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

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition targeted Islamic State with 17 air strikes in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday, including one that destroyed the militant group's operating base near Ramadi that was a key supply hub, according to the U.S. military. That strike, which hit a weapons and explosives storage base, was among 14 air strikes staged near nine Iraqi cities, the Combined Joint Task Force said in a statement Wednesday. Three other strikes targeted the group in Syria, it said. The task force announced the Ramadi strike earlier on Wednesday. (Reporting by Washington Newsroom; Editing by Doina Chiacu)