US Launches 2nd Round of Airstrikes on ISIS

Attacks strike mortar and convoy near Irbil, officials say
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 8, 2014 3:50 PM CDT
US Launches 2nd Round of Airstrikes on ISIS
This image made from AP video shows smoke rising from airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants near the Khazer checkpoint outside of the city of Irbil in northern Iraq, Friday, Aug. 8, 2014.   (Uncredited)

American officials say the US launched a second round of airstrikes against Islamic State targets near Irbil today, using drones and fighter jets. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the strikes by name, say unmanned aircraft struck a mortar near Irbil and four Navy F/A-18 fighter jets struck a seven-vehicle convoy outside Irbil. The jets flew off the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier.

The afternoon strikes followed a morning strike on an Islamic State artillery gun that was firing on Kurdish troops near US personnel. President Barack Obama said late yesterday that the US would launch airstrikes on the militant group that was threatening American military trainers in the northeastern Iraq city. The officials say the convoy was destroyed. (See why Obama approved the airstrikes.)

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