Australia launches first anti-IS airstrikes inside SyriaSeptember 16, 2015 - 10:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Australian government has confirmed it has launched its first air strikes inside Syria against targets of the so-called Islamic State (IS), BBC News reports. Australia is part of an international military coalition targeting IS strongholds in Syria and Iraq. Three air strikes were made on Monday, destroying an IS armoured personnel carrier and a crude oil collection point, the U.S. said in a statement. Australia's air force has been bombing IS targets in Iraq for about 12 months. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott last week confirmed the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) would extend its action from Iraq into Syria at the request of the U.S., as he also announced that Australia would accept 12,000 Syrian refugees from persecuted minorities. The UK, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and France were some of the other nations who took part in the most recent bombing raids, according to the statement issued by the U.S. Central Command. Fifteen air strikes were carried out in Iraq, using attack, bomber, fighter, fighter-attack and remotely piloted aircraft, it said. Australia's Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said two RAAF hornets identified the personnel carrier, hidden in an IS compound. "One of the Hornets employed a precision guided weapon to destroy the target," said Mr Andrews. "This was done from a distance or height that preserved the safety of the Australian aircraft," he said. "We work within very strict rules of engagement, and those rules of engagement are to ensure as far as possible that we don't have unwanted civilian casualties." Photo: AFP Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. Azerbaijan proposes Armenia to jointly seek cancelation of Minak Group The Azerbaijani President maintained that the move will show “how sincere Armenia is.” Seven injured in massive gas station explosion in Armenia The Investigative Committee of Armenia has unveiled details about a massive explosion at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway. |