The US military recently conducted airstrikes targeting over 30 Islamic State (IS) facilities in Syria from February 3-12, as part of its broader campaign against IS in both Iraq and Syria. These strikes, officially part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, reportedly aimed at IS infrastructure, weapons storage, and involved a strategic response to recent hostile actions from IS affiliates, including an ambush that led to the deaths of two US soldiers and injuries to Syrian forces. This indicates a renewed focus on combating IS following specific attacks on US interests in the region.

Since 2014, the US has led an international coalition to defeat IS, working closely with local forces, notably the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The coalition's operations have expanded with the recent inclusion of Syrian official forces aligned with the coalition's goals. The significance of the airstrikes lies not only in their tactical objective of dismantling IS capabilities but also in the broader geopolitical implications of renewed cooperation between the US and Syrian government forces against a common enemy.

The campaign against IS, particularly after the escalation of violence, reveals the ongoing challenges the US faces in stabilizing the region and balancing relationships with both local forces and Damascus. The situation underscores the complexity of the conflict in Syria, as the US continues to adapt its strategies amidst evolving threats while aiming to ensure regional security and curb extremism.