French Jets Strike at ISIL in Iraq From Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier

France's fighter jets on Monday struck at Islamic State targets in Iraq from an aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean, the French Defense Ministry said, with strikes expected to increase in number after the Islamist attack in Paris.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the ministry, the first airstrikes from France’s only aircraft carrier targeted IS-controlled territories in Iraq. Simultaneously, two Rafale patrol aircraft carried out a reconnaissance mission over Iraqi cities of Ramadi and Mosul.

Airstrikes against ISIL from the Charles de Gaulle began today; the 26 fighter jets double France's strike capacity pic.twitter.com/NLhJlUvyvz

— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) November 23, 2015

France stepped up military operations against ISIL militants operating in Syria and Iraq after the jihadist group claimed responsibility for a string of gun and bomb attacks in Paris that killed 130 people and wounded 368.

On Monday, French President Francois Hollande vowed to intensify attacks at ISIL positions at a meeting with UK Prime Minister David Cameron, as the French leader looked to shore up support in the fight against Islamists.