US military strikes ISIS strongholds, after harrowing attack, officials say

The United States military has launched large-scale strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria on Friday in retaliation for an attack on US personnel.

President Donald Trump had vowed to retaliate after a suspected ISIS attack killed U.S. personnel last weekend in Syria. 

It follows a separate “ISIS-style” attack in Bondi, Sydney on Sunday, as identified by Australian intelligence agencies. 

The Australian Prime Minister welcomed the strikes, speaking in Canberra on Saturday. 

"The actions of the United States government are timely, swift and decisive and we support those actions," Anthony Albanese said.

"ISIS has caused untold suffering around the world, both directly with the actions that they've taken, but also through their evil ideology that they spread.

"Last Sunday was an ISIS inspired attack here in Australia.

"That evil ideology represents something that should have no place in any consideration of humanity and who we are as global citizens, let alone as Australians."

US officials said a US-led coalition had already been carrying out airstrikes and ground operations in Syria targeting Islamic State suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syria's security forces.