War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Friday that the United States has launched airstrikes against ISIS fighters in Syria, which he said was in response to American soldiers who were killed in the country last week. 

The attacks were on ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in Syria. 

"This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance," Hegseth said on X. "The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people. As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you."

The strikes come after two Iowa National Guard members and a civilian translator were killed in an attack in Syria on Saturday as part of ongoing anti-ISIS operations in the country. Three other personnel were also wounded. 

An unidentified U.S. official told CNN that the strikes hit dozens of targets across Syria who were connected to ISIS, and that the U.S. and its partners have conducted 10 operations since Saturday's attack, resulting in the death or detention of approximately 23 people.

Hundreds of American troops are currently deployed in Syria as part of the U.S.'s longstanding mission to combat ISIS. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.