Iraq carries out airstrikes on ISIL in Syria

Iraqi air force conducted airstrikes on ISIL positions inside Syria in coordination with Syrian government on Thursday, Reuters reported, citing Iraqi military spokesperson.

Iraqi F-16 warplanes crossed into Syria "from the Iraqi side of the border", according to a statement issued by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office.

"Such airstrikes would help accelerate the elimination of IS (ISIL) gangs in the (Middle East) region after we have eliminated them inside Iraq," the statement said.

Previously, the Iraqi air force carried out such preemptive airstrikes against ISIL militants inside Syria with Iraqi F-16 fighter jets.

(CGTN)