France launches first strikes on ISIS in Iraq

France became the first U.S. ally to publicly launch airstrikes in Iraq targeting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS or ISIL), according to reports.

French President François Hollande said the strikes targeted and destroyed one of ISIS’s logistical depots and that other operations would follow in the coming days.

The country had previously conducted surveillance flights over Iraq.

{mosads}The United States has launched more than 175 airstrikes in Iraq since the anti-ISIS mission first started in August. The U.S. recently expanded its operation to help Iraq forces go on the offensive. 

President Obama called France a strong ally a day earlier during a speech in which he thanked Congress for granting the administration authority to arm and train vetted Syrian rebels to help push back on ISIS. 

“As part of the air campaign, France will join in strikes against ISIL targets in Iraq,” Obama said. “And as one of our oldest and closest allies, France is a strong partner in our efforts against terrorism, and we’re pleased that French and American service members will once again work together on behalf of our shared security and our shared values.”

During his speech, Obama said more than 40 other countries had offered various types of assistance. The president said that includes a number of Arab nations, though he has declined to name every member of the coalition.

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey was in France meeting with defense officials when the strikes were announced. 

“The French were our very first ally, and they are there again for us,” Dempsey said, according to The Associated Press. “It just reminds me why these relationships really matter.”