Damascus – Washington: Agencies

The Syrian Foreign Ministry affirmed in a statement today, Saturday, that Damascus reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring that the group has no safe havens in Syrian territory.

The statement, published by the Syrian Foreign Ministry via its X platform, read: “The Syrian Arab Republic extends its deepest condolences to the families of the Syrian and American security personnel killed in the terrorist attacks that took place in Palmyra and northern Syria last week. This loss underscores the necessity of strengthening international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.”

The statement also affirmed Syria’s steadfast commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring that it has no safe havens in Syrian territory. It will continue to intensify military operations against the organization in all areas it threatens.

The statement concluded: “The Syrian Arab Republic calls upon the United States and the member states of the international coalition to join in supporting the Republic’s efforts in combating terrorism, thereby contributing to the protection of civilians and the restoration of security and stability in the region.”

The US Central Command stated that it launched more than 100 precision-guided bombs and missiles in intensive strikes against ISIS in Syria, in response to the attack that targeted US forces in Palmyra days earlier. U.S. Central Command confirmed that Jordanian Air Force fighter jets participated in the operation, alongside U.S. fighter jets, attack helicopters, and heavy artillery, in a joint offensive to degrade ISIS's logistical and military capabilities.

In a statement, it explained that the strikes targeted more than 70 locations across central Syria, including weapons depots, command centers, and infrastructure used to carry out terrorist operations.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said, "These strikes are aimed at preventing ISIS from planning attacks against the United States and our allies," emphasizing that "the pursuit will continue relentlessly against anyone who threatens the lives of Americans and coalition forces."

The operation, codenamed Hawkeye Strike, was launched following directives from the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces after a December 13 attack that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. forces had begun an operation in Syria "to eliminate ISIS fighters, destroy their infrastructure, and dismantle their weapons caches." Speaking on the X platform, Hegseth said the operation was "a direct response to the December 13 attack on U.S. forces in Palmyra."

CNN quoted Hegseth as saying, "This is not the start of a war. This is a declaration of retaliation. The United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, will never hesitate, and will never back down, from defending its people."

He added, "As we said immediately after the barbaric attack, if you target Americans—anywhere in the world—you will spend the rest of your short lives in constant fear, knowing that the United States will hunt you down, find you, and kill you without mercy."

Two Iowa National Guard members and an American civilian translator were killed on December 13 in an attack in the Syrian desert, which the Trump administration blamed on ISIS. The two National Guard members were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting ISIS.

Trump had vowed a "very serious retaliation," but emphasized that Syria was fighting alongside U.S. forces.