WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (KUNA) -- French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian called Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Thursday to inform him of France's decision to expand its involvement in the air campaign against ISIL, Pentagon Spokesperson Peter Cook revealed.
France is now conducting ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) flights over Syria and is prepared to follow up with subsequent airstrikes, Cook indicated.
Carter thanked Le Drian for France's participation in the campaign, as France was the first nation to join the coalition in Iraq a year ago.
The leaders will speak again at the NATO defense ministerial in October. (end) ak.hb