What's happened
The US launched over 70 military strikes across Syria in retaliation for an attack that killed three US personnel. The operation involved fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery, targeting ISIS infrastructure in Deir ez-Zor and surrounding regions. Jordan supported the strikes, which aim to prevent ISIS regrouping.
What's behind the headline?
The US strikes reflect a strategic shift towards a more assertive stance against ISIS, emphasizing retaliation and containment. The operation underscores ongoing US commitment to counterterrorism in Syria despite broader shifts in regional military focus. The participation of Jordan indicates regional cooperation, but the limited scope suggests a focus on tactical gains rather than a broader campaign. The Syrian government’s support signals a complex dynamic, as it seeks to combat ISIS while managing its own military efforts. The escalation may provoke further ISIS activity or regional tensions, but it also demonstrates US resolve to prevent ISIS from re-establishing safe havens. The long-term impact hinges on whether these targeted strikes can sustainably weaken ISIS infrastructure and deter future attacks.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that the US conducted a large-scale operation involving over 100 munitions, targeting ISIS in Syria, with President Trump describing it as 'precision' and 'massive.' The Associated Press highlights the participation of Jordanian forces and the broader US coalition, emphasizing the operation's retaliation for the December 13 attack. The Times of Israel notes the intensity of the strikes and the potential for further action, framing it as a 'declaration of vengeance.' The New Arab and AP News detail the regional context, including Israeli incursions into Syria and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, illustrating the broader instability in the region. The New York Times emphasizes the US military's focus on ISIS infrastructure and the Syrian government's call for international support, framing the strikes within a wider counterterrorism effort. Overall, the coverage underscores a coordinated, forceful response to ISIS resurgence, with regional support and strategic implications.
How we got here
Following an attack near Palmyra on December 13, 2025, that killed three US service members and wounded others, the US government authorized extensive military strikes against ISIS positions in Syria. The operation was a response to the resurgence of ISIS in southern Syria and aimed to eliminate their infrastructure and prevent further attacks. The strikes involved coalition forces, including Jordanian air support, and targeted multiple locations in the Syrian desert.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Did the US and Jordan Launch Airstrikes in Syria?
Following a deadly attack near Palmyra that resulted in US casualties, the US and Jordan coordinated military strikes against ISIS targets in Syria. But what prompted these actions, and what do they mean for regional stability? Below, we explore the reasons behind these strikes, the current state of ISIS in Syria, and the potential risks involved in ongoing military operations.
-
What Are the US and Jordan's Goals with the Syria Strikes?
Following recent coordinated airstrikes by the US and Jordan in Syria, many are asking: what are their main objectives? These military actions are part of ongoing efforts to combat ISIS and prevent its resurgence after a deadly attack near Palmyra. Understanding the goals behind these strikes can shed light on regional security strategies and future developments in the Middle East.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and Israel and Palestine
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Palmyra is an ancient Semitic city in present-day Homs Governorate, Syria. Archaeological finds date back to the Neolithic period, and documents first mention the city in the early second millennium BC.
-
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
-
An Islamic state is a state that has a form of government based on Islamic law. As a term, it has been used to describe various historical polities and theories of governance in the Islamic world.
-
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. U.S. federal law names six armed forces: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Since 1949, all of the armed forces, except the Coast Guard,...