US launches retaliatory strikes in Syria on dozens of ISIS targets
The U.S. military carried out retaliatory strikes in Syria on Friday against numerous ISIS targets, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a social media statement. Over 70 ISIS targets were hit in the attacks, utilizing 100 munitions from fighter jets, attack helicopters, and rocket artillery fire, according to U.S. Central Command.
The operation, named “Operation Hawkeye Strike,” was conducted in response to an attack on U.S. forces in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13. Hegseth emphasized that the strikes were aimed at eliminating ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapon sites.
In addition to U.S. forces, Jordanian fighter aircraft also took part in the strikes. Hegseth stated that the operation was not the start of a war but a declaration of vengeance. President Trump expressed his support for the strikes, highlighting the relentless commitment of the U.S. to defend its people.
The attacks came after three Americans, including two Iowa National Guardsmen and a U.S. civilian interpreter, were killed by an ISIS gunman in Palmyra. Trump described the strikes as inflicting serious retaliation on the terrorists responsible for the attack, with the support of Syria’s new government.
Explosions were reported in various parts of Syria following the strikes. The U.S. official confirmed that F-15 and A-10 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, and HIMARS rocket artillery were used in the operation, targeting ISIS weapon areas and infrastructure in central Syria.
Despite the defeat of ISIS in 2019, there are still between 1,500 to 3,000 ISIS militants operating in Syria and Iraq. U.S. troops, predominantly stationed in eastern Syria, aim to prevent the resurgence of ISIS. The Iowa National Guardsmen killed in the attack were based at At Tanq Garrison on the border with Jordan.
Before the strikes, U.S. partners conducted 10 operations in Iraq and Syria with U.S. military support, resulting in the capture or elimination of 23 ISIS militants. The raids also provided intelligence for future targeting operations.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited the troops at At Tanq Garrison prior to the strikes. He commended their actions and discussed the upcoming operations. The deaths of Sgt. William Howard, Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, and their civilian interpreter were the first U.S. military combat casualties in Syria since 2019.
In response to the ambush, U.S. and partner forces have intensified anti-ISIS operations, conducting 80 operations since July. They have detained 119 ISIS militants, killed 14, and destroyed 15 ISIS weapons caches in southern Syria in November alone. The efforts demonstrate the ongoing commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring stability in the region.
