Iraqi F16s strike ISIS command centre on Syrian border as prime minister pledges to prevent resurgence

The Iraqi Air Force launched a strike at ISIS in Syria yesterday, as the extremists intensify their attacks in both countries.

Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi ordered the assault, which destroyed a building used as a command and logistics centre near the border, according to a military statement. Brig Gen Yahya Abdullah said the strikes were carried out by F16 fighter jets.

The Iraqi Air Force has carried out several strikes against the insurgents in Syria since last year, with the approval of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s government and the USled coalition fighting ISIS.

Mr Al Abadi declared victory over the group in December after security forces seized the last pockets of Iraqi territory held by the extremists. But in recent months ISIS has carried out attacks in the north, killing dozens of civilians.

Last month, the premier said he would “take all necessary measures if they threaten the security of Iraq”, referring to the militants.

Mr Al Abadi is seeking another term after taking office in September 2014, nearly four months after the Iraqi army collapsed in the face of an ISIS assault.

Iraq has good relations with Iran and Russia, Mr Al Assad’s main backers in the seven-year civil war in Suyria, while also enjoying strong support from the US-led coalition fighting ISIS.

In recent months ISIS extremists have carried out several attacks in the north of Iraq, killing dozens of civilians