US carries out additional ‘large-scale’ strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

The U.S. military has conducted another series of “large-scale strikes” against multiple ISIS targets in Syria in response to an attack that claimed the lives of three Americans last month. U.S. Central Command revealed the retaliatory airstrikes in a recent news release, stating that they took place at around 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday with the assistance of U.S. allies whose identities were not disclosed.

This latest round of strikes follows the initial retaliatory operation named “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” carried out by the U.S. and Jordan on December 19. Since then, the U.S. military has continued to launch additional raids targeting ISIS in Syria.

The airstrikes were a direct response to the deaths of two American soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13. According to CENTCOM, the individuals were killed by a lone ISIS gunman who was subsequently eliminated. In their news release, CENTCOM emphasized their commitment to eradicating Islamic terrorism targeting U.S. military personnel, preventing future attacks, and safeguarding American and allied forces in the region.

“The strikes conducted today aimed at ISIS across Syria are part of our ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, defend our troops, avert potential threats, and ensure the safety of American and partner forces in the area,” CENTCOM stated. “The U.S. and coalition forces remain steadfast in their mission to pursue and neutralize terrorists who pose a threat to the United States.”