Off the wire
• 2016 Ladies European Tour schedule  • Feature: Chocolate theme park creates festive mood, investment opportunities in Athens  • Ladies European Tour schedule announced  • 3rd LD-Writethru-China Headlines: Xi slams "double standards," advocates shared future in cyberspace (2)  • 3rd LD-Writethru-China Headlines: Xi slams "double standards," advocates shared future in cyberspace (1)  • Roundup: Kenya extends security operation to flush out militants in forest  • China sets up firm to develop new building materials  • 1st LD-Writethru: China, Russia plan closer e-commerce cooperation  • FIBA strikes up first new partnership deal under new system  • Bulgaria to join Microsoft's program against cyber attacks  
You are here: 　 Home

France uses long-range missiles to strike IS targets in Iraq: ministry

Xinhua, December 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

France used for the first time long-range missiles to strike Islamic State (IS) targets in Iraq as it pledged to step up military offensive against the terrorist cell after Paris attacks, the country's defence ministry said.

Based on the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, 10 French Rafale and Mirage 200 war planes bombed and launched cruise missiles on Tuesday morning, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The air raid targeted a command center, training site and logistics depot in Al Qaim region in western Iraq, it added.

"In parallel with these planned strikes, Chammal forces ( French forces deployed in Iraq) continue their mission to support ground troops engaged in Iraq's battle against Daesh, an Arabic acronym used commonly to refer to the IS.

France was the first European country to join United States-led coalition in September 2014 to to strike Islamist militants at the request of Iraqi authorities. Endit