Coalition launches 41 strikes in Syria, Iraq

WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- The US-led coalition against so-called Islamic State (IS) launched 41 air strikes in Syria and Iraq Saturday, the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) said in its daily report.
In Syria, 18 strikes hit IS targets near Al Shadaddi, Ar Raqqah, Dayr Az Zawr, and Palmyra, the report showed.
In Iraq, 23 strikes hit IS targets near Al Huwayjah, Bayji, Kisik, Mosul, and Tal Afar, the report said.
Iraqi forces backed by international anti-IS coalition air power started last week a major military operation to drive Islamic State militants out from the western side of the strategic Iraqi city of Mosul.
Last month, they liberated the eastern side of Mosul from IS after completing the first phase in the plant to Mosul that began on October 17. (end) ys.ibi