US launches air strikes on Syria Islamic State militants

The US and allied nations have launched the first air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria, the Pentagon has said.

Spokesman Rear Adm John Kirby said fighter and bomber jets and Tomahawk missiles were used in the attack.

The strikes were expected as part of President Barack Obama's pledge to "degrade and destroy" IS, which has taken large areas of Syria and Iraq.

The US has already undertaken 190 air strikes in Iraq since August.

Barbara Plett Usher reports.