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French war planes launch retaliatory attacks on IS strongholds in Syria

by IBNS 16 Nov 2015, 07:26 am

Anatalya, Turkey, Nov 16 (IBNS) French warplanes launched a retaliatory assault late Sunday on targets in Raqqa, Syria - the Islamic State's hotbed, 48 hours after the deadly terror attacks in Paris.

The Washington Post quoted the  French Defense Ministry as saying that  10 aircraft dropped 20 bombs on facilities used by the militant group, which has claimed responsibility for Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, striking a command center, a militant-training facility and an arms depot.

Opposition activists reached in Raqqa said they counted at least 30 bombs, which they said hit, among other things, a local football stadium, a museum and medical facilities. They said the strikes had knocked out electricity in the city of about 200,000 people.

The French statement said the operation, launched from bases in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, was conducted in coordination with U.S. forces, who have compiled an extensive target list in Raqqa. 

U.S. planes have repeatedly struck in and around Raqqa, in north-central Syria, in recent months.