US Military Conducts Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria: NPR
The U.S. military has intensified its operations against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, following a deadly ambush in December that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian interpreter. American aircraft executed a significant series of airstrikes targeting IS positions from February 3 to February 16, successfully hitting over 30 operational sites.
Details of the Airstrikes
According to a statement from U.S. Central Command, these strikes were aimed at weapons storage facilities and crucial IS infrastructure. As a result of these operations:
- At least 50 IS members have been killed or captured.
- Over 100 IS targets have been struck since the December ambush.
Casualties from the December Ambush
The December 13 ambush claimed the lives of:
- Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar
- Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard
- Ayad Mansoor Sakat, the civilian interpreter
Shifting Control in Syria
In a related development, the Syrian Defense Ministry announced that government forces have seized control of a military base in eastern Syria. This location had been managed by U.S. troops as part of the campaign against IS. The Al-Tanf base was significant in the fight against IS after the group declared a caliphate in 2014.
Transfer of IS Detainees
Additionally, the U.S. military has finalized the transfer of thousands of IS detainees from Syria to Iraq. This transfer was carried out at the request of the Iraqi government and is intended to allow these individuals to stand trial in Iraq. This move has been positively received by the U.S.-led coalition that has been engaged in combating IS for several years.
