President Obama announced this evening that France will join in bombing ISIS (also known as ISIL) in Iraq.
“Today, the United States continues to build a broad international coalition to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL. As part of the air campaign, France will join in strikes against ISIL targets in Iraq. 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 servicemembers will once again work together on behalf of our shared security and our shared values,” said Obama this evening from State Dining Room in the White House.
The commander in chief claimed a coalition of over 40 nations. “More broadly, more than 40 countries — including Arab nations — have now offered assistance as part of this coalition. This includes support for Iraqi forces, strengthening the Iraqi government, providing humanitarian aid to Iraqi civilians, and doing their part in the fight against ISIL.”
Obama did not name any other allied country by name. Nor did Obama say France would be joining the U.S. in targeting ISIS targets in Syria.
