The US-led coalition simultaneously launched a new wave of airstrikes and ground operations throughout central Syria. Soon after, they began targeting Islamic State suspects directly following a fiery attack killed two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter on July 31, 2020. The operation comes on the heels of an attack against a convoy of American and Syrian Democratic Forces in Palmyra. This type of severe attack has raised the stakes and inflamed tensions across the region to alarming levels.
The attack—perpetrated by a suspected member of the Islamic State—injured three other US soldiers. In a direct reaction to this attack, then-President Donald Trump promised to strike back against the attackers. The strike against US personnel unfortunately is confirmed. That intelligence resulted in the most coordinated airstrikes in months, hitting multiple Islamic State targets around the country of Syria.
The airstrikes represent a huge new step in the US-led coalition’s campaign. While they may have their differences, they are both dead set on destroying the Islamic State’s foothold in the area. Through routine operations, Coalition forces have gained interoperability with Syria’s security forces while positively impacting the extremist threat to the region. The most recent operation focused on hundreds of areas associated with the Islamic State’s infrastructure. This strategic pivot highlights the coalition’s steadfast dedication towards addressing the security issues within Syria.
Like many recent attacks, the August incident brought to light the perilous operating environment in which US forces and their local partners serve. In response, it was critically important that airstrikes be the right response and a decisive response. The airstrikes were carried out across a wide area of geographic depth in central Syria, targeting the operational capabilities of Islamic State remnants.
Over those few weeks, coalition forces increased their efforts to target Islamic State suspects. This ramped-up aggression highlights a critical pivot in smart, strategic counter-terrorism efforts in the area. These operations are inarguably essential for the safety of US and allied personnel. They’re key to addressing the root causes of instability, especially in areas that have endured decades of turmoil and violence from extremism.