U.S. Coalition to launch airstrike against Syria from west Iraq: Paramilitary leader
Paramilitary fighters and military vehicles are seen during a military operation to retake positions held by Islamic State militants, on the outskirts of Muqdadiyah in Diyala province, north of Baghdad January 25, 2015. Picture taken January 25, 2015. REUTERS
“Informed sources from Ain al-Assad base confirmed that the Coalition jets will carry out, within few hours, an airstrike against some regions in Syria,” Qutri al-Ebeidi, a senior leader with al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) in Anbar, told Almaalomah website on Tuesday.
Ebeidi indicated that many jets hover over the base “after the U.S. Coalition announced yesterday ending its combat operations in Iraq.”
On Monday, the coalition announced the end of its combat operations against Islamic State in Iraq and deactivation of its land forces command headquarters.
In April, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi denied intentions to intervene within Syrian affairs, saying airstrikes against Islamic State will continue.
Iraq had previously announced launching airstrikes against IS locations in Syria. This came after Abadi said security troops will follow IS militants in the whole region, not only in Iraq.
The Iraqi-Syrian borders are under the control of joint troops of military and border guards.
Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.
Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.