U.S. military launches ‘large-scale strikes’ against ISIS militants in Syria

(NBC, KYMA) - The U.S. military has launched what it calls "large-scale strikes" against ISIS militants in Syria.

Video released by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) shows a fighter jet taking off from an undisclosed location and missiles hitting targets.

CENTCOM tells NBC News more than 35 targets were hit, and more than 20 aircraft were involved.

In a statement, CENTCOM says Saturday's strikes are part of an ongoing commitment to "root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region."

U.S. officials say the strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which President Donald Trump ordered in December in response to an ISIS ambush in Syria that killed two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter.

This marks the second time since mid-December that the U.S. has hit ISIS targets in Syria.