The United States has launched large-scale military strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, in what officials describe as a retaliatory operation following the killing of three American nationals in an ambush attack nearly one week ago.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed on Friday that American forces had initiated an operation aimed at “eliminating ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons facilities.” The strikes come after an attack on December 13 in the Syrian desert that killed two members of the Iowa National Guard and one American civilian translator.
Large-Scale Military Operation
A U.S. official described the operation as a “broad and coordinated strike”, targeting multiple ISIS locations across central Syria, where weapons stockpiles and command structures were believed to be concentrated. Another senior official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the mission, stated that additional strikes are expected in the coming days.
According to U.S. defense sources, the operation involved:
- F-15 Eagle fighter jets
- Apache attack helicopters
- F-16 aircraft launched from Jordan
- HIMARS rocket systems
“A Statement of Retaliation”
“This is not the beginning of a war. It is a statement of retaliation,” Hegseth said in a post on social media.
“The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate or retreat when it comes to protecting our people,” he added, as reported by Euronews.
President Donald Trump had previously warned of “very serious retaliation” after blaming ISIS for the deadly ambush. The fallen Americans were part of hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of the international coalition fighting ISIS.
Strategic and Political Implications
The strikes also represent a critical test of U.S.–Syria relations, following the overthrow of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad one year ago. Trump has emphasized that Syrian forces are now cooperating with U.S. troops in counterterrorism operations.
According to Trump, Syria’s current president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, was “extremely angry and shaken” by the ISIS attack, underscoring the shared interest in combating extremist groups.
Targets Hit Across Central Syria
Syrian state television reported that U.S. strikes targeted rural areas in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, as well as Jabal al-Amour near Palmyra. The attacks reportedly hit weapons depots and operational headquarters used by ISIS to plan and launch attacks across the region.
U.S. officials stressed that the operation was focused solely on ISIS, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to preventing the group’s resurgence and protecting American personnel deployed in the Middle East.
