> At a Glance
> – US Central Command announced “large-scale strikes” against ISIS in Syria
> – Over 35 targets hit with 90+ precision munitions from 20+ aircraft
> – Operation Hawkeye Strike ordered by President Trump after Dec. 13 ambush
> – Why it matters: The strikes signal escalating US response to attacks on American forces
American warplanes unleashed a wave of precision strikes across Syria, hitting more than three dozen ISIS targets in a dramatic escalation that began just after noon ET on Saturday.
The Retaliation
The Pentagon dubbed the assault Operation Hawkeye Strike, a name that underscores the military’s vow to track down those responsible for killing two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in a December 13 ambush near Palmyra. Three other US personnel were wounded in that attack, prompting President Trump to approve the sweeping retaliation on December 19.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X:
> “We will never forget, and never relent.”
Strike Details
Captain Tim Hawkins of US Central Command outlined the scope of Saturday’s operation:
- 35+ targets struck across Syria
- 90+ precision munitions fired
- 20+ aircraft involved in the assault
- Infrastructure and weapons were primary targets
The military statement left no doubt about the mission’s purpose:
> “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.”
Strategic Context
The strikes represent more than just retaliation-they form part of what officials describe as an “ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters.” The Pentagon had previously indicated the operation could stretch “several weeks or up to a month,” suggesting this opening salvo may be just the beginning.
Secretary Hegseth framed the action in stark terms in December:
> “This is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance.”
Key Takeaways
- Massive scale: Over 35 targets hit with 90+ munitions
- Direct response: Ordered after ISIS ambush killed 2 Americans
- Extended operation: Strikes expected to last weeks
- Clear message: US vows to hunt ISIS globally
The operation signals a significant escalation in America’s campaign against ISIS, moving beyond isolated strikes to coordinated, large-scale assaults designed to dismantle the terror group’s remaining capabilities in Syria.
