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US, Arab Allies Launch First Wave of Strikes in Syria
Seems there are planes from SA, Jordan and ??? flying (seems that could be good or bad.... can these pilots fly with our pilots? ... some bases somewhere, but at least there is involvement --- Ollie gave an incredible description for us civvies for all that is concerned for this to happen --- the AWACs, the refueling planes, the intelligence folks, command centers everywhere and of course, there are people on the ground directing traffic...Godspeed to our military The United States, joined by several Arab allies, launched an intense campaign of airstrikes, bombings and cruise-missile attacks against Islamic State targets in Syria Monday night marking the first U.S. military intervention in Syria since the start of that country's civil war. Sources say the military operation includes fighter jets, B-1 bombers and Predator drones, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Officials say the coalition is targeting about 20 sites, including command-and-control centers, training camps and weapons depots. U.S. officials told Fox News that several Arab countries "including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates" were participating. So sorta like but not as inclusive as the Bush coalition... The operation was expected to last several hours, with the first explosions from Tomahawk missiles heard near Raqqa, the Islamic State stronghold in northern Syria U.S. aircraft include B-1 bombers, F-16s, F-18s and Predator drones, with F-18s flying missions off the USS George H.W. Bush in the Persian Gulf. Tomahawk missiles were fired from the destroyer USS Arleigh Burke in the Red Sea. Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby released a statement Monday night saying, "I can confirm that U.S. military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against ISIL terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. "Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide additional details at this time. The decision to conduct theses strikes was made earlier today by the U.S. Central Command commander under authorization granted him by the commander in chief. " Posted by: Sherry 2014-09-23 |
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