The U.S. military began a major strike campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria on Friday, Dec. 19, hitting more than 70 targets across central Syria after an attack last Saturday on U.S. and partner forces, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM said “Operation Hawkeye Strike” started at 4 p.m. ET at the commander in chief’s direction. Fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery were used in the strikes, and the Jordanian Armed Forces supported the mission with fighter aircraft. More than 100 precision munitions were employed, targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites, according to CENTCOM.
“This operation is critical to preventing ISIS from inspiring terrorist plots and attacks against the U.S. homeland,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander, in the statement. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.”
CENTCOM said that after the Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian personnel, U.S. and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq that resulted in the deaths or detention of 23 terrorist operatives. Over the last six months, U.S. and partner forces in Syria have carried out more than 80 operations aimed at militants described as posing a direct threat to the United States and regional security, according to CENTCOM.
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