US Launches Operation Hawkeye After Palmyra Ambush
The United States has launched large-scale strikes on ISIS targets across Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike. This action followed the killing of three Americans in a deadly ISIS ambush in Palmyra in December 2025. As a result, Washington moved quickly to retaliate. Two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter died in the attack. Therefore, the strikes signal a clear warning to extremist groups. Moreover, US officials said the mission aims to weaken ISIS’s remaining operational capacity.
CENTCOM Confirms Multiple Strikes Across Syria
Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces carried out multiple strikes against ISIS positions throughout Syria. However, officials did not reveal specific locations. Earlier, President Donald Trump announced Operation Hawkeye on December 19, 2025. He ordered the mission after the December 13 ambush on US and Syrian forces. In that attack, ISIS killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter. Consequently, CENTCOM warned that the US would pursue anyone who harms American warfighters.
Defence Secretary Calls Strikes a ‘Declaration of Vengeance’
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strikes as a “declaration of vengeance,” not a declaration of war. Accordingly, he stressed that the US would never hesitate to defend its people. Previously, the US had launched airstrikes on December 20, 2025. Additionally, the UK and France carried out joint strikes in Syria. They targeted an underground ISIS weapons storage facility. Together, these actions show growing international coordination against ISIS.
Syria Responds as Anti-ISIS Campaign Intensifies
Meanwhile, Syria responded by calling for stronger international cooperation against terrorism. At the same time, Syrian officials acknowledged that ISIS remains a serious threat. Although the group has lost territory, it still carries out deadly attacks. Therefore, US officials warned that vigilance remains critical. Ultimately, as Operation Hawkeye Strike continues, Washington has signaled that further action remains possible if ISIS targets US or allied forces.
