U.S. Conducts Airstrikes Against ISIS Targets in Syria

Retaliation for December ambush that killed 2 U.S. soldiers and 1 civilian interpreter

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. military has carried out a series of airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria between February 3 and February 16, 2026. The strikes were in retaliation for a December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian interpreter. At least 50 ISIS members have been killed or captured, and more than 100 ISIS targets have been struck since the U.S. began the retaliatory attacks.

Why it matters

The U.S. has been conducting counterterrorism operations against ISIS in Syria for years, and this latest series of airstrikes demonstrates the military's continued commitment to targeting the terrorist group and its infrastructure. The December ambush that killed American personnel was a significant attack that prompted the U.S. to launch these retaliatory strikes.

The details

According to U.S. Central Command, American aircraft conducted 10 airstrikes against more than 30 ISIS targets, hitting weapons storage facilities and other infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has taken control of the Al-Tanf base, which was previously run by U.S. troops as part of the fight against ISIS. The U.S. has also completed the transfer of thousands of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq, where they are expected to stand trial.

  • The airstrikes were conducted between February 3 and February 16, 2026.
  • The December ambush that prompted the retaliatory strikes occurred on December 13, 2025.

The players

U.S. Central Command

The unified combatant command of the United States Armed Forces responsible for the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

Syrian Defense Ministry

The government agency responsible for the Syrian military and national defense.

Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar

One of the two U.S. soldiers killed in the December 2025 ambush.

Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard

One of the two U.S. soldiers killed in the December 2025 ambush.

Ayad Mansoor Sakat

The American civilian interpreter killed in the December 2025 ambush.

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What they’re saying

“The U.S. military on Saturday reported a series of strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria in retaliation for the December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one American civilian interpreter.”

— U.S. Central Command (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. military has not indicated any specific future actions, but the continued counterterrorism operations against ISIS in Syria are likely to continue as the group maintains a presence in the region.

The takeaway

This series of airstrikes demonstrates the U.S. military's ongoing commitment to targeting ISIS and its infrastructure in Syria, even in the face of attacks on American personnel. The transfer of ISIS detainees to Iraq also shows the coordination between the U.S. and its regional partners in the fight against terrorism.