US Leads Iraqi Offensive With Air Campaign

U.S. air operations against Islamic State positions in Iraq have escalated over the weekend in the Anbar province.
The Combined Joint Task Force leading the operations said Monday that 29 of the 39 strikes targeted Ramadi, Anbar's capital.
Nine additional strikes in Syria targeted Al Hasakah, Kobani, and Raqqah; where the Islamic State is centralized.
Iraqi and Shi'ite militia forces engaged Islamic State positions on several fronts following the bombardment.
According to a statement issued by the Task Force the air strikes bombed staging areas, vehicles, and excavators likely used to fortify fighting positions and embankments.
Other reports indicate a long-awaited offensive by Iraqi forces has begun.