US launches new retaliatory strike in Syria, killing leader tied to deadly Islamic State ambush

This photo provided by the U.S. Air Force shows a U.S. Airman preparing an A-10 Thunderbolt II for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, on Dec. 19, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike.

A third round of retaliatory strikes by the U.S. in Syria has resulted in the death of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader, said U.S. Central Command.

(Image credit: AP)