ISIS targets struck in mass airstrike by USAF bombers and ground attack aircraft

The US Air Force has launched dozens of strikes against ISIS camps and operatives in Syria, targeting leaders and terrorist bases.

US Central Command said around 75 targets had been hit by a mix of B-52 Stratofortress, F-15 Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.

"The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade and defeat ISIS," it said.

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"[The aim was] to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria.

"The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s and A-10s.

"Battle damage assessments are under way, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.

"Centcom, together with allies and partners in the region, will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities even during this dynamic period in Syria."

The airstrikes came just days after it emerged that Syrian President Bashar al Assad had been forced to flee after rebel forces took control of the city of Damascus, ending his 24-year reign.

Mr Assad is believed to have taken refuge in Russia.

Centcom official General Michael Kurilla said: "There should be no doubt – we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria.

"All organisations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way."