US Launches Major Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria After Deadly Attack

Post by : Saif

The United States military has carried out large-scale air and ground strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria. US officials said the action was taken in retaliation for a deadly attack that killed American personnel earlier this month.

According to US defense officials, the strikes hit more than 70 ISIS targets across central Syria. These targets included fighters, weapons storage areas, and key infrastructure used by the extremist group. The operation was named Operation Hawkeye Strike.

The attacks were launched after an assault on December 13 in the Syrian town of Palmyra. In that incident, two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed when a convoy of American and Syrian forces was attacked. Three other US soldiers were injured. The attacker was later shot dead.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were a direct response to that attack. He described the mission as strong and deliberate, saying the goal was to destroy ISIS forces and prevent future attacks on American troops.

“This is not the start of a new war,” Hegseth said. “It is a clear message of revenge against those who attacked our people.”

The strikes involved US F-15 and A-10 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems. Jordanian fighter jets also supported the operation, showing cooperation between regional allies.

President Donald Trump said the action was necessary and successful. Speaking at a public event in North Carolina, he said the US delivered a “massive blow” to ISIS fighters responsible for the attack on coalition forces. Trump also said the Syrian government supported the US military action.

On social media, Trump added that the retaliation was “very serious” and warned ISIS that more strikes could follow if attacks continue.

The US Central Command confirmed that the strikes were aimed only at ISIS positions and not at civilian areas. Officials said careful planning was used to reduce harm to civilians.

Syria’s foreign ministry released a statement saying the country remains committed to fighting Islamic State and will not allow the group to find safe places within Syrian territory. Syrian authorities said they continue to work with the US-led coalition to stop ISIS from regrouping.

The Syrian Interior Ministry said the attacker in Palmyra was believed to be a member of the Syrian security forces who sympathized with ISIS. The case raised concerns about hidden support for extremist groups within security structures.

Syria is currently governed by a new leadership that came to power after former president Bashar al-Assad was removed last year, ending a 13-year civil war. The current government includes former rebel leaders who have fought both ISIS and other extremist groups in the past.

Around 1,000 US troops are still stationed in Syria. Their main mission is to help prevent ISIS from rebuilding its strength after losing much of its territory in earlier years.

ISIS, once controlling large parts of Syria and Iraq, has been weakened but not eliminated. Small groups still carry out attacks, especially in remote areas.

The latest US strikes show that Washington remains committed to targeting ISIS and protecting its forces in the region. However, the situation in Syria remains complex, with many armed groups and political challenges still present.

While US officials say the mission was successful, they also warned that the fight against ISIS is not over and continued vigilance will be needed to prevent future attacks.

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