflation'
The rule will take effect in August after a three-month grace period, and violators will be fined 5 million won for their first offence and 10 million won for a second
2 days agoReal Madrid secure LaLiga title after Girona thrash Barcelona 4-2
The result left Carlo Ancelotti's side with an unassailable lead in the standings
4 hours agoStay alert: Quake warning app demand surges in earthquake-rattled Taiwan
Earthquake warning smartphone apps have surged in popularity in Taiwan due to high demand from people eager to get a few extra seconds to take cover after more than 1,300 aftershocks rattled the island in the past month following a large temblor
2 days agoHighlights
Vietnam’s southern, Central Highlands drought likely to end by May
Over the past months, drought conditions and the shortage of fresh water have taken a heavy toll on plenty of provinces across the country
Photos
Artist paints murals on house to raise awareness of COVID-19 prevention in Hanoi
He drew the virus, vaccine, and earth on the exterior walls of a house
Latest news
Vietnam’s southern, Central Highlands drought likely to end by May
Over the past months, drought conditions and the shortage of fresh water have taken a heavy toll on plenty of provinces across the country
Vietnamese runner Ha Thi Hau wins trail race in Thailand
She broke the race’s record
Ho Chi Minh City plans fireworks displays at 3 venues during second river fest opening
Fireworks shows will last 15 minutes each
Real Madrid secure LaLiga title after Girona thrash Barcelona 4-2
The result left Carlo Ancelotti's side with an unassailable lead in the standings
Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — May 5
Good morning from Vietnam!
South-central Vietnam district says it needs nearly $16,000 to handle dead heritage tree
The tree was recognized as a national heritage tree in 2019
Chinese director held over boiler explosion that kills 6 in Vietnam
Seven other foreigners have been banned from leaving Vietnam to serve the ongoing investigation
Hanoi’s district launches probe into landfill wastewater spill
The images of the incident were disseminated on social media platforms
Ho Chi Minh City fells, relocates some 100 trees for road expansion near Tan Son Nhat airport
The number of replanted trees will be higher than that of the removed ones
French Armed Forces Minister to attend Dien Bien Phu victory anniversary in Vietnam
The event will take place next Tuesday, May 7, in Dien Bien Phu, the capital city of Dien Bien Province