US Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria

The U.S. military has launched airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, U.S.

The operation marks the second time the U.S. military has struck Islamic State targets in Syria since Dec. 19 following the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their American interpreter by a lone ISIS gunman.

The strikes come as U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said he met in Damascus with Syria’s new leadership to discuss the country’s future.

"Today, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and members of their team in Damascus," Barrack wrote.

U.S. Central Command said the strikes were carried out "at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time" and targeted "multiple ISIS targets across Syria."

In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation was part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which it said was launched Dec. 19 "in direct response to the deadly ISIS attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria."

Barrack said the talks focused on "recent developments in Aleppo and the broader path forward for Syria’s historic transition," adding that the United States "welcomes Syria’s historic transition and extends its support to the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa."