US Forces Rescue 70 Iraqis Held Captive By ISIS

US special forces have rescued 70 Kurds held captive by Isis in an overnight raid on a militant-run prison near the northern ISIS stronghold of Hawija. One soldier was killed and several senior ISIS militants were also seized during the ‘successful’ operation, it has been reported.

Airstrikes were used to destroy roads leading to the site, to prevent militants making an escape. The raid reportedly involved American helicopters, Kurdish and American Special Operations forces and airstrikes.

Sheikh Irfan, who said his nephew was among the Kurdish peshmerga fighters held prisoner, said a peshmerga official called his family today to confirm the rescue mission. He said he was told that 70 hostages were freed, including peshmerga fighters.

Kobane: US drops Arms, Aid To Kurds Battling IS

US military aircraft have dropped weapons, ammunition and medical supplies to Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State militants in the key Syrian town of Kobane.

US Central Command said C-130 transport aircraft had made “multiple” drops of supplies provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq.

US air strikes have helped push back IS in the town near the Turkish border.

Correspondents say the airdrops are likely to anger key US ally Turkey.

The drops of supplies provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq were “intended to enable continued resistance against Isil’s attempts to overtake Kobane,” CentCom said in a statement. IS is also referred to as Isil and Isis.

All the aircraft involved had returned safely, it added.

Read more at http://www.punchng.com/news/kobane-us-drops-arms-aid-to-kurds-battling-is/