The US says its military has carried out a massive strike against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country. The US Central Command (Centcom) reported that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria, with additional support from aircraft based in Jordan. The operation utilized over 100 precision munitions targeting known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.
President Donald Trump emphasized the severity of the US response, stating, we are striking very strongly against IS strongholds following the ambush in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. In a subsequent statement, Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper pledged continued operations against those who threaten Americans and their partners.
Early reports indicated at least five IS members were killed during the strikes, including a leader responsible for drone operations in the Deir ez Zor province. Jordan's air force also participated, aiming to prevent extremist threats to regional security.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the strikes as a declaration of vengeance, asserting, If you target Americans - anywhere in the world - you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you. Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.
Despite the military's success, the situation remains complex, with the UN estimating that IS still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. US troops have maintained a presence in Syria since 2015 to support local forces in the fight against IS. Recently, Syria has expressed intentions to cooperate with the US in combating extremism, marking a shift in the regional landscape.
President Donald Trump emphasized the severity of the US response, stating, we are striking very strongly against IS strongholds following the ambush in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. In a subsequent statement, Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper pledged continued operations against those who threaten Americans and their partners.
Early reports indicated at least five IS members were killed during the strikes, including a leader responsible for drone operations in the Deir ez Zor province. Jordan's air force also participated, aiming to prevent extremist threats to regional security.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the strikes as a declaration of vengeance, asserting, If you target Americans - anywhere in the world - you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you. Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.
Despite the military's success, the situation remains complex, with the UN estimating that IS still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. US troops have maintained a presence in Syria since 2015 to support local forces in the fight against IS. Recently, Syria has expressed intentions to cooperate with the US in combating extremism, marking a shift in the regional landscape.
