The United States military has initiated airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, marking the second American operation targeting ISIS positions in the country since December 19, following the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their American interpreter by a lone ISIS gunman.
The strikes coincide with diplomatic engagement, as the US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, met in Damascus with Syria’s new leadership to discuss the country’s future.
In a statement, Barrack said, “Today, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and members of their team in Damascus.”
The discussions focused on recent developments in Aleppo and the broader path forward for Syria’s historic transition. Barrack added that the United States welcomes Syria’s historic transition and offers its support to the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
