U.S. Strikes ISIS in Syria, Retaliates for Deadly Attack on Troops
URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. military has launched significant airstrikes in Syria today, targeting over 70 ISIS infrastructure sites in a swift retaliation for an ambush that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The strikes were confirmed by U.S. officials, describing them as a decisive action against the Islamic State group following the deadly attack nearly a week ago.
The military operation, involving F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket artillery, underscores the U.S. commitment to combat terrorism in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.” He emphasized that the U.S. will relentlessly defend its personnel from threats.
During a speech earlier today, President Donald Trump celebrated the operation as a “massive strike” against “ISIS thugs” attempting to regroup in Syria. He warned, “All terrorists who are evil enough to attack Americans are hereby warned — YOU WILL BE HIT HARDER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN HIT BEFORE.”
The ambush that triggered this military response occurred near Palmyra, resulting in the deaths of Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (25) and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard (29), along with civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat. The attack also wounded three other U.S. personnel and members of Syrian security forces.
In a statement, Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. strikes, emphasizing the need for international cooperation against terrorism. Syrian state media reported that the U.S. targeted weapons storage and operational headquarters in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, areas critical for ISIS operations.
Witness accounts reveal that the assailant who carried out the deadly ambush had only recently joined Syria’s internal security forces and was suspected of being affiliated with ISIS. The attack has raised concerns about ongoing U.S.-Syria relations, as both nations have been collaborating against the militant group since the ouster of Bashar Assad.
As the situation develops, U.S. Central Command has indicated that further military operations may be on the horizon. This latest response illustrates the U.S. commitment to protecting its troops and allies, even as it reallocates focus and resources toward challenges closer to home in the Western Hemisphere.
The families of the fallen soldiers were met by President Trump at Dover Air Force Base, where a solemn transfer ceremony honored their sacrifice.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
