US media reported five Arab states took part in the air raids as part of a new international coalition formed to attack ISIS, which has seized swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq.
The US-led air assault in Syria marked a turning point in the war against ISIS, which Western governments fear could eventually stage terror attacks in Europe or the United States.
"I can confirm that US military and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against ISIS terrorists in Syria using a mix of fighter, bomber and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles," Pentagon spokesperson Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement.
The decision to conduct the air strikes was undertaken earlier on Monday by the head of US Central Command, General Lloyd Austin, "under authorisation granted him by the commander in chief," Kirby said.
"We will provide more details later as operationally appropriate."
The strikes focused on ISIS positions in Raqa, a stronghold for the Sunni extremists, according to the New York Times, citing US officials. Other targets struck were along the Iraq-Syria border, the newspaper said.
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