France launches first airstrike against ISIS in Iraq

France has launched its first aerial strike against Islamic State (ISIS) positions in Iraq, the office of the French president said in a statement today.

The attack destroyed a logistics depot belonging to the group in northeastern Iraq, the French presidency said, adding that other attacks will follow in the coming days.

The strikes come a day after France’s President Francois Hollande said he gave the green light to his air force to attack ISIS in Iraq.

At a press conference yesterday, Hollande said he approved a request by the Iraqi government to provide aerial support in its fight against ISIS militants, but confirmed that France will not send ground troops.

He added that France will not fight ISIS outside Iraq.