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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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The U.S. military conducted strikes on several Islamic State group camps in Syria this week, resulting in the deaths of up to 35 militants, U.S. Central Command reported on Wednesday.
The airstrikes, conducted Monday evening in Syria's central desert, targeted multiple locations and senior Islamic State leaders. These attacks followed a series of joint operations with Iraqi forces aimed at Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Iraq.
Why Did America Strike Syria?
Pentagon officials have noted that while ISIS continues to pose a regional threat, it no longer holds the power it wielded a decade ago, when militants seized large areas across Iraq and Syria.
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U.S. Central Command stated that the recent strikes in Syria are expected to hinder the ISIS group's capacity to plan, organize, and execute attacks against civilians, as well as U.S. and allied forces in the region. The command reported no indications of civilian casualties resulting from these strikes.
Is Travel Between Syria and Lebanon Possible?
The main Damascus-Beirut highway has reopened after being cordoned off by the Lebanese Army, following strikes on two vehicles along the route, a Lebanese Civil Defense official said.
A strike hit a van in Aaraya along the highway connecting Beirut to Syria, with media reporting that the vehicle was carrying weapons. Following the incident, the Lebanese Army announced plans to detonate unexploded ordnance in the Aaraya area of Mount Lebanon.
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What Are Local Forces Doing to Help?
Officials condemned "the use of international roads and civilian vehicles for the movement of gunmen and the transfer of weapons and ammunition," cautioning that such actions "put passersby and residents of both towns at risk, endangering their lives and property."
The statement called on the Lebanese Army and security forces to "intervene immediately to prevent the use of international roads and safe areas for military purposes" to ensure the protection of civilian safety.
Along the same highway, another vehicle was struck in the town of Qmatieh in Aley province, though details about the target remain unclear.
Saad Al Ahmar, commander of the Lebanese Civil Defense's southern district fire and rescue unit, said that his team assisted in extinguishing fires at both strike locations. He noted that the road has since reopened, although traffic remains heavy.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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