On Sunday, U.S. forces launched a series of strikes on ISIS locations in Syria, targeting over 75 sites to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group. This action comes as Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus, prompting President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, according to The New York Times.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, aimed at preventing ISIS from exploiting the chaos left by the collapse of the Assad regime. The strikes utilized B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, and A-10 attack aircraft. CENTCOM reported that no civilian casualties were identified during the operation.
General Michael Erik Kurilla stated, “We will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria. All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.” The strikes targeted ISIS leaders, operatives, and training camps, reinforcing the mission to disrupt and defeat the terrorist group.
According to Defense News, 140 munitions were deployed in the coordinated attacks.
Israel also conducted its own preemptive strikes on military sites in Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Israel’s intention to eliminate strategic weapons in Syria, including air defense systems, surface-to-air missiles, and long-range rockets, to prevent potential threats from any new regime.
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the situation through Truth Social. Trump criticized Russia’s weakened ability to respond due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He also revisited the Obama administration’s failure to enforce the “red line” on Assad’s use of chemical weapons, suggesting that the U.S. should avoid deeper involvement.
“Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” Trump wrote.
The fall of Assad’s regime raises concerns about regional stability and the potential resurgence of ISIS. The U.S. and its allies are taking precautionary measures to ensure that extremist groups do not exploit the power vacuum.
