Military jets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s, launch aggressive aerial assaults on ISIS targets across Syria, following the downfall of Assad.
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It's been a chaotic week in Syria, as the U.S. military took a swing at the Islamic State group, following the surprising departure of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.
B-52 Stratofortress bombers, F-15E Strike Eagle jets, and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes rained fire on ISIS leaders, fighters, and camps in central Syria, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). These military titans dropped a whopping 140 munitions on over 75 targets, turning them to ashes.
The show of force came as the U.S. tries to keep ISIS in check amidst the confusion surrounding Syria. With Assad out of the way and rebel groups, like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, taking over Damascus, it's a delicate situation that the U.S. can't afford to have ISIS exploit.
"We took a swipe at a hefty gathering of ISIS fighters and leaders," a senior official said. The Pentagon insists that these strikes were precise, limiting civilian casualties. They're still assessing the damage, though.
The U.S.-led coalition previously dismantled ISIS's self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria in 2019 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. But they've got about 900 troops in eastern Syria, working with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, fighting off the remains of ISIS as they attempt a comeback.
CENTCOM promises to continue its mission, even with the shifting sands in Syria. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, warned any Syrian groups not to help the return of ISIS. "We won't let ISIS regain its strength and take advantage of the current situation in Syria," Kurilla warned.
The implosion of the Assad regime came pretty suddenly, after a rebel offensive in November. This was due in part to the Israeli military's behind-the-scenes work against Assad's ally, the Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Russia's support for Assad also consistently waned due to their increasing involvement in Ukraine. Iran, another key supporter, was hit by Israeli airstrikes both in Syria and their home country.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group once allied with Al Qaeda, has since broken away, presenting itself as a nationalist organization committed to dethroning Assad and building a new Syria. Despite being designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., they've targeted ISIS elements within their territories [CSIS].
The chaos now brewing in Syria includes potential conflicts between Turkish-backed militias and the Syrian Democratic Forces [AIR]. The U.S. is urging all parties to avoid any actions that might put their forces at risk or hinder ongoing efforts against ISIS.
- The U.S. Air Force, in coordination with other military branches, have been involved in warfare against the Islamic State group in Syria, dropping weapons on targets to contain their activities.
- The recent conflict involves aircraft such as B-52 bombers, F-15E jets, and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes, employed by the U.S. military for defense purposes.
- The Pentagon is committed to maintaining security in Syria, even amidst political changes and shifting alliances, ensuring that ISIS does not exploit the chaos for a comeback.
- General Michael Erik Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, is adamant that they will prevent ISIS from regaining strength, implying the use of military force if necessary.
- As space exploration and warfare continue to evolve, it's important to remember the ongoing struggles in war-and-conflicts zones such as Syria, where the future of a nation remains uncertain.
- Amidst the complexity of Syrian politics and the numerous groups involved, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, general news outlets play a crucial role in keeping the public informed about the security situation in Syria and its impact on global politics.
