Jordan confirmed its air force joined U.S.-led strikes targeting Islamic State positions in Syria after a gunman killed three U.S. citizens near Palmyra. U.S. Central Command said aircraft, helicopters and artillery struck more than 70 targets across central Syria, with Jordanian jets providing support. A U.K.-based monitor reported at least five killed in the strikes, and U.S. officials say operations since Dec. 13 have led to 23 IS operatives killed or detained.
Jordan Confirms Its Air Force Joined U.S.-Led Strikes On Islamic State In Syria
A U.S. airman prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Dec. 19, 2025. (U.S. Air Force)
Jordan confirmed on Saturday that its air force participated alongside U.S. forces in strikes on Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria. The strikes were carried out in response to a recent attack that killed three U.S. citizens, including two service members and an American civilian interpreter.
What Happened
U.S. Central Command said fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery struck more than 70 targets across central Syria, with Jordanian fighter aircraft providing support. The operations targeted IS fighters and weapons caches after authorities said a Syrian gunman opened fire on a meeting of U.S. and Syrian security personnel near Palmyra.
Casualties and Local Reports
The U.S. military did not release an official casualty count from Friday's strikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitor, reported at least five people killed, including the leader and members of an IS cell. U.S. officials said combined operations since Dec. 13 have resulted in 23 IS operatives being killed or detained.
Jordan's Statement and Regional Context
In a statement, the Jordanian military said its air force 'participated in precise airstrikes ... targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria.' Jordan emphasized the goal of preventing extremist groups from using these areas as launching pads to threaten neighboring countries and the wider region, especially after reported IS regrouping in southern Syria.
U.S. Central Command noted that U.S. and partner forces have conducted more than 80 counterterrorism operations in Syria over the past six months and 10 operations in Syria and Iraq since the Dec. 13 attack.
Details About The Attack Near Palmyra
The shooting near Palmyra killed three U.S. citizens and wounded three other U.S. troops as well as members of Syrian security forces; the gunman was killed at the scene. Syrian officials said the assailant had joined Syria's internal security forces as a base security guard about two months earlier and had recently been reassigned while under investigation on suspicions of possible IS affiliation. According to accounts, the attacker burst into a lunch meeting of U.S. and Syrian security officials, clashed with Syrian guards and then opened fire.
Political Reactions
President Donald Trump had pledged 'very serious retaliation' after the shooting and reiterated his support for Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, saying al-Sharaa was 'fully in support' of U.S. strikes against IS. IS has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the U.S. service members, though the group has since claimed separate attacks on Syrian security forces.
Implications: The joint action highlights continued international cooperation against IS elements in Syria and underscores concerns that the group has attempted to regroup in certain areas of the country. The involvement of regional partners such as Jordan demonstrates the broader coalition effort to prevent renewed extremist threats.
