US, Arab nations bomb ISIS zones

The United States and five Arab nations on Tuesday launched series of airstrikes on ISIS targets in Syria.

Though the airstrikes focused on Raqqa, a city declared by the sect as the capital of its self-proclaimed Islamic State, other areas were hit as well.

The US central command said the 14 strikes destroyed ISIS targets including fighters, training compounds, command-and-control facilities, a finance center and supply trucks but the number of casualties was not stated.

In the six weeks that the US has commenced its battle against ISIS, this is the first time it will target members of the militant group in Syria.

President Barack Obama had earlier vowed that his country would destroy ISIS, which has committed so many atrocities, including the beheading of two US journalists.

Civilians in Raqqa have reportedly been living under the harsh rule of the militants, as they impose a strict brand of Sharia law and issue severe punishments.

A US intelligence official said while law enforcement is aware the airstrikes against ISIS in Syria could incite a response, there is no evidence to suggest any terrorist strike is in the works against the United States.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates are the Arab countries involved in the coalition against the extremist group.

Political analyst Peter Beinart commended the coalition.

“It’s a remarkable diplomatic achievement,” he told CNN.

“I don’t think it was expected that there would be this much Arab support.”

Former CIA counterterrorism official Philip Mudd said the inclusion of Sunni-majority countries fighting a radical Sunni militant group sends a strong message.

“Prominent religious leaders have said ISIS is not representative of Islam, and now you have countries that are coming to the fore to attack it,” he said.

ISIS released another footage on Tuesday showing a British captive pleading for mercy and discouraging launching of airstrikes against the group.