Australia backs US strikes on ISIS in Syria
Australia has backed US airstrikes in Syria targeting the Islamic State militant group, which the Albanian government says “inspired” the Bondi terror attack in December.
US Central Command said on Sunday (AEDT) that it had carried out “large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria” with support from allied forces.
In addition, images showing that many structures were hit were also published.
Reacting to the operation, Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the US action, saying ISIS was “responsible for appalling violence” in Australia.
“Australia supports the latest offensive by the US and its partners against ISIS in Syria,” Ms Wong said on social media.
“ISIS is a radical, extremist organization responsible for appalling violence, including in Australia.
“We must all continue to work together to defeat ISIS and reject its dangerous, hateful ideology.”
Anthony Albanese described the Bondi attack as “an ISIS-inspired atrocity” based on intelligence findings on suspects Sajid and Naveed Akram.
Father and son are accused of killing 15 people and wounding dozens at a Hanukkah gathering.
Naveed Akram came to the attention of counter-terrorism watchdogs in 2019 by working with members of an ISIS cell in Sydney.
He also attended an Islamic center famous for its extremist sermons.
However, it was not considered an active threat and fell off the radar.
US strikes in Syria were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike.
President Donald Trump ordered the operation in December after a police officer suspected of being affiliated with ISIS shot and killed two US soldiers and a civilian translator in the central Syrian city of Palmyra.
Approximately 1,000 US soldiers are deployed in Syria as part of anti-terrorism measures
“Today’s strikes targeted ISIS across Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” U.S. Central Command said.
“The United States and coalition forces are determined to pursue terrorists who seek to harm the United States.
“Our message remains strong: If you harm our warriors, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.”
