Did Jordan Confirm Its Role in US Airstrikes Against IS in Syria?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jordan's military confirmed participation in US airstrikes.
- Airstrikes targeted over 70 IS-linked sites.
- Joint operations aim to enhance regional security.
- US response was triggered by a deadly attack on US personnel.
- IS remains a persistent threat despite territorial losses.
Amman, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) announced on Saturday that they participated in recent US airstrikes targeting IS positions in Syria on Friday.
The JAF's statement highlighted that this operation was executed in partnership with the United States, aiming to "prevent extremist factions from utilizing these regions as bases to endanger the security of Syria's neighboring countries and the broader area."
On Friday, the US military conducted strikes on over 70 suspected IS-linked targets throughout central Syria in response to a recent ambush that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM reported that the operation was backed by JAF fighter aircraft and involved the use of more than 100 precision munitions aimed at known IS infrastructure and weapon caches, as noted by the Xinhua news agency. Following these strikes, Syria reiterated its "firm commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring there are no safe havens within Syrian territory, pledging to intensify military actions against any threats," as stated by the Syrian foreign affairs authority on its X account.
"The Syrian Arab Republic calls upon the United States and international coalition members to support these efforts in a way that ensures the protection of civilians and the reestablishment of security and stability in the region," it further added.
According to CENTCOM, two US service members and a civilian were killed, while three others were injured in an ambush by a single IS gunman in Syria on December 13. Following this incident, US and allied forces executed 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, leading to the deaths or arrests of 23 terrorist operatives.
Currently, no faction has claimed responsibility for the December 13 ambush. Earlier, Syria's interior authority identified the assailant as a member of Syria's internal security service.
Despite losing the majority of the territory it once controlled in Syria and Iraq, US officials affirm that remnants of IS continue to carry out insurgent attacks, posing a lasting security threat in the area.