U.S., allies stage 17 strikes in Iraq, Syria against Islamic State: statement

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its allies conducted 17 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Tuesday, the coalition leading the operations said. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Combined Joint Task Force said six strikes near three cities in Syria hit five tactical units and destroyed three vehicles, a command and control node and a fighting position. In Iraq, 11 strikes near six cities suppressed a mortar position and destroyed six weapons caches, three boats and a tunnel, among other targets, the statement said. (Reporting by Megan Cassella; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)