CENTCOM says coordinated strikes targeted multiple ISIS positions as defense leaders warned attacks on U.S. forces will be met anywhere in the world.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
U.S. forces carried out large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State targets across Syria on Saturday, according to a statement released by U.S. Central Command, marking the second major operation in weeks aimed at degrading the terror group’s remaining networks.
CENTCOM said the strikes were conducted around 12:30 p.m. Eastern time and hit multiple ISIS positions across Syria in coordination with partner forces, details the command shared in a public statement. The military said the operation was part of its ongoing mission to prevent future attacks and protect American and allied personnel operating in the region.
“The strikes today 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, adding that U.S. and coalition forces remain committed to pursuing militants who threaten the United States. The command warned that anyone who harms American forces will be found and killed, regardless of where they attempt to hide.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reinforced that message in a response posted publicly, writing that the United States would “never forget, and never relent,” signaling continued military pressure against ISIS elements.
Saturday’s strikes followed a major December operation launched at President Donald Trump’s direction, when CENTCOM carried out airstrikes against more than 70 ISIS targets across central Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike. That campaign began after a Dec. 13 ISIS attack that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter.
The December attack claimed the lives of Iowa National Guardsmen Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, along with a civilian interpreter, according to reporting on the incident. The assault occurred in a volatile area of Syria where ISIS remnants continue to operate.
Following that attack, Trump described the incident as a direct strike against the United States and warned of serious retaliation. In a statement shared publicly, the president said the attack occurred in “a very dangerous part of Syria” and promised that those responsible would face consequences.
CENTCOM did not immediately provide details on battle damage assessments from Saturday’s operation or whether senior ISIS figures were among those targeted, saying additional information would be released as it becomes available.
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