US and Allies Launch Large-Scale Strikes Against Islamic State in Syria After Deadly Attack on Americans
In response to a recent attack that killed three American citizens, including two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, the United States and its allies have launched a "large-scale" operation against the Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group in Syria. The strikes targeted ISIS fighters throughout the country, part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was deemed necessary after the deadly attack on December 13.
According to US Central Command, the attack in Palmyra was carried out by a lone gunman from ISIS, marking the first such incident since the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The area, home to UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, had been previously controlled by jihadist fighters.
The strikes in Syria follow a previous round of operations last month, which saw dozens of ISIS targets hit as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The US and Jordan are working together on the operation, with the aim of combating the terrorist group's presence in the country.
ISIS still maintains a significant presence in Syria, particularly in the vast desert regions, despite being ultimately defeated by local ground forces backed by international airstrikes and other support in 2014.
The decision to launch strikes against ISIS comes after US President Donald Trump initially ordered the withdrawal of American troops from Syria during his first term. However, he eventually left them in place, and the Pentagon has since announced plans to reduce the number of personnel in Syria over the coming months.
This latest development highlights the ongoing efforts by the US and its allies to combat ISIS and stabilize the region.
In response to a recent attack that killed three American citizens, including two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, the United States and its allies have launched a "large-scale" operation against the Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group in Syria. The strikes targeted ISIS fighters throughout the country, part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was deemed necessary after the deadly attack on December 13.
According to US Central Command, the attack in Palmyra was carried out by a lone gunman from ISIS, marking the first such incident since the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The area, home to UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, had been previously controlled by jihadist fighters.
The strikes in Syria follow a previous round of operations last month, which saw dozens of ISIS targets hit as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The US and Jordan are working together on the operation, with the aim of combating the terrorist group's presence in the country.
ISIS still maintains a significant presence in Syria, particularly in the vast desert regions, despite being ultimately defeated by local ground forces backed by international airstrikes and other support in 2014.
The decision to launch strikes against ISIS comes after US President Donald Trump initially ordered the withdrawal of American troops from Syria during his first term. However, he eventually left them in place, and the Pentagon has since announced plans to reduce the number of personnel in Syria over the coming months.
This latest development highlights the ongoing efforts by the US and its allies to combat ISIS and stabilize the region.