Key points
- About 70 IS targets hit across central Syria
- Strikes follow ambush killing US troops
- Trump warns of harsher retaliation against IS
ISLAMABAD: The Trump administration launched large-scale military strikes in Syria targeting Islamic State (IS) fighters and weapons sites, in retaliation for an ambush in the Syrian desert that killed two US troops and an American interpreter nearly a week earlier.
US officials said the operation hit around 70 targets across central Syria, focusing on areas believed to contain IS infrastructure and arms depots. They said further strikes could follow as the United States seeks to disrupt the group’s ability to mount new attacks against US personnel and partners.
The assault involved multiple US aircraft, including F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground-attack aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters, according to officials. F-16 fighter jets operating from Jordan and HIMARS rocket artillery were also used.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the action was “not the beginning of a war” but a response meant to defend Americans. President Donald Trump pledged “very serious retaliation”, saying IS “strongholds” were being targeted, and issued a warning against any future attacks on US personnel.
Syria’s foreign ministry welcomed the strikes, calling for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and reaffirming its commitment to fighting IS and preventing safe havens. IS has not claimed responsibility for the ambush.
