US Launches Major Retaliatory Strikes on ISIL in Syria

The United States launched a major military operation against ISIL positions in Syria. The action followed the killing of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. President Donald Trump called the strikes serious retaliation. He announced the operation on his Truth Social platform.

Trump said US forces are carrying out large-scale attacks on ISIL. He blamed the group for the deadly Palmyra incident. Therefore, he ordered strong military action. The operation is named Operation Hawkeye Strike.

The strikes target ISIL fighters, weapons, and infrastructure in central Syria. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called the attacks a declaration of vengeance. Moreover, CENTCOM confirmed the use of jets, helicopters, and artillery. Over 100 precision munitions were deployed.

Meanwhile, Syria’s new government supports the US action. The government took power after Bashar al-Assad’s fall in late 2024. Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed coalition support. It urged help to eliminate ISIL safe havens.

The attack followed an ISIL assault on a US-Syrian convoy in Palmyra. Three Americans were killed and three others were wounded. About 1,000 US troops remain in Syria. Officials said the operation is limited and not a broader war.

Read more : Thailand hits Cambodia with air strikes amid border clashes

Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia after both sides accused each other of violating a recent ceasefire. Thai officials said one soldier was killed and four were wounded in new clashes. They reported that Cambodian forces fired first in Ubon Ratchathani province. Moreover, they confirmed that aircraft were now targeting Cambodian military positions. The situation escalated quickly despite earlier peace commitments.

Cambodia rejected Thailand’s claims and accused the Thai military of launching unprovoked dawn attacks. Its defence ministry said Thai forces had carried out strikes at two locations after days of rising tensions. It also stated that Cambodian troops had not responded to the attacks. Meanwhile, Thailand accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets at civilian areas. However, Thai authorities reported no civilian casualties.