The White House applauded France’s decision to allow its fighter jets to strike targets against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“This is a significant contribution to the efforts of the growing international coalition, and we look forward to coordinating with our French partners in the days to come,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest.
French President Francois Hollande made the announcement Thursday afternoon and said his military has identified targets, which means the airstrikes would begin in a “short time frame,” Reuters reported.
“It will be air support to protect Iraqi soldiers and Kurdish Peshmerga forces to reduce and weaken this terrorist group.”
Secretary of State John Kerry, while testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also praised the French decision.
