The US military has said it is encouraged by early signs of success in its expanded programme for supporting the Syrian forces fighting the Islamic State. Speaking from Baghdad via teleconference, Operation 'Inherent Resolve' spokesman Colonel Steven Warren said more than 1,000 members of the Syrian Arab Coalition (SAC) had "reclaimed approximately 255 km~2 of ground" in the vicinity of Al-Hawl: a town in Al-Hasakah province that is less than 15 km from the Iraqi border. Col Warren said the coalition supported the operation with 17 airstrikes that killed 79 enemy fighters. He said US Air Force A-10 and AC-130 attack aircraft were involved in the strikes.
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