Coalition forces, under the leadership of the United States, conducted a series of deadly airstrikes against ISIS from late Saturday to early Sunday. The airstrikes were focused on the city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of the so-called Islamic caliphate.
At least 16 waves of targeted airstrikes were reported during the period of the attack, shaking the city with massive explosions and causing many of the city's residents to panic. While airstrikes targeting ISIS strongholds are commonplace, the duration and intensity of the overnight bombing are relatively rare, according to Fox News.
Lt. Col. Thomas Gilleran states that the attack was done specifically to cripple the movement of ISIS throughout the region.
"The significant airstrikes tonight were executed to deny (ISIS) the ability to move military capabilities throughout Syria and into Iraq," he said, further stating that the operation was one of the "largest deliberate engagements" that have been executed in Syria to date.
The exact number of casualties have been unclear so far. A militant website states that 10 people have been killed and dozens have been injured, while an ISIS-affiliated Facebook page states that one civilian was among those that were killed. On the other hand, a Raqqa-based anti-ISIS activist network states that eight civilians have been killed by the airstrikes, including a 10-year-old child, reports The Independent.
Casualty reports however, cannot be independently confirmed as of date.
The coalition has stated that the overnight attacks have been successful in destroying vital ISIS-controlled structures and transit routes in Syria.
