US Intensifies Military Campaign Against ISIS in Syria with Operation Hawkeye Strike
The United States has significantly ramped up its military operations against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria, as confirmed by US Central Command (Centcom). New footage and operational details have been released, highlighting a sustained counterterrorism effort under the banner of Operation Hawkeye Strike.
Response to Deadly Ambush in Palmyra
In a statement issued on Saturday, Centcom revealed that the operation was launched in direct response to a December ambush in Palmyra. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two US service members and an American interpreter. The campaign, initiated under the Trump administration, is framed by US officials as a decisive move to hold ISIS operatives accountable for the attack and prevent the group from regrouping in the region.
Centcom accompanied the update with a stern warning, emphasizing that attacks on US personnel will be met with overwhelming force. "Our message remains strong: 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," the statement declared.
Details of the Latest Strikes
According to Centcom, the most recent phase of Operation Hawkeye Strike spanned from February 3 to February 12. During this period, the US military conducted 10 precision strikes targeting more than 30 ISIS-linked sites. These strikes were meticulously aimed at:
- Weapons storage facilities
- Communications infrastructure
- Logistical hubs believed to support ISIS operations
The aircraft deployed in this campaign included a formidable array of military assets:
- F-15E Strike Eagles
- A-10 Warthogs
- AC-130J Ghostriders
- MQ-9 Reaper drones
Additionally, Jordanian F-16s provided crucial support, underscoring the collaborative nature of the effort.
Impact and Broader Context
US officials reported that since Operation Hawkeye Strike commenced on December 19, 2025, at least 50 ISIS fighters have been killed or captured. The operation was triggered by the December 13 attack in Palmyra, where a gunman—described as a recent recruit to Syrian security forces with extremist ties—carried out the assault before being neutralized at the scene.
In the weeks following the attack, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth characterized the US response as a targeted operation rather than the onset of a broader conflict, labeling it a "declaration of vengeance."
Centcom also noted that the campaign is part of wider efforts to stabilize the region amid shifting political dynamics in Syria. As part of these measures, more than 5,700 detained ISIS suspects were recently transferred from facilities in Syria to Iraq. Officials stated this move is intended to reduce the risk of mass jailbreaks and prevent the group from rebuilding its ranks, thereby enhancing regional security.
