Operation Hawkeye Strike: US goes after ISIS in Syria after deadly loss| What we know so far
Washington DC: The strikes follow last month’s deadly attack in Palmyra, which killed Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of the Iowa National Guard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a civilian interpreter. The operation, dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike by the Trump administration, aims to target ISIS infrastructure and personnel responsible for the ambush.
Conducted around 12:30 p.m. ET (1730 GMT) on Saturday, the strikes targeted multiple ISIS positions across Syria. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the operation involved partner forces, including participation from the Jordanian military. Officials did not disclose all coalition participants but emphasised close coordination with local forces.
Strong message from Washington
“Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice,” said the U.S. Central Command in a statement.
Since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, the U.S. has increasingly coordinated military operations with the central government in Damascus. Syria recently joined the global coalition against ISIS, marking a significant shift in the regional strategy. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces remain a key U.S. partner in counter-ISIS operations.
Recent arrests and ongoing efforts
Syrian security officials reported the arrest of a senior ISIS military leader in the Levant a day before the strikes, signalling continued intelligence-led efforts to dismantle the group. The December 19 strike, part of the same Operation Hawkeye Strike, had already targeted 70 ISIS positions across central Syria.
Operation Hawkeye Strike demonstrates the U.S. commitment to combating ISIS, deterring attacks on American personnel, and reinforcing alliances in the region. While specific outcomes of Saturday’s strikes are yet to be reported, they form part of ongoing efforts to neutralise ISIS networks across Syria.
(With AP news)