Q: How many air strikes have the French delivered against ISIS since they were attacked in Paris?
—Al Cooper, Atlanta
A: France doubled its air strikes against the Islamic State group (also known as ISIS or ISIL) after the attacks in Paris on Nov. 13.
The French averaged 63 air strikes a week after the attacks, accounting for 44 percent of the coalition’s attacks (not including U.S. missions) through Jan. 21, France’s Ministry of Defense states on its website.
The French completed 54 missions, including 45 bombing and four intelligence gathering missions, during Jan. 20-26.
French pilots flew 102 sorties, including 82 bombing and 10 intelligence gathering missions from Jan. 27-Feb. 2. They also made 30 strikes – 28 ground support and two raids — in that span, the defense ministry reported.
France’s Jean-Yves Le Drian was among a group of defense ministers who pledged late last month to increase the pressure against the Islamic State.
The French also are engaged against terrorist groups in Africa’s Sahel region, which stretches across the continent, south of the Sahara Desert.
Q: What happened to Annalee Penny, the former consumer expert on WGCL? She also was the host of “Atlanta Plugged In.” We miss her upbeat personality and friendly smile.
—Mike Kornegay, Atlanta
A: Penny, who had been with CBS46 from August 2013 until last summer, is the "social media and engagement producer" for Fox 5, her resume at annaleepennytv.com states.
She posted to Facebook a photo of herself wearing a Fox 5 jacket on Feb. 9, writing: “So you’ve wanted to know where I’ve been – well … here I am.”
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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