US strikes suspected ISIS sites in Syria

The U.S. launched major airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, responding to the deaths of two soldiers killed in a recent attack. Fighter jets and helicopters targeted multiple Islamic State sites, including weapon storage areas. The strikes, described as "a massive attack," signal a military escalation amid a reduced U.S. presence in Syria.

The soldiers were killed during a counterterrorism operation in Palmyra. The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State, which is attempting to exploit the post-Assad security vacuum. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that "if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you."

The Pentagon also noted that ISIS has inspired attacks against U.S. targets, reaffirming the need for continued operations in the region.