PARIS: France has launched its first air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria, French Presidency confirmed here on Sunday.
“Our country thus confirms its resolute commitment to fight against the terrorist threat represented by Daesh (Islamic State). We will strike each time that our national security is at stake,” the French Presidency in a statement reported by Reuters.
“Civil populations must be protected against all forms of violence, those coming from Daesh and other terrorist groups, but also against the deadly bombings of (Syrian) President Bashar al-Assad”, the statement said.
“More than ever it is urgent to set up a political transition that brings together elements from the regime and the moderate opposition.”
France began reconnaissance flights over Syria earlier this month in order to gather information on IS positions. It should be mentioned here that France has so far only taken part in strikes in Iraq.
France said the strikes were conducted using information collected during these reconnaissance flights and had been launched in coordination with its partners.
France also called for a “global solution” to the Syrian crisis, saying it supported United Nations special envoy Staffan de Mistura’s initiative to work towards a political transition for the country.
