Two French Rafale fighter jets on Tuesday flew that country’s first surveillance flights over Syria, the first step in France’s push to begin attacks against ISIS. French President Francois Hollande said on Sept. 7 that France would begin military flights over Syria to determine if it would begin air strikes. Hollande said he wants to know “what is being prepared against us and what is being done against the Syrian population,” reported French broadcaster France24. The Defense Department welcomes the news that France has begun its flights over Syria, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters Sept. 8. The French involvement is not directly addressing any shortfalls in the coalition’s ability to combat ISIS, but Cook said any additional activity against the terrorist organization is welcome. “Every little bit helps,” Cook said.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…