The U.S. military carried out another round of what it described as “large-scale strikes” against ISIS targets across Syria, escalating its response to a deadly attack that killed three Americans last month.
Retaliation for Deadly December Attack
U.S. Central Command said the strikes were conducted in retaliation for a Dec. 13 ambush in Palmyra, Syria, that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. CENTCOM said the attack was carried out by a lone ISIS gunman, who was later killed.
State officials have identified the two soldiers as members of the Iowa National Guard.
Strikes Conducted With Allies
According to CENTCOM, the latest airstrikes took place around 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday and involved U.S. partner forces, though those allies were not named. The strikes targeted multiple ISIS positions throughout Syria.
“These strikes targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
Operation Hawkeye Strike Continues
The renewed attacks fall under Operation Hawkeye Strike, which began with an initial retaliatory operation on Dec. 19 conducted by the U.S. and Jordan. Since then, U.S. forces have continued to carry out additional raids aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities.
CENTCOM said U.S. and coalition forces remain committed to pursuing ISIS fighters who pose a threat to American personnel and regional stability.
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