U.S., allies conduct 18 air strikes against Islamic State militants -military

The military statement said strikes in Syria near Al Hasakah involved attack and fighter aircraft. It said the strikes in Iraq involved attack, bomber, fighter and drone aircraft and were near Al Huwayjah, Bayji, Fallujah, Kirkuk, Mosul, Sinjar and Tal Afar.

The strikes all took place between 8 a.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. on Thursday local time, the statement said. (Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Bill Trott)