US military launches strikes vs IS

The Trump administration launched military strikes Friday in Syria to "eliminate" Islamic State group fighters and weapons sites in retaliation for an ambush attack that killed two US troops and an American interpreter almost a week ago.

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A US official described it as "a large-scale" strike that hit 70 targets in areas across central Syria that had IS infrastructure and weapons. Another US official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations, said more strikes should be expected.

The attack was conducted using F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters, the officials said. F-16 fighter jets from Jordan and HIMARS rocket artillery also were used, one official said.

"This is not the beginning of a war - it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media.

President Donald Trump had pledged "very serious retaliation" after the shooting in the Syrian desert, for which he blamed IS. The troops were among hundreds of US troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the terrorist group.

Trump in a social media post said the strikes were targeting IS "strongholds." He reiterated his support for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who he said was "fully in support" of the US effort to target the militant group.