U.S. Begins Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2014 – U.S. and partner nation forces have begun airstrikes inside Syria against terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said in a statement today.

The strikes are being undertaken through a mix of fighter and bomber aircraft and Tomahawk Land Attack missiles, he said.

“Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide additional details at this time,” Kirby noted.

U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 190 airstrikes across Iraq in the battle against ISIL forces. The decision to begin the airstrikes in Syria was made earlier today by Centcom Commander Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the admiral said. The strikes are being made under authorization granted by the commander in chief, President Barack Obama, as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL.