IS conflict: France launches air strikes in Syria

France has carried out its first air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, the president's office says.

French planes had hit targets identified during reconnaissance missions over the past fortnight, the statement said, without giving details.

The French prime minister said the strikes had hit IS "sanctuaries where those who attack France are trained".

A US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq for more than a year.

France, like the UK, has previously confined its air strikes against the Islamic State group to Iraqi airspace.

The UK announced earlier this month it had carried out a drone strike against two British citizens in Syria but has yet to fly manned operations in Syrian airspace.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34372892