Military operation against IS in Iraq a long haul: France

French Defence Minister Jean Yves le Drian Friday said military operation aimed at eradicating Islamic State(IS) fighters in Iraq would be "a long lasting" mission.

"We are absolutely determined to prevent the IS from occupying Iraq. Thanks to the efforts of the international coalition, we have put a halt to the expansion of Daesh," Xinhua quoted the minister as saying.

"But the setback does not mean that the war is over. It will be a long lasting operation because there is a need to help Iraqi forces to rebuild their lines and retake the lost territory," he told the news channel BFMTV.

 

Earlier Friday, French fighters conducted "a major raid", targeting IS militants in Iraq where Rafale jets, in collaboration with coalition forces, carried out up to 130 reconnaissance missions and strikes since Paris joined the US-led coalition Sep 19, according to Le Drian.

France has mobilised nine Rafale fighter jets, six Mirage fighters and tanker aircraft to help destroy IS targets, according to the ministry.