US Conducts Air Strikes in Syria after Assad Government's Collapse

In an announcement, CENTCOM claimed that the strikes targeted Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) leaders, operatives, and camps to prevent the terror group from exploiting the end of Assad's rule.

The strikes involved Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle warplanes.

CENTCOM said it was still assessing the damage but claimed there were no civilian casualties.

“There should be no doubt – we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla said.

“All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way,” he added.

The air strikes came as outgoing US President Joe Biden described the collapse of al-Assad’s government as both a “moment of risk” and a “historic opportunity.”

In a televised address, Biden called the development a chance for Syria’s people to “build a better future for their proud country” while acknowledging the uncertainty ahead.

“It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty,” Biden said.

US President-elect Donald Trump, meanwhile, signaled a different approach.

“Syria is a mess, but is not our friend,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”

The collapse of al-Assad’s 53-year family rule has raised questions about Syria's future security and the fate of 900 US troops stationed in the country.