U.S. Central Command announced that American forces launched “large‑scale strikes” against ISIS targets in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. The mission was ordered by President Donald Trump after an ISIS ambush near Palmyra on December 13 killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, while wounding three others. The Pentagon framed the operation as a direct response to that attack.
The strikes, carried out around 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, involved more than 20 aircraft and over 90 precision munitions, hitting more than 35 ISIS‑linked sites tied to weapons and infrastructure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the operation’s purpose on social media, saying the U.S. would “never forget, and never relent.” CENTCOM echoed that message, stressing that the mission aimed to prevent future attacks and protect American and partner forces.
Officials have indicated the campaign could continue for several weeks, with Trump describing the effort as “very serious retaliation.” Hegseth previously said the operation was not the start of a new war but a “declaration of vengeance.” The strikes reflect a broader U.S. commitment to pursuing ISIS operatives responsible for harming American personnel, wherever they may be.