Shaw jets to make airstrikes in Iraq, Syria

SUMTER, S.C. (AP) — The commander of the 20th Fighter Wing says one squadron of F-16 fighter jets from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter will join in airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.

The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/1oHOH9Y) that Col. Stephen Jost says the squadron will make air strikes on the Islamic State extremist group starting on the first day it arrives.

Jost wouldn’t identify the squadron, which he said will deploy next week.

The wing is the largest grouping of F-16 Falcon fighter jets in the country. It hosts three squadrons: the 55th, the 77th and the 79th.

Islamic State extremists have beheaded Western journalists and others as U.S. airstrikes continue. The Islamic State released a video Friday showing the beheading of British aid worker Alan Henning.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com