U.S. Airstrikes in Syria Launch Operation Hawkeye Strike After Deadly Attack

The United States carried out major airstrikes in Syria on Friday after two American soldiers were killed last week. The strikes hit Islamic State targets across central Syria. They took place on December 19 under a new mission called Operation Hawkeye Strike.

The U.S. military said the action was a direct reply to the ambush in Palmyra on December 13. Officials said more than 70 sites were hit. They called the move a firm response, not the start of a long war.

U.S. Response Targets ISIS Across Syria

According to information shared by AP and confirmed by U.S. Central Command, American forces used jets, helicopters, and artillery in the strikes. They fired more than 100 munitions across central Syria. Each strike focused on ISIS fighters, weapon stores, and support sites.

Jordanian forces worked with U.S. troops during the mission. Central Command said the joint effort was planned to prevent new attacks on U.S. forces in the region. The attack follows a week of rising tension.

The ambush in Palmyra killed two American service members and one interpreter. It was the first deadly attack on U.S. forces in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024. The United States still keeps roughly 1,000 troops in Syria for counter‑terror work.

U.S. officials said ISIS was responsible for the ambush. They said the group still runs small cells even though its territory collapsed years ago. Reuters reports that ISIS networks remain active in central and eastern Syria.

What Operation Hawkeye Strike Means for the Region

The new strikes add pressure to Syria’s interim government, led by Ahmed al‑Sharaa. The leader has backed U.S. action and said ISIS must be removed from the country. His government is also trying to gain control across Syria after years of conflict.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. response was promised and needed. He said the attack on American troops would not go unanswered. He also said Syria could have a better future once ISIS cells are destroyed.

The strikes mark a sharp warning to militants. U.S. officials said further attacks on American troops will bring more force. The message is meant to deter groups that still work in secret across Syria and Iraq.

For local communities, the impact may grow in the coming weeks. Many in central Syria remain caught between militant cells and government forces. The U.S. strikes might limit ISIS activity for now, but the long battle against hidden cells continues.

Operation Hawkeye Strike shows that the U.S. is still active in the fight against ISIS. The main keyword “U.S. airstrikes” captures the core of this story. The action sends a strong message that attacks on American troops will face direct force.

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Q1: What are U.S. airstrikes in Syria targeting?

They target ISIS fighters and weapon sites. The goal is to stop new attacks on U.S. troops. The strikes hit more than 70 locations.

Q2: Why did the U.S. launch Operation Hawkeye Strike?

The mission followed an ambush in Palmyra. Two U.S. soldiers and one interpreter were killed. The strikes were a direct reply.

Q3: Who took part in the operation?

U.S. forces and Jordanian forces worked together. They used jets, helicopters, and artillery. Central Command supervised the mission.

Q4: Is ISIS still active in Syria?

Yes, ISIS runs small cells across central and eastern Syria. They no longer hold large land areas. They still carry out attacks.

Q5: Will more U.S. strikes happen?

Officials said more strikes could follow if troops face new threats. They warned militants not to target Americans. The response depends on future attacks.

Trusted Sources: AP, Reuters, BBC