US launches retaliatory strikes on ISIS in Syria

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States military has launched large-scale retaliatory strikes against dozens of Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria Friday, media reports said.

According to Reuters, more than 70 IS targets were hit in the strikes, with around 100 munitions used by a combination of fighter jets, attack helicopters and rocket artillery.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.”

Reuters, citing a statement from Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that Damascus once again reaffirmed its firm commitment to combating IS and ensuring that “there will be no safe haven on Syrian territory.”

The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the killing of three Americans in the central Syrian city of Palmyra on Saturday. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attack was carried out by a lone IS gunman, who was later killed.

Three other US soldiers were wounded in the attack. The United States blamed IS for the incident and vowed to respond.

kk/sa