The United States military has confirmed that it carried out multiple airstrikes across different parts of Syria on Saturday, aimed at positions linked to the Islamic State group. These strikes are part of a broader military operation that Washington initiated in December, following a deadly attack in which Islamic State militants killed US military personnel and a civilian interpreter.
According to the US Central Command, the strikes were conducted across various regions of Syria during the early afternoon, US Eastern Time. The military said the objective was to target Islamic State elements operating in multiple locations, continuing efforts to degrade the group’s ability to organise and carry out attacks.
US officials did not provide details on casualties or damage resulting from the strikes. The Pentagon declined to elaborate further on operational specifics, and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the broader diplomatic or security implications.
The latest round of strikes follows an incident on December 13, when Islamic State militants launched an attack that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. That attack prompted the US to launch an expanded campaign focused on preventing further threats to American forces and allied personnel in the region.
In recent months, a US-led coalition has intensified both air and ground operations against suspected Islamic State targets in Syria. These actions have often involved coordination with Syrian security forces, reflecting a shared interest in suppressing the militant group despite the country’s complex political landscape.
Approximately 1,000 US troops remain deployed in Syria, primarily tasked with counterterrorism operations and supporting efforts to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State.
Syria is currently governed by a leadership that emerged after former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024, ending a 13-year civil war. The current administration includes former rebel factions, some of which were previously linked to Al-Qaeda before breaking away and later clashing with Islamic State.
Despite past rivalries and internal conflicts, Syria has been cooperating with the US-led coalition against Islamic State. This cooperation was formalised late last year, following an agreement reached during a visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House, signalling a shift toward coordinated action against the militant group.
