U.S. Weighs Direct Military Action Against Islamic State in Syria

The Obama administration is debating military intervention in Syria, including possible American airstrikes, in a significant escalation of its current assault on Islamic State insurgents, the New York Times reports.

American officials said they would take a look at airstrikes by fighter jets and bombers as well as potentially sending Special Operations forces into Syria. Also under consideration is conducting series of unmanned drone strikes targeting ISIS leaders.

“If you come after Americans, we’re going to come after you, wherever you are,” Benjamin J. Rhodes, the president’s deputy national security adviser, told reporters. “We’re actively considering what’s going to be necessary to deal with that threat and we’re not going to be restricted by borders.” (The New York Times, 22 August)

File photo: U.S. warplanes (Reuters/Al Arabiya)