US Military Conducts Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. military carried out multiple airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria. The strikes were launched in response to a December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Officials say dozens of militants have been killed or captured.
US Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria Quick Looks
- 10 airstrikes conducted between Feb. 3 and Thursday.
- More than 30 ISIS targets hit.
- At least 50 militants killed or captured.
- Strikes follow December ambush that killed three Americans.
- Thousands of ISIS detainees transferred to Iraq.
- Syrian forces take control of former U.S. base.
Deep Look: US Military Conducts Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria
The U.S. military has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants in Syria, stepping up operations in response to a deadly December ambush that claimed the lives of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
According to U.S. Central Command, American aircraft conducted 10 strikes between Feb. 3 and Thursday, hitting more than 30 Islamic State targets across the country. The operations focused on weapons storage sites and other infrastructure used by the extremist group.
Military officials said at least 50 Islamic State fighters have been killed or captured since the strikes began. In total, more than 100 targets have been hit since the U.S. launched retaliatory operations following the Dec. 13 attack.
That ambush resulted in the deaths of Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, who was serving as a civilian interpreter.
Continued Pressure on Islamic State
The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, which once controlled vast swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq after declaring a so-called caliphate in 2014.
In a related development, Syria’s Defense Ministry announced that government forces have taken control of the Al-Tanf base in eastern Syria. The outpost had been operated by U.S. troops for years as part of the international campaign against the Islamic State.
Al-Tanf played a strategic role in disrupting militant supply routes and countering the group’s expansion during the height of its territorial control.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military confirmed it has completed the transfer of thousands of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq. The move was made at the request of the Iraqi government, where the detainees are expected to face trial.
The transfer was welcomed by members of the U.S.-led coalition that has fought the Islamic State for years, as regional authorities continue efforts to stabilize areas once held by the militant group.
Despite the group’s territorial defeat, U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that Islamic State remnants remain active in Syria’s remote regions. The latest airstrikes signal Washington’s intent to maintain military pressure and deter further attacks on American personnel and coalition partners.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.