Story perspectives

U.S. Escalates Strikes on ISIS in Syria Amid Violence

1/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. military intensified operations against Islamic State in Syria from December 20-29, killing or capturing about 25 operatives.
On December 19, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against over 70 IS sites in Palmyra after two soldiers and an interpreter were killed.
The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) will not relent against IS.
Syria's Interior Ministry launched raids against IS amid rising sectarian violence, including a bombing in Homs.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. began airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) on August 8, 2014, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, following ISIS's rapid territorial gains in Iraq. By March 2016, coalition forces had conducted nearly 11,000 airstrikes, killing over 27,000 ISIS fighters. This military intervention aimed to stabilize Iraq and Syria amid escalating sectarian violence and ongoing threats from extremist groups.

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Story summary

The U.S. military intensified operations against Islamic State in Syria from December 20-29, killing or capturing about 25 operatives.
On December 19, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against over 70 IS sites in Palmyra after two soldiers and an interpreter were killed.
The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) will not relent against IS.
Syria's Interior Ministry launched raids against IS amid rising sectarian violence, including a bombing in Homs.

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