US Launches Major Strike Against IS in Syria

Washington, D.C.: The United States military conducted a massive strike on IS in Syria, targeting over 70 locations across central Syria. The strike was a direct retaliation for an IS ambush on December 13 in Palmyra, which killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

Precision Strikes in Retaliation for IS Attack

The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery carried out the operation. Aircraft from Jordan also participated, using more than 100 precision munitions to target IS infrastructure and weapons sites.

President Donald Trump called the operation a “strong retaliation” against the terrorists responsible for the attack. Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that the US strike on IS in Syria marked the beginning of a relentless pursuit of all individuals threatening Americans or their allies.

A Declaration of Vengeance: US Retaliates Strongly

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear: “This US strike on IS in Syria is not the beginning of a war—it’s a declaration of vengeance.” He warned that any group targeting Americans would face decisive action.

Targeting IS Strongholds in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that IS positions near Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor were among the targets of the strike. The operation successfully killed a prominent IS leader and several other fighters. IS has yet to comment on the attacks.

Centcom confirmed that the Palmyra attack was carried out by an IS gunman, who was later neutralized. Three other US soldiers were injured in the ambush. The SOHR suggested that the attacker may have ties to Syrian security forces, but no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

IS Remains a Significant Threat in Syria

Despite losing its last territorial hold in Syria in 2019, IS continues to launch attacks. The UN estimates that 5,000–7,000 IS fighters remain in Syria and Iraq, still posing a significant threat to the region.

The US military has maintained a presence in Syria since 2015, supporting local forces in the battle against IS. Syria has recently pledged cooperation with the US in combating IS, signaling a shift in bilateral relations. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist leader, met with President Trump in November, calling their discussions a “new era” for US-Syria relations.

Operation Hawkeye Strike: A Message of Commitment

The US strike on IS in Syria, dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, underscores the US commitment to swiftly targeting terrorist networks and ensuring regional security. In the wake of the operation, there have been calls to assess the civilian impact and the long-term strategic outcomes of this mission.