The United States military launched a large-scale aerial assault on Islamic State targets across Syria on Saturday, deploying more than 20 aircraft and firing over 90 precision munitions at more than 35 terrorist infrastructure sites. The operation, codenamed Hawkeye Strike, represents one of the most significant American military actions against ISIS in recent years and comes in direct response to a deadly ambush that killed American personnel last month.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the strikes, emphasizing that the United States would pursue ISIS fighters relentlessly following the December 13 attack near Palmyra that claimed the lives of two US soldiers and one civilian interpreter. Three additional American personnel were wounded in that ambush, which prompted President Trump to order the retaliatory operation on December 19. Hegseth characterized the campaign not as conventional warfare but as a declaration of vengeance against those who harm American forces.
The US Central Command issued a stern warning alongside the announcement of the strikes, stating that anyone who harms American warfighters will be found and eliminated anywhere in the world. CENTCOM officials explained that the targets included ISIS infrastructure essential to the terrorist organization's operations, with the goal of rooting out Islamic terrorism, preventing future attacks, and protecting both American and partner forces operating in the region.
The scale of Operation Hawkeye Strike underscores the Biden administration's commitment to maintaining pressure on ISIS despite the group's territorial losses in recent years. Military analysts noted that the coordinated use of more than 20 aircraft launching over 90 precision-guided munitions indicates a sophisticated operation designed to inflict maximum damage on ISIS capabilities while minimizing collateral damage to civilian populations.
This latest offensive follows preliminary strikes conducted in December immediately after the Palmyra ambush, suggesting an escalating campaign against the terrorist organization. NBC News reported that military operations are expected to continue for several weeks, potentially extending to a month, as American forces systematically target ISIS positions and infrastructure throughout Syrian territory.
The December ambush that triggered this response occurred in a region where ISIS has maintained a persistent presence despite years of military pressure from multiple nations. The attack highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist group and its continued ability to conduct deadly operations against American forces. The loss of two soldiers and a civilian interpreter marked the deadliest single incident involving US personnel in Syria in recent memory.
The operation reflects a broader American strategy of rapid and overwhelming response to attacks on its personnel, sending a clear message to terrorist organizations worldwide. Military officials indicated that additional strikes may be conducted as intelligence identifies new targets, with the ultimate objective of degrading ISIS capabilities to the point where the organization can no longer threaten American interests or conduct attacks against US forces in the region.
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