France says its jets launch first air strikes in Iraq

France said on Friday its jets had launched strikes inside Iraq for the first time since the country promised to join military action against Islamic State insurgents who have taken over parts of the country.

"This morning at 9:40 (0740 GMT) our Rafale jets launched a first strike against a logistics depot of the terrorists," said a statement from President Francois Hollande's office on Friday shortly after the raids.

Hollande said on Thursday that French air strikes would begin soon, once reconnaissance flights had identified targets.