The United States has executed a significant military operation in Syria, launching large-scale airstrikes against multiple ISIS targets. This action is part of the ongoing retaliatory campaign named Operation Hawkeye Strike, initiated in direct response to a deadly ambush on American and Syrian partner forces.
Deadly Ambush Triggers Retaliatory Strikes
The catalyst for this operation was a tragic incident on December 13, 2025. An ISIS terrorist carried out an ambush in Palmyra, Syria, resulting in the deaths of two American soldiers and one US civilian interpreter. The soldiers were identified as 25-year-old Torres-Tovar from Des Moines, Iowa, and 29-year-old Howard from Marshalltown, both members of the Iowa National Guard. Three other Guard members were injured in the attack.
This marked the first fatal attack on US personnel in Syria since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. In response, President Trump directed the launch of Operation Hawkeye Strike on December 19, 2025.
Operation Hawkeye Strike: A Sustained Campaign
The recent strikes, conducted on Saturday, were announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). At approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, CENTCOM forces alongside partner forces hit numerous ISIS targets across Syria. The US Department of State released footage showing fighter jets taking off and subsequent strikes on various locations.
This was not the first action under this operation. Operation Hawkeye Strike began on December 19 with a massive operation hitting roughly 70 ISIS targets across central Syria. The United States and Jordan also carried out a previous round of strikes under the same banner last month.
In an official statement, CENTCOM said, "The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region." The command issued a stern warning: "If you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice."
Ongoing Mission and Regional Developments
Hundreds of US troops remain deployed in Syria as part of the longstanding mission to combat ISIS, which began when the terrorist group seized large territories in Syria and Iraq in the mid-2010s. The mission continues to evolve with current operations.
In a related development, Syrian officials announced a day before Saturday's strikes that their security forces had arrested the military leader of ISIS's operations in the Levant region. This indicates a complex landscape of parallel efforts against the terrorist organization.
The US maintains that its forces, along with coalition partners, are resolute in pursuing terrorists who threaten American interests. Operation Hawkeye Strike represents the latest chapter in this protracted conflict, underscoring the volatile security situation in Syria and the US's continued military involvement in the region.
