The Iraqi Air Force on Friday conducted its first strikes inside Syria, hitting ISIS targets in the area of Abu Kamal in response to that group’s attacks inside Iraq. Iraqi F-16IQs conducted “good strikes” on ISIS facilities, which had been linked to the planning of attacks in Baghdad and the rural area of Rutbah. Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said Iraq told the US-led coalition about the strike in advance, and the US helped provide intelligence. However, Iraq operates outside of the US Combined Air Operations Center Air Tasking Order and conducted the strikes independently. The Iraqi government also notified the Syrian government about the strikes in advance, Davis said. The Iraqi government was “justifiably interested” in the ISIS targets, and the strike was “valid” and supported by the US, Davis said. Iraq currently has 14 US-supplied F-16s, which are conducting strikes daily.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.