Large-Scale Assault on Islamic State Targets in Syria by US Military
The United States and its allies have reportedly launched a major offensive against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. This action comes as a response to the deadly assault on US troops in Syria earlier this month. The operation, known as Operation Hawkeye Strike, was initiated on direct orders from US President Donald Trump.
A Strong Retaliation to Deter Terrorism
The main aim of these strikes is to deter terrorism and safeguard US troops and their allies in the region. The US Central Command, responsible for the operation, sent out a clear message – any harm inflicted upon their soldiers would be met with a swift and lethal response, no matter where the perpetrators are hiding.
More than 90 precision munitions were fired at over 35 targets during the operation, which involved over 20 aircraft. The list of aircraft engaged in the strikes included F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130Js, MQ-9s, and Jordanian F-16s. The exact location of these strikes and the resulting casualties are yet to be confirmed.
Unwavering Resolve
"We will never forget, and never relent," the Defence Secretary stated, referring to the military action taken. The Operation Hawkeye Strike was first announced in December after an IS gunman ambushed and killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra, situated in the heart of Syria.
He further emphasized that the operation was not an initiation of war, but a declaration of retribution. Under President Trump's leadership, the United States would not hesitate or relent in protecting its people.
Persistent Action Against IS
Even before the latest strikes, the US forces had managed to kill or capture close to 25 IS group members in 11 missions between late December as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. In the operation's first mission, US and Jordanian forces undertook a "massive strike" against the IS group. The operation involved fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery to strike "more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria". Over 100 precision munitions were used to target known IS infrastructure and weapons sites.
Syria's Fragile State
The situation in Syria has been volatile since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which marked the end of a civil war that had devastated the country for over a decade. Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his alias Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, assumed the role of the country's president after his rebel group overthrew Assad and gained control.
While the IS has been substantially weakened in Syria, it continues to be active, primarily launching attacks against Kurdish-led forces in the northeast.