U.S., French Planes Hit Islamic State Sites In Iraq, Syria

The U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) says it conducted 24 air strikes against the militant group in Iraq, while French jets attacked IS sites in Syria.

The coalition said in a statement on January 1 that the strikes targeted IS positions in seven areas, including near Tal Afar, where 11 strikes reportedly destroyed nine bunkers and four bridges used by militants.

It added that three air strikes near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul struck a tactical unit and destroyed two heavy machine guns and six fighting positions.

Other strikes near the recently liberated city of Ramadi -- the capital of Anbar Province that Iraqi forces captured from IS fighters on December 27 -- hit a large tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle-borne, improvised-explosive-device facility.

Meanwhile, French warplanes bombed IS oil installations near the Syrian city of Raqa, an IS stronghold.

The attacks came as French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian made a New Year's visit to the air base in Jordan used by the French jets.

Based on reporting Reuters and AFP