SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA January 11, 2026 – Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed strong support for the latest large-scale airstrikes carried out by the United States and partner forces against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria.
In a statement posted on X today, Senator Wong wrote:
“Australia supports the latest strikes by the US and partners against ISIS in Syria. ISIS is a radical, extremist organisation responsible for appalling violence, including in Australia. We must all keep working together to defeat ISIS and reject its dangerous, hateful ideology.”
The strikes, conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in coordination with partner forces, targeted multiple ISIS sites across Syria. They were launched in direct response to a recent deadly ambush in Palmyra that killed three American personnel — two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter.
The operation follows a series of actions aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities in the region, with CENTCOM describing the strikes as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate threats posed by the terrorist group.
Palmyra, an ancient city in central Syria known for its historic ruins, has been a focal point in the fight against ISIS, which previously occupied and damaged significant archaeological sites there.
The Australian government’s position aligns with its long-standing commitment to the global coalition against ISIS, emphasising the need to counter the group’s extremist ideology and prevent further attacks worldwide.
Wong’s statement has drawn varied reactions online, with some praising the firm stance against terrorism and others raising questions about consistency in foreign policy amid other regional conflicts.
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