US, Allies Strike ISIS Across Syria

US and allied forces carried out large-scale airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) group across Syria on Saturday, according to the US military. The strikes were launched in response to an attack last month that killed three Americans.

The December 13 attack took place in the Syrian city of Palmyra and was carried out by a lone IS gunman. Two US soldiers and one US civilian interpreter were killed. Palmyra is known for its ancient ruins and was previously controlled by IS fighters.

US Central Command said the strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched directly in response to the deadly attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The military said IS targets were hit across several parts of Syria.

Last month, the US and Jordan also carried out strikes under the same operation, targeting dozens of IS locations.

The Palmyra incident was the first attack of its kind since the removal of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

The US troops targeted in the attack were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the international mission aimed at defeating IS. Although the group lost most of its territory in Syria and Iraq after 2014, it still operates in parts of Syria, especially in desert areas.

The US has been gradually reducing its military presence in Syria. In April, the Pentagon announced plans to cut troop numbers by half, and officials have said the number of US bases in the country may eventually be reduced to one.