Large-Scale Strikes Carried Out by US Forces Against ISIS Targets in Syria
Recently, the US Central Command confirmed that American forces, in collaboration with partner forces, have executed significant strikes against multiple ISIS targets in Syria. This operation was initiated in response to a fatal attack on US personnel that occurred in December.
On a Saturday at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the strikes were conducted as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was officially launched on December 19, 2025, according to CENTCOM.
The decision to carry out these strikes was made by President Donald Trump following an attack on US and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13. This ambush, attributed to an ISIS terrorist, resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a US civilian interpreter.
CENTCOM stated, “These strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike,” emphasizing that they were a direct response to the Palmyra attack.
The primary objective of the strikes conducted on Saturday was to target ISIS positions across Syria and prevent further assaults on American and partner forces operating in the region.
A statement from CENTCOM read, “The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region.”
US and coalition forces remain resolute in their determination to pursue ISIS militants who continue to pose a threat. The statement from CENTCOM affirmed, “US and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States.”
While specific details regarding the number of targets struck, locations hit, and weapons used were not immediately provided by CENTCOM, the military did not release an assessment of damage or casualties resulting from the strikes.
The operation was portrayed by US officials as part of a broader effort to deter attacks on American forces deployed overseas and send a clear message that assaults on US personnel would face retaliatory action.
CENTCOM’s statement emphasized, “Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment in a brief social media post following the announcement of the strikes, stating, “We will never forget, and never relent.”
Operation Hawkeye Strike, announced as a sustained campaign rather than a single retaliatory action, aims to disrupt ISIS networks and prevent the group from rebuilding its operational capacity, according to US officials.
