US launches first manned airstrikes from Incirlik
US F-16s arrive at Incirlik to join campaign against Islamic State
A half dozen F-16s and about 300 airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing have deployed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey where they’re expected to conduct airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq.
The U.S. launched its first manned airstrikes against the Islamic State from Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
The strikes were conducted by F-16s with the 31st Fighter Wing from Aviano Air Base, Italy. Six of Aviano’s fighter jets and a detachment of about 300 support personnel moved to Incirlik on Sunday to provide additional airpower against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria.
The Pentagon would not specify which Islamic State targets were struck, citing operational security. A defense official said the use of another airbase in Turkey to provide additional combat search and rescue abilities is still under discussion.
http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/us-launches-first-manned-airstrikes-from-incirlik-1.362642
