In a large-scale military operation, the US conducted precision strikes on more than 70 Islamic State (IS) targets in central Syria, deploying over 100 munitions. The action, dubbed “Operation Hawkeye Strike”, came nearly a week after a deadly attack in the Syrian desert killed two Iowa National Guard members and a US civilian interpreter on December 13.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery were used to target IS infrastructure. CENTCOM posted a video on X stating, “Tonight, US and Jordanian forces struck 70+ ISIS targets in Syria with 100+ precision munitions. Peace through strength.”
Trump’s Statement and Retaliation
Former President Donald Trump described the strikes as a “declaration of vengeance” and warned that any group threatening Americans would face severe consequences. He emphasized targeting IS strongholds, with support from the Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Trump said, “Because of ISIS’s vicious killing of brave American Patriots… the United States is inflicting very serious retaliation.”
US Defense Officials Stress No Escalation
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke of the strikes as a punishment and not the start of a larger fight, and he pledged that the U.S. “will always be ready and will never tire of safeguarding our people.” The operation included Air Force F-15 Eagles, Thunderbolt A-10s, Apache helicopters, F-16s stationed in Jordan, and HIMARS rocket artillery.
Syrian Response
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Syria reiterated its pledge to get rid of the IS presence and promised to increase the military operations in the areas that the IS poses a danger. The official Syrian television channel reported that the targeted locations were sites of weapons storage and ISIS’s main offices in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and the Jabal al-Amour region adjacent to Palmyra.
Background
The strikes follow Trump’s meeting with the families of the slain Americans and come amid a US military focus shift toward the Western Hemisphere, including efforts to curb drug-smuggling networks and sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela. Islamic State has yet to claim responsibility for the December 13 attack on US personnel.
