US has begun airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria, says Pentagon

Washington: The Pentagon says the US and partner nations have begun airstrikes in Syria against Islamic State militants, using a mix of fighter jets, bombers and Tomahawk missiles fired from ships in the region. [caption id=“attachment_1725313” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  An Islamic State militant poses with a missile launcher in Syria. AP[/caption] Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby says that because the military operation is ongoing, no details can be provided yet. He says the decision to strike was made early on Monday by the military. The strikes are part of the expanded military campaign that President Barack Obama authorised nearly two weeks ago in order to disrupt and destroy the Islamic State militants, who have slaughtered thousands of people, beheaded Westerners, including two American journalists, and captured a large swath of territory stretching from within Syria to land across northern and western Iraq. Associated Press