US, Allies Stage 18 Air Strikes Against Islamic State: Coalition

WASHINGTON: The US-led military coalition launched 18 air strikes in Syria and Iraq against Islamic State since early Thursday, the Combined Joint Task Force said in a statement.

The seven strikes targeting the militants in Iraq struck five units of Islamic State fighters and destroyed several fighting positions and other targets near the cities of Bayji, Falluja, Mosul, Ramadi and Tal Afar, the task force said on Friday.

In Syria, 11 strikes near al Hasaka, Dayr az Zawr and Kobani also struck eight Islamic State fighting units as well as two vehicles and other targets, the statement said.