Overview
- U.S. Central Command said more than 70 targets across central Syria were hit using combat aircraft, attack helicopters, artillery and HIMARS, with Jordanian F-16s reported to have joined.
- The campaign was announced after a Dec. 13 single-shooter ambush near Palmyra that killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat.
- U.S. and partner forces conducted about 10 follow-on operations that produced detainees and electronic intelligence used to select strike targets, according to U.S. officials.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the action a “declaration of vengeance” and U.S. officials signaled that additional strikes could follow.
- Attribution remains uncertain as Syrian authorities say the gunman was an internal security guard and report related arrests, and ISIS has not claimed responsibility.