US Expands Air Strikes Against The Islamic State In Iraq

US Expands Air Strikes in Iraq as Congress Debates Aid to Syrian Opposition -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON — The United States has expanded its air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militant group targets, hitting an IS fighting position near Baghdad firing on Iraqi security forces. U.S. lawmakers Tuesday begin debating providing military assistance to rebels opposed to both IS militants and Syria’s government.

Less than a week after President Barack Obama pledged a multi-step campaign to degrade and destroy IS militants, U.S. attack and fighter aircraft were used Sunday and Monday beyond humanitarian missions and protecting U.S. personnel. Two air strikes targeted IS positions in Sinjar to the north and southwest of Baghdad in support of Iraqi offensive operations. The number of air strikes has grown to 162 since early August.

RAND Corporation senior political scientist Rick Brennan, a career U.S. Army officer, said it is difficult to conduct close air support operations absent U.S. forces embedded with Iraqi units.

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U.S. Expands Airstrikes on Islamic State Targets in Iraq -- Bloomberg Businessweek
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US launches first strikes under expanded mission -- The Hill
Iraq Approves US Airstrike on IS Targets Near Baghdad: Reports -- RIA Novosti
Iraqi commanders expect widening U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State positions -- Washington Post
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