U.S. airstrike hits ISIS target near Baghdad, first in 'expanded efforts'- Joseph Katinas, 2nd Period

A U.S. airstrike near Baghdad Monday marked a new phase in the fight against ISIS. The airstrike southwest of the city appears to be the closest the U.S. airstrikes have come to the capital of Iraq since the start of the campaign against ISIS, a senior U.S. military official told CNN. And U.S. Central Command said in a statement that it was the first strike as part of "expanded efforts" to help Iraqi forces on the offensive against ISIS. Monday's airstrike destroyed an ISIS fighting position that had been firing at Iraqi forces, Central Command said. It occurred about 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Baghdad, another U.S. official said. The U.S. began targeted airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq last month to protect American personnel and support humanitarian missions. Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama said new airstrikes would aim to help Iraqi forces on the offensive against the Islamist militants. Obama also said airstrikes would include ISIS targets in Syria. And last week he also asked Congress for authorization to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels. Personally I think Obama is just trying to do his best here with the situation with ISIS. I like how he is trying to please the general country and is not just picking one side and trying to keep Americans safe. I am a supporter of world peace so this makes me sad but if Obama is handling this situation this way, then I guess I'll hope for the best. http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/15/world/meast/iraq-isis-us-airstrikes/index.html?hpt=hp_c2