By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
The U.S. announced the first airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, under an expanded strategy against the militants laid out last week by President Barack Obama.
U.S. Central Command said two strikes took place Sunday and Monday in support of Iraqi forces near the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar, and southwest of Baghdad.
The Sinjar strike destroyed six ISIL vehicles, while an ISIL fighting position was destroyed in the strike near Baghdad.
Under the plan announced by Obama, the U.S. will carry out airstrikes against the militants throughout Iraq, and would for the first time hit them in Syria.
Asked by reporters if Obama is prepared to retaliate against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces should they attack American aircraft, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said, "it won’t surprise you to know that there are contingencies related to self-defense when it comes to these sorts of rules of engagement."
A senior Obama administration official was more direct. He told The Associated Press that the U.S. would hit back against Syrian forces if they fired on U.S. aircraft.
US to launch anti-extremism program as ISIL seeks recruits
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced a new initiative on Monday aimed at thwarting the threat posed by homegrown terrorism as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, seeks new recruits.
“Today, few threats are more urgent than the threat posed by violent extremism,” Holder said in a video message posted on the Justice Department’s website. “And with the emergence of groups like ISIL, and the knowledge that some Americans are attempting to travel to countries like Syria and Iraq to take part in ongoing conflicts, the Justice Department is responding appropriately.”
He said that the initiative will bring together community and religious leaders, public safety officials and U.S. attorneys in cities across the country “to improve local engagement; to counter violent extremism; and – ultimately – to build a broad network of community partnerships to keep our nation safe.”
The White House will hold an anti-extremism summit in October, he said.
His announcement comes as ISIL continues to recruit fighters across the world, including some from the United States and Europe.
U.S. President Barack Obama announced last week that the U.S. would lead an international coalition to combat the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will chair a ministerial debate of the U.N. Security Council on Friday to discuss Iraq, and the fight against ISIL, deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Monday.
The U.S. currently holds the Security Council presidency.
www.aa.com.tr/en
