The US launches massive strike on Islamic State in Syria after an attack killed American troops. Details on Operation Hawkeye, casualties, and context.
news, US military, Syria, Islamic State, Operation Hawkeye, airstrikes, Middle East, Donald Trump, global security, Pentagon
US Army honors fallen soldiers before strike against IS
The United States military has executed a massive strike targeting the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria following a deadly ambush on American forces in Palmyra. According to US Central Command (Centcom), the operation responded to an IS attack on December 13th that left two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter dead. The fallen—Sgt Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Sgt William Nathaniel Howard—were honored before the operation commenced.
President Donald Trump stated, “We hit every site flawlessly,” adding, “We are striking very strongly against IS strongholds.” The attack also injured three other US service members.
Centcom revealed that Operation Hawkeye Strike involved fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery units, striking over 70 IS targets at several locations in central Syria. The offensive, coordinated with Jordanian forces, used more than 100 precision munitions to destroy IS infrastructure and weapons depots. Aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force also participated.
According to Admiral Brad Cooper, Centcom commander, the US “will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region.”
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) director Rami Abdel Rahman reported that at least five IS members, including a drone operations cell leader, were killed in the Deir ez Zor province. The strike was carried out in coordination with both Syrian and Jordanian authorities, with the Syrian government expressing full support.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared, “This is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance. If you target Americans anywhere in the world, the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.”
Despite the 2019 announcement by a US-backed Syrian alliance that IS had lost its last territorial enclave in Syria, the group continues to pose a threat, carrying out insurgent attacks.
The United Nations estimates IS maintains a force of 5,000–7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq. US forces have had a presence in Syria since 2015, assisting local allies in counterterrorism operations.
Syria has recently joined the international coalition against IS and pledged deeper cooperation with the US. This shift was marked by President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House, hailed as a “new era” of bilateral relations.
Kicking off the operation: US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker lifts off during nighttime preparations
The circumstances around the attack in Palmyra remain disputed. Centcom asserts that an IS gunman was responsible, yet SOHR claims the attacker was part of Syrian security forces. No group has officially claimed responsibility, and the gunman’s identity has not been disclosed.
The situation underscores the complex landscape in Syria, where power shifts, rival armed groups, and international involvement create ongoing security challenges.
The massive strike on IS targets in Syria demonstrates the US commitment to protecting its forces and partners, as well as maintaining stability in the region. As IS adapts and continues its insurgent tactics, international cooperation—particularly with the new Syrian government and regional allies—is crucial to preventing further extremist threats.
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