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US and Jordanian forces struck more than 70 targets in Syria overnight in response to the murder of two American soldiers and a civilian contractor by a Syrian alleged to be a member of ISIS.
“Tonight, U.S. and Jordanian forces struck 70+ ISIS targets in Syria with 100+ precision munitions,” US Central Command wrote on X, with an accompanying video of the strikes.
“Peace through strength.”
US Central Command also issued a press release.
“Following the attack on U.S. and partner forces last Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Hawkeye Strike at 4 pm ET against ISIS in Syria, Dec. 19, at the Commander in Chief’s direction.
“CENTCOM forces struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria with fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery. The Jordanian Armed Forces also supported with fighter aircraft. The operation employed more than 100 precision munitions targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites.
“’This operation is critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland.’ said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. ‘We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.’
“After the Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian personnel, U.S. and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq resulting in the deaths or detention of 23 terrorist operatives.
“U.S. and partner forces in Syria have conducted more than 80 operations over the last six months to eliminate terrorists posing a direct threat to the United States and regional security.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made clear that the strikes were “not the beginning of a war.
“It is a declaration of vengeance,” he said on X.
“If you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.”
Five people have been arrested by Syrian authorities in connection with the deadly attack on US soldiers.
The attack took place in the Syrian town of Palmyra, and led to the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian contractor, while three more soldiers were wounded.
The soldiers were conducting “counter-ISIS/counter-terrorism” operations in the country, a US spokesman confirmed.
US Central Command said the soldiers were attacked by a lone gunmen who targeted a convoy of US and Syrian forces. The attacker, who was killed, was a member of the Syrian security forces believed to have ties to ISIS.
“Our units carried out a precise and decisive security operation in the city of Palmyra, following a cowardly terrorist attack carried out yesterday by an individual affiliated with the Islamic State,” the Syrian Interior Ministry said in a statement.
“The operation was conducted in full coordination with the General Intelligence Service and international coalition forces, and resulted in the arrest of five suspects, who were immediately referred for questioning.”
The Epoch Times reports, “The Syrian Interior Ministry said it had analyzed the attacker only days before the shooting and had determined he may have extremist beliefs, but a decision on his fate had still been pending.”
In response to the attack, President Trump promised “big damage” to ISIS.
