France carries out first airstrike against ISIS in Syria

France has carried out its first airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria. President Francois Hollande’s office has confirmed that French planes struck targets identified during reconnaissance missions conducted over the past weeks. French jets had previously attacked positions of ISIS in Iraq, but decided to step up its involvement in the conflict and target jihadist strongholds in Syria too. In  brief statement the French Presidency said: “Our country thus confirms its resolute commitment to fight against the terrorist threat represented by Daesh (ISIS)”. “We will strike each time that our national security is at stake”, read the statement. Earlier this month President Hollande had announced his country was planning to send jets to Syria. A US-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq for over a year, but its effectiveness leaves a lot to be desired.