Over 35 targets: US carries out large-scale strikes on Islamic State in Syria
Photo: aircraft of the United States Central Command (X.com/CENTCOM)
The United States military carried out airstrikes on positions of the Islamic State in Syria, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, as well as US media.
The strikes were carried out at around 12:30 PM Eastern Time and targeted multiple Islamic State positions across Syria.
They were part of Operation Falcon Eye, which began on December 19 in response to a militant attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra.
According to CBS News, more than 90 precision-guided munitions were used against over 35 targets during the operation.
More than 20 aircraft took part, including US F-15E, A-10, AC-130J, MQ-9 drones, as well as Jordanian F-16s.
This marked the second US strike on Islamic State targets in Syria since December 19, following the killing of two US National Guard soldiers and their interpreter by a lone IS militant.
"Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice," United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
As reported by Fox News, a day earlier, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack met in Damascus with Syria’s leadership, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, to discuss Syria’s future.
Barrack said the talks focused on "recent developments in Aleppo and the broader path forward for Syria’s historic transition," adding that the US welcomes the transition and supports the Syrian government led by President al-Sharaa.
The strikes underscore the US commitment to countering Islamic State threats in the region and supporting stability in Syria following a series of attacks on American and allied forces.
Incidents in Syria
On December 13, an IS militant ambushed and killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Syria during a joint mission by US-led coalition forces and Syrian Internal Security Forces in the Badia region.
US President Donald Trump expressed condolences and said the attack was carried out by IS against both the US and Syria, warning of retaliation. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa also condemned the killings.
Earlier, on September 19, CENTCOM reported that US forces killed IS external operations planner Omar Abdul Qader during a raid in Syria.
In addition, on July 25, US troops conducted a raid in Aleppo province, eliminating senior IS leader Dhiya Zouba Musleh al-Hardani.
