US President Donald Trump has said that the United States military carried out large-scale strikes against IS targets in Syria, a week after two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in an attack near Palmyra.
Speaking at a rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Friday, Trump said he had ordered a “massive and precise” strike against those responsible for the attack. He claimed the operation was successful and said the US was “restoring peace through strength”.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the operation, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted IS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites. He described the strikes as a “declaration of vengeance” and said many IS fighters were killed.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said more than 100 precision munitions were used, involving fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery, with support from Jordanian aircraft. The strikes reportedly hit IS positions in Homs, Deir Az Zor and Raqqa provinces, without ground operations.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least five IS members were killed, including a cell leader involved in drone operations. Syrian authorities said they support efforts to eliminate ISIL and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the group from regrouping.
About 1,000 US troops remain stationed in Syria as part of ongoing operations against IS, which, despite being defeated territorially in 2018, continues to carry out sporadic attacks.
Source: Al Jazeera