US Launches Major Offensive Against ISIS in Syria Following Attack

Sun Dec 21 2025 14:27:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US military has initiated a large-scale operation against the Islamic State in Syria, targeting over 70 locations as a response to a deadly attack that killed American personnel.

In response to a recent attack on US forces, the US military conducted a significant strike against Islamic State targets in Syria, employing over 100 precision munitions. This operation, dubbed 'Operation Hawkeye Strike', comes after the ambush that resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers. US officials have stated a commitment to relentless actions against IS terrorists across the region.

The US says its military has carried out a 'massive strike' against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country.

The US Central Command (Centcom) reported that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery 'struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria.' Aircraft from Jordan were also involved.

Centcom specified that the operation employed over 100 precision munitions targeting known IS infrastructure and weapon sites. Following the December 13 ambush in Palmyra, which resulted in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, President Donald Trump emphasized that 'we are striking very strongly' against IS strongholds.

Centcom announced that 'Operation Hawkeye Strike' was initiated at 16:00 Eastern Time on Friday, with Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper stating the US will continue relentlessly pursuing terrorists threatening Americans and allies.

Reports indicate that at least five IS members were killed in Deir ez Zor province, including the leader of a drone operation cell in the region. The Royal Jordanian Air Force participated in the strikes to safeguard neighboring nations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted that the operation symbolizes 'a declaration of vengeance' and warned that any attacks on Americans would lead to severe repercussions.

Since 2015, US troops have been active in Syria to assist in the campaign against IS. Although IS lost significant territory in 2019, the United Nations estimates the group still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq.

Image caption: US Air Force/Reuters A photo shows a soldier signing a bomb as a tribute to those lost in battle.