US launches first airstrike on Islamist militants in Iraq: Pentagon

Baghdad/Washington: The United States has launched the first air strike against Islamic militants in Iraq, the Pentagon has announced.

The air strikes on Friday took place shortly following the start of relief supplies dropped by air to beleaguered Yazidi refugees fleeing militants in Iraq.

The Pentagon said two US fighter jets dropped bombs on Islamist militants in Iraq towing artillery outside Arbil near US personnel.

Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby says two F/A-18 jets dropped 500-pound bombs on a piece of artillery and the truck towing it.