The United States has carried out large-scale airstrikes in Syria targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants, in retaliation for a deadly attack on American personnel earlier this month. The strikes were confirmed by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), which said the operation was aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities and ensuring the safety of US forces in the region.
The action follows an incident near Palmyra, where ISIS militants opened fire on a joint convoy of American and Syrian forces. Three US personnel were killed in the attack, while several others were injured. In the aftermath, US President Donald Trump vowed a strong response, warning that those responsible would be held accountable.
According to the Pentagon, the US Central Command had been closely monitoring ISIS movements and training facilities before launching precision missile strikes at selected targets. The airstrikes reportedly destroyed key ISIS infrastructure, including training camps, weapons depots, and communication centres. The operation was based on credible intelligence suggesting that the group was expanding its activities from multiple covert locations across Syria.
US officials said several ISIS militants were killed in the strikes. The Pentagon emphasised that the operation was part of Washington’s broader counterterrorism campaign and sent a clear message that any threat to American troops would be met with decisive force.
Reacting to the deaths of US soldiers, President Trump and senior defence officials expressed deep sorrow and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting American forces deployed overseas. The White House stated that attacks on US troops engaged in maintaining peace and security abroad would not be tolerated.
The Trump administration reiterated that it would take the toughest possible measures to safeguard American lives, asserting that individuals or groups responsible for attacking US citizens would be pursued and punished, regardless of where they operate.