The United States on Friday carried out large-scale airstrikes against dozens of Islamic State (IS) targets in central Syria, following a deadly attack that killed American military personnel. US officials said the strikes were aimed at weakening the terror group’s operational strength and sending a clear message after the attack on US forces.
Operation Hawkeye Strike targets ISIS positions
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the military action was carried out under “Operation Hawkeye Strike.” The operation targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons storage sites spread across central Syria.
“This is not the beginning of a war it is a declaration of vengeance,” Hegseth said in a statement and on social media. He added that US forces had hunted down and killed many ISIS members and warned that further action could follow if required.
Officials speaking anonymously said dozens of ISIS locations were hit, making it one of the most intense US responses in the region in recent months.
Fighter jets and helicopters used in strikes
According to a US official quoted by The Associated Press, the operation involved F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground-attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. These aircraft were used to strike ISIS positions with precision.
The Pentagon declined to share detailed operational information, stating that all necessary details were already covered in the defence secretary’s remarks.
Retaliation for deadly attack near Palmyra
The airstrikes came days after a deadly attack in the Syrian desert near Palmyra, where a convoy of US and Syrian forces was ambushed. The assault killed two US Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter, while three other US soldiers were injured.
US military officials said the attacker targeted the convoy before being shot dead. The US Army later identified the fallen soldiers as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (25) and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard (29), both members of the Iowa National Guard. The civilian interpreter was identified as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, from Michigan.
Attacker linked to ISIS sympathies
The Syrian Interior Ministry stated that the attacker was a member of Syria’s security forces who was suspected of having sympathies with Islamic State. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Trump administration vows strong response
Following the attack, President Donald Trump had promised “very serious retaliation,” while also highlighting that Syrian forces were fighting alongside US troops against extremist groups.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said the airstrikes were a direct fulfilment of that promise. “President Trump told the world that the United States would retaliate for the killing of our heroes by ISIS in Syria, and he is delivering on that promise,” she said.
Situation remains tense
US officials have warned that additional strikes may be carried out depending on developments on the ground. The latest action underlines Washington’s continued focus on preventing Islamic State from regrouping, even years after the group lost its territorial control in Syria.
