The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced air strikes against terrorist assets after US troops at US Military Support Base Euphrates in Syria were attacked.
According to CENTCOM, a truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launcher, armored personnel carrier, and mortars were fired toward U.S. forces previous to the US’ defensive strike.
The US’ strikes follow recent significant developments in Syria’s civil war, as fundamentalist Islamist rebels have made notable territorial gains in recent days.
CENTCOM stated the strikes were executed in self-defense and in furtherance of the US’ mission to eliminate ISIS but were unrelated to the recent developments in Syria’s civil war.
“The U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged as U.S. and Coalition forces continue to focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS,” reads a CENTCOM press release. “The ongoing support of regional partners and operations in Syria are unrelated to recent events in northwest Syria.”
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has announced he has selected Lebanese billionaire Massad Boulos as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father in law, reportedly amassed wealth via his family’s businesses in Lebanon and is also the CEO of a Nigerian transportation company.
Boulos also advised Trump during his campaign and helped Trump gather arab and muslim support.
“Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene,” said Trump. “He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community.”
Trump further added Massad will help broker peace in the Middle east while lobbying for America’s interests in the region.
Trump has been recently emphasizing his desire to end the unrest throughout the Middle East, as he threatens severe consequences for terrorist insurgents and makes strategic cabinet picks to guide his middle eastern policy.
