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Eugene

(61,823 posts)
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 08:41 PM Jun 2016

U.S.-led strikes pound Islamic State in Iraq, kill 250 fighters

Source: Reuters

Business | Wed Jun 29, 2016 8:19pm EDT

U.S.-led strikes pound Islamic State in Iraq, kill 250 fighters

WASHINGTON | BY PHIL STEWART

U.S.-led coalition aircraft waged a series of deadly strikes against Islamic State around the city of Falluja on Wednesday, U.S. officials told Reuters, with one citing a preliminary estimate of at least 250 suspected fighters killed and at least 40 vehicles destroyed.

If the figures are confirmed, the strikes would be among the most deadly ever against the jihadist group. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the operation and noted preliminary estimates can change.

The strikes, which the officials said took place south of the city, where civilians have also been displaced, are just the latest battlefield setback suffered by Islamic State in its self-proclaimed "caliphate" of Iraq and Syria.

The group's territorial losses are not diminishing concerns about its intent and ability to strike abroad though. Turkey pointed the finger at Islamic State on Wednesday for a triple suicide bombing and gun attack that killed 41 people at Istanbul's main airport.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-usa-idUSKCN0ZF2VF
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