The United States said it carried out large-scale military strikes against Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) targets in central Syria, following an ambush last weekend that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. President Donald Trump described the attacks as “very serious retaliation” for the “vicious killing of brave American Patriots in Syria,” posting on Truth Social that the US was striking ISIS strongholds and that the Syrian government “is fully in support” of the operation.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth called the action, named Operation Hawkeye Strike, “a declaration of vengeance,” adding, “Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.” US officials said the strikes targeted 70 locations linked to ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites, and warned that additional strikes are expected. Details on casualties were not immediately released.
CENTCOM, the US military’s Central Command, said fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery were used, along with support from the Jordanian Armed Forces. Officials described the operation as precision strikes aimed at dismantling ISIS capabilities while helping Syria’s new interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, consolidate security in the region.
The attack came days after an assailant targeted a US and Syrian convoy in Palmyra, killing two US National Guard members and a civilian interpreter, and wounding three other US soldiers. The attacker was reportedly a member of Syrian security forces suspected of sympathizing with ISIS and was shot dead by US forces.
Trump said that the US action was not the start of a new war but a targeted response against terrorist elements, stating, “We are striking very strongly against ISIS strongholds in Syria, a place soaked in blood which has many problems, but one that has a bright future if ISIS can be eradicated.”
Syria’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to fighting ISIS and ensuring that the group has no safe havens on its territory, while cooperation with the US-led coalition continues following an agreement reached during President al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House last month.
Currently, about 1,000 US troops are deployed in Syria, primarily in Kurdish-controlled northeast areas and at the Al-Tanf base near the Jordanian border, as part of ongoing efforts against ISIS under Operation Inherent Resolve. The US has previously reduced its forces in Syria but remains engaged to prevent further ISIS resurgence.
