France said on Sunday it had launched air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria in an effort to stem its growing presence there.

"Our country thus confirms its resolute commitment to fight against the terrorist threat represented by Daesh. We will strike each time that our national security is at stake," the French Presidency said in a statement.

France, which has so far only taken part in strikes in Iraq, began reconnaissance flights over Syria earlier this month in order to gather information on Islamic State positions.- Reuters