U.S. launches massive strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

The United States carried out large-scale military strikes against more than 70 Islamic State targets across central Syria on Friday, U.S. officials said, in response to a recent attack that killed American personnel.

The operation followed a suspected ISIS assault last weekend near Palmyra that left two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter dead. Three other U.S. troops were wounded.

President Donald Trump said the strikes delivered “very serious retaliation” and described the operation as a “massive” and successful blow against ISIS. Speaking at a rally in North Carolina, Trump said the Syrian government supported the action.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the mission, known as Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted ISIS fighters, weapons, and infrastructure. He stressed the strikes were retaliatory and not the start of a wider conflict.

According to U.S. Central Command, U.S. F-15 and A-10 aircraft, Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems were used, with support from Jordanian fighter jets.

Syria’s foreign ministry said the government remains committed to combating Islamic State and preventing the group from establishing safe havens. Syrian authorities said the attacker was a member of the security forces suspected of holding extremist sympathies.

The strikes mark one of the largest U.S. military responses against ISIS in Syria in recent months, as Washington and Damascus continue cooperation against the militant group.