US launches large-scale' attacks against ISIL in Syria after deadly ambush

"The United States has carried out another round of large-scale attacks against the ISIL or ISIS group in Syria following an ambush that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in the city of Palmyra last month. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Saturday that the attacks occurred at about 17:30 GMT and hit multiple ISIS targets across Syria."

"Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice, CENTCOM said. The statement did not say whether anyone was killed in the strikes. Grainy aerial video accompanying the statement, posted on X, showed several separate explosions, apparently in rural areas."

"The ambush on December 13 involved a lone gunman, who Syria's Ministry of Interior said was a member of the security forces and had been set to be fired for his hardline views. The US military launched Operation Hawkeye Strike on December 19, with a large-scale strike that hit 70 targets across central Syria that had ISIL infrastructure and weapons. It said on December 30 that its forces had killed or captured about 25 ISIL fighters following the launch of Operation Hawkeye Strike."

The United States conducted another series of large-scale strikes across Syria targeting ISIL infrastructure and positions in direct response to a deadly ambush in Palmyra that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. CENTCOM reported the attacks occurred around 17:30 GMT and struck multiple ISIS targets, while not confirming casualties. Grainy aerial video showed separate explosions in rural areas. The strikes were carried out alongside unspecified partner forces and have been named Operation Hawkeye Strike. The December 13 ambush involved a lone gunman linked to Syrian security forces. Earlier phases hit 70 targets and reportedly led to about 25 ISIL fighters being killed or captured. Washington is increasingly coordinating with Damascus even as the Kurdish-led SDF remains a longstanding partner.

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