The United States launched a fresh wave of large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria, escalating its military response to last month’s deadly attack on American forces.
US Central Command (Centcom) said President Donald Trump ordered the strikes on Saturday as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The campaign responds to a 13 December ambush near Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
A Direct and Forceful Response
US and partner forces struck more than 35 IS locations across Syria. They fired over 90 precision-guided munitions during the operation. More than 20 aircraft took part.
The mission used a wide range of firepower. It included F-15E fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 drones, and Jordanian F-16s.
Pentagon officials have not confirmed the exact strike locations. They have also not released casualty figures. Centcom said the goal was clear: dismantle IS infrastructure and stop future attacks on US and allied forces.
“Our message is simple,” the command said. “Anyone who targets American troops will be found and eliminated.”
Operation Hawkeye Strike Expands
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the campaign as focused retaliation, not the start of a new war. When officials announced the operation in December, Hegseth said the US would act quickly and without hesitation.
Since then, US and coalition forces have killed or captured nearly 25 IS fighters. Those actions took place during a series of missions between 20 and 29 December.
Earlier operations hit even harder. US and Jordanian forces carried out a major joint strike on 19 December. They targeted more than 70 IS positions across central Syria. Fighter jets, helicopters, artillery, and over 100 precision munitions were used.
Syria Remains Unstable
The strikes come as Syria struggles through a fragile transition. The fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 ended a 13-year civil war but left deep uncertainty behind.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now leads the country after his rebel coalition seized power. Despite its weakened state, Islamic State has not disappeared.
Throughout 2025, the group continued to operate in northeastern Syria. It has focused most of its attacks on Kurdish-led forces in the region.
A Persistent Threat
US officials say the latest strikes show Washington’s determination to prevent IS from regrouping. Ongoing instability gives extremist groups room to operate.
Operation Hawkeye Strike sends a clear signal. The United States will maintain pressure on Islamic State and respond aggressively to any threat against its forces or partners.
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