The United States has initiated a series of military actions in Syria targeting Islamic State (IS) fighters and weapon caches, responding to a recent assault that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The large-scale operation involved hitting 70 targets across central Syria, according to U.S. officials.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on social media that the operation is not a declaration of war but a retaliatory act under President Trump’s leadership, aimed at defending U.S. personnel. Hegseth stated, “The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”
The intensified military action occurs even as the Trump administration shifts focus towards the Western Hemisphere, enhancing military presence in the Caribbean to counter alleged drug smuggling and enforce sanctions on Venezuela. Resources, including an advanced aircraft carrier, have been moved from the Middle East to support these efforts.
President Trump’s Response
In the wake of the Syrian desert attack, President Donald Trump vowed a severe retaliatory response against IS, which he holds responsible for the incident. Addressing a gathering in North Carolina, Trump lauded the military operation as a decisive strike against regrouping ISIS elements.
Trump reiterated support for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, stating that al-Sharaa was in favor of U.S. actions. On his social media, Trump issued a stern warning to IS, declaring, “All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE IF YOU, IN ANY WAY, ATTACK OR THREATEN THE U.S.A.”
The operation utilized F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and support from Jordanian F-16 fighters and HIMARS rocket artillery, deploying over 100 precision munitions on the targets.
Syrian Reaction
This military action tests the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Syria following the ousting of former leader Bashar Assad. Trump noted Syria’s commitment to combatting terrorism alongside U.S. forces, as stated by Syria’s foreign ministry. The ministry highlighted the need for international collaboration to eradicate terrorism.
Syrian media reported that the U.S. strikes targeted regions in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and near Palmyra, aiming at IS weapon storage and operational bases. Although IS has not claimed responsibility for the attack on U.S. troops, it has acknowledged other attacks on Syrian forces, branding al-Sharaa’s regime as “apostates.”
Victims and Aftermath
President Trump privately met with the families of the fallen at Dover Air Force Base. The victims include Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, members of the Iowa National Guard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter from Michigan.
The assault, which injured additional U.S. and Syrian personnel, was perpetrated by a member of Syria’s security forces. The assailant, recently suspected of IS affiliations, was killed after initiating gunfire at a joint meeting between U.S. and Syrian officials.
Associated Press writer Abby Sewell contributed reporting from Beirut, Lebanon.
