The United States launched a series of airstrikes in Syria on Friday, targeting ISIS positions in retaliation for an attack that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter last week. The operation, dubbed ‘Operation Hawkeye,’ involved strikes on dozens of sites across central Syria and was described by officials as a significant blow to the terrorist group’s capabilities.
The strikes were conducted early Friday, with U.S. military assets including F-15 fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolts, and Apache attack helicopters hitting more than 70 targets linked to ISIS. According to U.S. Central Command, the operation used over 100 precision munitions to strike infrastructure and weapons storage sites, aiming to degrade the group’s operational capacity in the region.
President Donald Trump announced the retaliation on Truth Social, vowing ‘very serious retaliation’ for the deaths of the service members. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, calling the strikes a ‘declaration of vengeance’ and emphasizing that the U.S. would not hesitate to defend its people. Both officials attended the dignified transfer of the fallen at Dover Air Force Base earlier in the week.
The initial attack occurred on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria, where a lone gunman ambushed a U.S. patrol, killing two soldiers from the Iowa National Guard and an interpreter. Three additional soldiers were wounded in the incident. The Pentagon has linked the attacker to ISIS, although the group has not claimed responsibility, and some reports suggest possible ties to Syrian security forces.
The soldiers killed were identified as Sgt. William Howard, 29, and Sgt. Edgar Torres Tovar, 25, both from Iowa. The interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, was also killed. All three were honored in a ceremony attended by top U.S. officials, highlighting the personal toll of the conflict. The Iowa National Guard has deployed approximately 1,800 troops to the region as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The U.S. has maintained a presence in Syria since the mid-2010s to combat ISIS, which once controlled large territories in Syria and Iraq. While the group’s territorial holdings have been largely eliminated, remnants continue to pose a threat, necessitating ongoing military operations. ‘Operation Hawkeye’ is part of this broader effort to prevent ISIS from regrouping and attacking U.S. forces.
International partners, including Jordan, participated in the strikes, with F-16 fighter jets from Jordan joining the operation. This collaboration underscores the multinational nature of the counter-ISIS campaign. U.S. officials stated that the strikes were coordinated with Syrian authorities, who are reportedly supportive of the effort to eradicate ISIS from the country.
In the wake of the initial attack, U.S. and partner forces conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the death or detention of around 23 individuals. Intelligence gathered from these operations contributed to the targeting for Friday’s strikes. The military emphasized that the retaliation was precise and aimed at minimizing civilian casualties while maximizing impact on ISIS.
Looking ahead, U.S. officials have indicated that operations against ISIS will continue as needed to protect American interests and allies in the region. The strikes serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups and the U.S. commitment to responding forcefully to attacks on its personnel. The situation in Syria remains volatile, with implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.
